Scared to start /long term side effects

[LouScot]

Hi all,
Firstly, can I say I know being overweight/obese (bmi probably 37ish) isn't good for me long term and bring with it an increased risk of cancer, heart disease and goodness knows what.

I'm keen to start mounjaro but I'm paranoid about long term as yet unknown side effects , including theoretical increased risk of some rarer types of thyroid cancer and potentially pancreatic cancer. Can anyone help me rationalise this?

As I say, I know my risks of breast and bowel cancer are higher due to my current weight, but bizarrely that doesn't freak me out as much as it should.

Thanks

It's also being used in tests for cancer prevention, alzheimers and reduces risk of illness including diabetes. Maybe looking at there health benefits will help you balance it against risks.

As I understand it the cancer of the thyroid has never been shown in humans, and the other severe side effects are very rare. You're more likely looking at things like a bit of nausea or tiredness.

GLP1 agonists have been used for over 20 years, and have been in clinical trial for much longer. The media has only got interested due to the Hollywood effect, as it were.

The increased risk of thyroid cancer is in mice. No studies have replicated this in humans.

12% of pancreatic cancers have been found to be caused by obesity. So your risk of that is much higher from obesity than a possible unknown risk from a GLP1 agonist.

Hi....if it's any consolation I took the plunge and had my first shot of Mounjaro yesterday -my BMI is 38. I was also anxious but thought a year on Mounjaro outweighed another 20 years of obesity risks. Im only a day in ....so far so good and no sign of a side effect.
Good luck!

Thanks all. I think it's just the fact that I'm not getting it through the nhs that's making me anxious- almost as if in the unlikely event I do have adverse reactions then it'll be "my fault" - but I know it isn't rational! I need to lose weight to be healthier, ideally I re-educate my hunger levels so that I don't have to be on it long term - like most of us I already know what I "should" eat, it's just not that simple in real life. I honestly think this will level the playing field between those of us who've never struggled with their weight, and those who simply never feel full or eat for a myriad of reasons other than hunger (like me!).

I think I'll take the plunge over the festive period, as I need to get away from the mentality of "I'll be bad for a few days then start".

Just to say thanks for the advice, I gave myself a shake and ordered on Christmas Eve, it's meant to arrive on Monday!

Good luck! It has been fine so far for me….had week 2 jab yesterday xx

Brilliant news OP, it’s a game changer

Good luck OP - I started with a BMI of 38 at the beginning of June and now have a BMI of 27, having lost 5 stone. My BP is down to normal levels and I have pretty much stopped snoring according to DH.

Good luck.

How are you getting on? X

Sorry to drop in on your post op but similar BMI and concerns so it resonated with me. Can't carry on as I am though as it is really affecting my health, confidence and life choices so also think I am going for it as tried everything else over last 20 yrs. But I don't know where to start!!! I tried to make a gp apt to discuss and am still waiting for an apt 3 months on as our local surgery is shambolic.

So can I ask you and other posters what actual steps you took and where you ordered it & how much it is. Do I need a gp referral or something to verify bmi? I've no clue how it works. Thinking to try it for 6 months as financially it will be a challenge. I am a bit needle phobic too so that's a worry! Also how do you even dispose of them??? Any pointers very gratefully received!

@peaceandfun you don't need a GP referral. It's a private prescription so you don't need to interact with the NHS bar notifying your GP that you've been prescribed it.

Have a look at the reputable and regulated providers on this price comparison site:

monj.co.uk

The medication is the same from wherever you get it from. What differs sometimes is the level of additional services some pharmacies offer. Some offer additional coaching and support, some are subscription models where they automatically charge you each month and send out the next injection pen unless you actively change or stop the order.

If price is a concern, there is a pharmacy called Shemed who are doing a research trial and will charge £99 a month. You have to do additional self administered blood tests and regular video calls as part of their process. But it could be good for you if price is a concern. Otherwise, you can change providers regularly in order to take advantage of new customer discounts. Or choose a pharmacy where the undiscounted prices are ok for you.

To apply for the prescription, you just fill out the online consultation form accurately. You usually need to submit photos that show your figure and sometimes a photo of you standing on scales. Depends on the pharmacy as to exactly what. Then they will review and either ask more questions, approve or reject your request. Once approved, they will send out the injection pen. Each pen has 4 injections (you can get a 5th dose out if you're prepared to break the rules a little), it's one injection a week. You should get a small sharps bin with your first order, some cheaper places don't send them automatically so worth checking. They only cost a few pounds on Amazon though. When you need to dispose of the sharps bin, check your local council website for how to organise that. It differs depending on area. In my area, the council will do a free collection.

The needle is teeny tiny and doesn't look like a typical syringe. It's an attachment you click onto the end of the pen and then dispose of afterwards. It usually doesn't hurt at all, in fact I don't even feel it and it doesn't trigger my needle phobia at all.

In this Weight Loss Treatments/Injections section there are usually threads for people starting each month. It's useful to chat to people at the same stage as you are. There's a January one already. There's also a long running thread called "Continuing Mounjaro..." currently on Part 23 which is useful for asking general questions particularly for people who are further along the process.

@SilenceInside wow! Thank you so much for your incredibly helpful reply! Really appreciate it. 🙏

So, I'm heading towards first full week on MJ and feeling pretty good actually!

@FrocksAndFrills I'm really glad I took the plunge, how're you?

This will sound dumb to some people, but I can actually plan my meals now! I live alone so I'm going to make things easy for myself first few weeks, having some high protein ready meals (aldi apparently do nice ones). I read all about "food noise" being switched off, and it's real!!!

I need to lose almost 4 stone to be "overweight " so I know its not a quick fix, but to be honest at that weight (last seen 10+ years ago) I'm actually slim - I've got a hugge bum and boobs even when I'm much lighter, and they must weigh a bit 😅

@LouScot Sounds like you have had a great start! I have similar to lose before I am ‘only’ over weight 🥴 All going ok here- just had 3rd jab - cravings have stopped and food portions normal. I think I do need to have an increase in dose just to be able to eat slightly smaller portions for weightloss. A little bit of nausea but not much…..so far so good. Keep checking in @LouScot xxx