Mounjaro users distressed as drug causes them to lose more than just weight
A horde of Mounjaro users claim to have been left 'desperate' after the controversial weight loss drug left them battling crippling self confidence issues, all because of one side effect.
The popular jabs were approved for UK users through a phased rollout on the NHS last month, and as such, a handful of consequences of its use have since come to light.
While thousands of Brits have enjoyed positive experiences with the drug, and have shed an impressive amount of weight due to its appetite-suppressing qualities, it has seemingly come at a cost for some.
Taking to the discussion forum Reddit recently, a number admitted that pro-longed Mounjaro use had triggered hair loss, with a handful even sharing images of clumps of their hair attached to brushes, or of bald patches on their heads.
Mounjaro users share hair loss experiences
In a conversation centred around the drug specifically, one user complained: "I am still losing so much hair. These pics are from one shower, began with a clean brush. I had a full lush head of hair and now I have to fix my hair to cover bald spots. How long to recover?"
Advert
Another went on to share their story, adding to the chat: "I too lost a ton of hair! Mine has started coming back. I took Mounjaro for a year and lost 75lbs. I started noticing the hair loss around the 3rd month, and it didn’t stop falling out until my weight loss started to level out.
"Once the weight loss levelled out and became less drastic, the hair loss began to slow down as well."
The same user added: "No one understood how much hair I was losing every day!
"I mean it was an alarming amount! So I finally kept 2 of the large handfuls from one shower and showed it to my mom, my doctor, my hairdresser… every one that tried to downplay the hair loss. Needless to say they were all shocked!!
A third complained: "I lost a lot of hair and lost 1.5 lbs a month. I think it’s a reaction to the medication. Mine is coming back."
A fourth also confessed: "I have been crying every single day - just 10 days ago I had a full head of luscious curly hair and after just one shot of MJ 2.5ml every day I leave behind literally 5 percent of what I had.
"By Day 10 today I have bold spots everywhere and an inch wide part both centre and sides and back, with hair so thin that I feel my only option is to cut it every short to cover bold spots.
"Stopping MJ is not an option as I got to all times HW of 265lbs after a lifetime of fluctuating between 160 and 240lbs. But I am desperate...".
Why is Mounjaro linked to hair loss?
Speaking to SomersetLive recently, GP and senior clinical advisor Dr Donald Grant explained that there could be several reasons why the drug has been so closely linked to Mounjaro use - the first being the speed of the weight loss.
"Another potential cause is nutritional deficiencies, which can quickly become apparent following shifts in appetite and general eating habits," Dr Grant continued.
"As the treatment activates the body’s GLP-1 receptors, making us feel full, it can often lead to poor eating habits, where an individual is not obtaining the nutrients required to uphold a healthy lifestyle."
Mounjaro suppresses the appetite of the user, as well as increases their sense of fullness, by activating two receptors called GLP-1 and GIP.
This activation triggers to body's production of further insulin, whilst reducing the amount of glucose being produced by the liver.
Apparently, the decrease in appetite caused by this can lead users to make poor nutritional decisions, inadvertently leaving protein, biotin and zinc - which are linked to healthy hair - out in the cold.
"A common mistake people make while on Mounjaro is completely abandoning the idea of a well-balanced diet," Dr Grant explained.
"While portions may decrease due to suppressed appetite, it’s still important to prioritise the correct foods. Be sure to include foods rich in these nutrients to lower the risk of hair loss.
"Foods such as chicken, eggs and red meat can prove incredibly effective."
Approached by Tyla for comment on the hair loss side effect, pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly responded: "Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority. We take any reports regarding patient safety extremely seriously and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines.
"The Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Patient Information Leaflet warns that hair loss is a common side effect in patients treated with Mounjaro for weight management. We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine."
Rhianna Benson