Sun Health Explainer: The Journey of Fat Injections
A mother has shared her inspiring journey of weight loss, revealing that she shed a staggering 10 and a half stone with the help of Mounjaro. Becca Banks, a mother from the UK, once weighed an astonishing 26 stone and 6 lbs but has transformed her life over the past year.
After using Mounjaro for just over a year, Becca, who stands six feet tall, successfully slimmed down to 15 stone and 4 lbs. The content creator, who is now proud of her remarkable transformation, took to social media to showcase her jaw-dropping change. However, health experts and NHS medics caution against the dangers of using such medications without a proper prescription.
Mounjaro, often referred to as the “King Kong” of weight loss injections, could soon be available through the NHS. Dr. Zoe Williams, a GP, has noted that it has the potential to save lives for individuals suffering from “life-threatening levels of obesity.” Nonetheless, the NHS advises: “Never take an anti-obesity medicine that has not been prescribed to you. These medications may not be safe for everyone and can lead to serious side effects.”
Currently, around half a million individuals in the UK are utilizing weight loss drugs, with the number expected to double in the coming year. Mounjaro functions by suppressing appetite, allowing users to feel fuller for extended periods. These injections are approved for patients with type 2 diabetes and those who are clinically obese, which is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. One injection is administered weekly, with the duration based on the individual’s weight.
Weight loss medications are legally available when prescribed by healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or pharmacist-independent prescribers. Unfortunately, an increasing number of people are purchasing these drugs from online pharmacies that lack proper safety checks. Recent statistics from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have linked fat jabs to 82 deaths across the UK. The family of a man from Burton upon Trent, who died after using Mounjaro, is now calling for a thorough investigation into the jab’s potential risks.
Despite the associated dangers, Becca has enthusiastically praised the effects of the fat jabs on her body. In a video shared on social media, she expressed her pride in her journey, stating, “Never thought I’d be sharing my weight online but here we go… I’m so proud of how far I’ve come! If you’re thinking of starting Mounjaro, take this as your sign to please just do it!” The clip showcased her remarkable transformation, beginning with a shot of her at her heaviest, followed by her confidently displaying her newly slimmed-down figure.
Prior to her weight loss journey, Becca was consuming around 2,400 calories daily. However, while using Mounjaro, she maintained a calorie deficit.
Everything You Need to Know About Fat Injections
Weight loss injections have gained significant popularity as various studies and personal testimonies reveal their effectiveness in helping individuals shed weight at impressive rates while potentially lowering the risk of serious health conditions. The leading weight loss injections in the UK are Wegovy—a modified version of the type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic—and Mounjaro, which is a newer and more potent alternative.
Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, has been part of NHS treatments for several years, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is set to join it as a staple treatment option. Mounjaro currently accounts for a majority of private prescriptions for weight loss.
How Do They Work?
These injections operate by suppressing appetite, leading to reduced food intake, which in turn prompts the body to burn fat for energy, thus facilitating weight loss. They mimic a hormone known as GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full. As a result, they are classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Additionally, they slow down digestion and boost insulin production, which helps lower blood sugar levels, making them effective for treating type 2 diabetes.
Can I Get Them?
NHS prescriptions for weight loss drugs, primarily Wegovy and an older variant called Saxenda (liraglutide), are regulated through specialized weight loss clinics. Typically, a patient must have a BMI of 30 or higher, categorizing them as medically obese, and have a weight-related health condition, such as hypertension. General practitioners usually do not prescribe these medications specifically for weight loss.
Private prescribers offer injections, mainly Mounjaro, to anyone classified as obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI of 25-30) who has a weight-related health risk. However, private pharmacies have faced criticism for dispensing them too easily; thus, video consultations or in-person appointments are now mandatory to verify a patient’s honesty regarding their health status.
Are There Any Risks?
Yes, side effects are common, although most are relatively mild. Approximately half of the individuals using these medications report gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhea. Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, noted that one rare but serious side effect is severe acute pancreatitis, which can occur in approximately 1 in 500 patients. Other uncommon side effects can include altered taste, kidney issues, allergic reactions, gallbladder complications, and hypoglycemia.
Evidence regarding the impact of these injections on mental health is still inconclusive. Reports indicate that up until January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to these medications. While Becca did not engage in structured exercise during her treatment, she made an effort to stay active and increase her daily steps.
Becca mentioned that prior to her transformation, she faced doubts from critics who told her, “You’ll never lose weight.” Now, thanks to the weight loss injections, she has triumphantly proven the naysayers wrong, exclaiming, “Mounjaro has changed my life.” When asked about side effects, Becca shared that she experienced only a slight stomach ache about five months into her treatment.
Overjoyed with her transformation, Becca encouraged others to take the leap, stating, “Make the change now. I had no significant side effects, and it’s transformed my life. I can’t even begin to explain!”
Social Media Reactions
The TikTok video, posted under the username @beccabanks8, has taken the internet by storm, garnering 193,700 views, 10,300 likes, and 294 comments in just four days.
What Are the Other Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections?
Like any medication, weight loss injections can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:
- Nausea: Often the most reported side effect, particularly at the beginning of treatment.
- Vomiting: Frequently occurs alongside nausea.
- Diarrhea: Some users may experience gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Constipation: A common issue for some individuals.
- Stomach pain or discomfort: Some may experience abdominal discomfort.
- Reduced appetite: A desired effect for those using Ozempic for weight loss.
- Indigestion: Can cause bloating or discomfort post-meal.
Serious side effects may also include:
- Pancreatitis: Rarely, Ozempic may increase the risk of pancreatic inflammation.
- Kidney problems: Though uncommon, there have been reports of kidney failure.
- Thyroid tumors: Potential risk based on animal studies; not confirmed in humans.
- Vision problems: Rapid blood sugar changes may impact vision.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Particularly when used with other medications.
Social media users expressed their astonishment at Becca’s transformation, flooding the comments section with encouragement. One user remarked, “Wow, you look amazing! Well done!” Another shared, “You are incredible! I’m aiming to lose 10 stone overall and just over halfway. This is the motivation I needed!” A third comment read, “This is goals!! Good for you, girl.” Someone inquired about loose skin, to which Becca responded, “Yes, I do have some; my arms are the worst. My tummy and thighs have some wrinkling where the fat has reduced, but I’d rather have that and be healthy!”
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