Is it just for a ‘quick fix?’ The use of drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic to aid weight loss has rapidly increased but so have concerns about misuse and side effects. We have spoken to some local people to hear their thoughts on the controversial issue.

Mounjaro, formally known as Tirzepatide, was originally used for people with type two diabetes or certain health conditions, meeting the required age of 18 and over. However, getting hold of the drug has become far easier in the last year even for those who might not necessarily fit the criteria.

The drug, which is approved for weight management whilst helping control blood sugar levels in adults with type two diabetes, is delivered via a weekly injection.

The Monmouthshire Beacon spoke to one local resident who used the drug to help lose weight.

“I have always struggled with managing my weight which is partly attributed to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I sought advice from my GP in September 2024 for help with weight management and they recommended a self-referral to the NHS weight management service,” said the woman who has asked to remain anonymous but who we will call Tracey.

“I was accepted by the service as a level three patient but informed there was a three-year waiting list. I decided I didn’t want to wait that long to tackle my weight problem, so I purchased Mounjaro through an online pharmacy. I appreciate that I am fortunate enough to be able to afford this medication, she said.

“I did a lot of research and started treatment in October 2024, on the lowest dose (2.5mg) increasing it up to 12.5mg. I didn’t experience any side effects of the medication, but I was happy with the results and between October 2024 and July 2025 I lost a massive five and a half stone.

“Sadly, due to the rapid weight loss, I developed gallstones which quickly developed and caused significant pain. After several hospital admissions I was diagnosed with pancreatitis.

“I required surgery to remove my gallbladder to treat the symptoms and as a result of developing pancreatitis, I am no longer a suitable candidate for Mounjaro but I absolutely don’t regret using it at all.

“The medication was successful, and the weight loss was incredibly easy- very different from my hundreds of other attempts at losing weight.

“I have now been off Mounjaro for three months and the weight has stayed off, I have gained a couple of pounds recently, but I attribute that to the period of inactivity following the surgery. My relationship with food has changed and I have changed my mind set about portion sizes and have been able to stick to it.

“I’ve been very careful not to ‘recommend’ the treatment to others as it must be right for someone’s personal situation and medical history, but my experience has been great, and I was able to achieve what had seemed impossible for me. I am finally happy, comfortable and healthy, and that’s all I ever wanted,” said Tracey.

Mounjaro was first approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for treating obesity on the NHS in December 2024. Despite it being available through some GPs, a huge concern is how easy it is to buy the drug on the internet.

Weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic work by mimicking the natural hormones which regulate appetite, eventually slowing down the rate at which the stomach empties, but it still requires a reduced- calorie diet and increase in physical activity to ensure it works to the maximum capability.

The treatment also supports the body by producing more insulin when necessary and reducing the amount of glucose or sugar produced by the liver.

While people underestimate the risks of taking the drug assuming it’s safe to take prescription medicine, experts warn buying the drug online brings considerable risks. There is no medical oversight; a questionnaire can’t replace a full in-depth consultation with a GP who reviews your medical history and knows your health on a personal level.

Anyone buying the drug online is required to fill in a detailed health questionnaire but experts warn there are no procedures in place to prove people are telling the truth in their answers and while the online form is reviewed by a medical specialist their are no security checks to back this up.

The side effects can be horrific. The most common ones are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation with more severe side effects including fatigue, feeling lightheaded, excess wind, gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux.

The use of the drug has skyrocketed, and has been glamorised thanks to the number of celebrities and TV personalities who it is suggested have made use of the so called ‘fat jab’.

All too often, users see the end result of the drug without taking into account its long-term effects with many normalising it as a ‘quick fix’ or a weight loss shortcut.

While some celebrities and TV personalities have shared their experiences of Mounjaro, others remain more secretive leading to the creation of evermore unrealistic beauty standards driven by celebrity culture and social media.

Sadly when people see drastic changes in their idols they all too often want it for themselves, reinforcing an everlasting vicious cycle of body comparison.

The Beacon reached out to a Monmouthshire pharmacist, to seek their opinion of Mounjaro and they confirmed there has been an increase in its use locally over the past few months with more people buying it over the counter- which carries more safeguards than purchasing the drug online.

“There has definitely been an influx in terms of patients demanding it,” said the pharmacist.

“We provide a face-to-face service only and even if people are filling in the questionnaire online, when they present themselves, they are still required to produce their medical records, and some proof they are on some sort of medication.

“There are online pharmacies which people can buy the drug from, and this is a concern because people can say whatever they want online.

“I tell people when they use this service there is a risk with side effects unfortunately as with any medicine.”

For many people Mounjaro has been a life saver but as with many medical breakthroughs its use raises questions about access, fairness and long-term impact which continue to be hotly debated. The challenge will be finding a balance between innovation and equity in society.