Refusing Mounjaro because of health worries/ potential side effects

[localnotail]

Just that! I have a chance to do a 6 month course of mounjaro - a US friend offered me her remaining stash for free (long story, I'm currently in the US for a long holiday, we have been chatting and she offered it for me out of the blue). I was stunned and said I will have a think, but then refused - I read up on the potential side effects and feel it really is crazy to inject something that potentially could cause so much damage (pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, gallstones etc). On the other hand, I'm close to 80kg, should be around 65 for my height, and have not been able to shift the weight for ages. I'm over 50 and look crap, to be honest. But - I have digestive tract problems (fatty liver, gastritis, had stomach ulcer and might have IBS), and I had an inflamed gall bladder couple of years back; I also have a mild health anxiety which means I get easily worried about side effects and any weird symptoms.

My friend looks amazing after loosing weight, I'd love to be slim, too - but I'm terrified of damaging my health for vanity. So - AMBU for refusing?

Just reading the side effects and contraindications should put you off. You aren't safe to use it.

Of course YANBU, you don’t want to be injecting yourself with someone else’s medication. Who is making you feel unreasonable?

In the US, literally everyone is using it. Like, in our circle of friends there, everyone is slim and amazing looking - and everyone is quite open they are injecting this medication - it seems like no one is concerned with side effects or having to speak to a doctor.

I'm fascinated by the threads on here about it but wouldn't go near it myself. Too many horrible side effects and like @Ponoka7 just said, the contraindications would scare me half to death!

Remember to weigh it up against the health consequences of being 15kg overweight for your height; before you come to a decision.

You could always eat less and exercise more and then you wouldn't have to take any risks from the meds (whilst also improving your health).

Gosh I wonder why OP never thought of that

The side effects of obesity aren't a walk in the park either.

There's no point in doing a six month course, you will almost certainly regain all the weight again once you stop taking it. And with your other health conditions, you definitely shouldn't use it without medical advice.

Obesity is linked to 13 cancers, have you factored that in?

ignoring the fact a medical doctor has not prescribed this to you, with your history of fatty liver I would absolutely not take it.

Do you know the cause of your fatty liver? Have you had blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked recently?

Well I’ve had gallstones and pancreatitis and half my pancreas removed as a result and trust me it’s bloody horrendous. Just follow a calorie controlled diet, and move more. Why do people want things faster and with less effort? Fine, but at what risk?

But does it really help to lose loads of weight only to regain it when you stop taking the drug?

i don't know, it's bloody obvious.

You know what, just possibly they DID already think of that because as you say it’s bloody obvious. But maybe that sort of thing is easier said than done?

@Twiglets1 you're no more likely to regain than on any other diet

You are very likely to regain the weight as studies have shown. Not saying it’s different to most other diets in that regard but it’s good to be realistic about what will happen when you stop taking the drugs and normal appetite returns.

You are not unreasonable to say no to someone else’s medication at all. It’s the type of drug that warrants a careful risk analysis with a doctor well versed in its risks and benefits. But in saying that, despite the long list of side effects, it does seem to be a very useful drug in the right populations. It’s just judging If the risks are worth it in individual situations when recommended by a medical professional 🤷🏼‍♀️

yanbu
if you want to try one of the new weightloss medicines go to a dr for a consultation.

these medicines are very potent and not without side effects. ideally they should be part of a weightloss programme with a team of expertise that includes dietician, exercise, mental health...

Thanks for all your replies. I will speak to my doctor when I'm back home, but obviously will not have the option of free medication )) I've heard its quite expensive. All my medical conditions are under control and I'm not classed as obese, just overweight. I was 65kg all my life and gained weight recently during peri, without changing much of my habits.

I think its very interesting that some people suggest being overweight is just as risky as trying new drug; I was told I need to lose weight for my liver, but at the same time, I cant lose it quick as might bring on gall stones. I also have a friend who had acute pancreatitis, and I would not wish it on anyone.

But, anyway - seems like 6 month is not going to do it, so not worth the risk ))

Peak Mumsnet answer ))) you made me laugh

Same side effects as ozempic

With all your health issues Op, you wouldn’t be a candidate for the weights loss injections

Unless you plan on taking it forever then doing 6 months is pointless.
When you stop then drugs your body finds it harder to lose weight without it.
Obviously taking someone else's meds is dangerous also.

The risks of being overweight for me outweigh the risks of weight loss medication.

I'd do some research about it rather than listen to people on Mumsnet who have no knowledge.