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A spate of Mounjaro users have complained of a ‘creepy’ side-effect known as ‘turkey neck’ that experts claim you may end up needing plastic surgery to correct.
Last December, pharmacies estimated that as many as 500,000 UK residents were injecting themselves with Tirzepatide, whose brand name is Mounjaro, as per Reuters.
The idea is that this self-administered, non-insulin injection is used to help people lose weight by suppressing appetites, regulating blood sugar and slowing down digestion.
Mounjaro, described by its manufacturer Eli Lilly as ‘the first and only GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes’, is said to be an 'effective weight loss aid’ rather than a ‘miracle drug’.
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She added: “It is important that this medication should also be introduced in conjunction with other lifestyle changes, such as a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.”
It’s also important to know that there are a slew of side effects you could suffer while trying to drop some dress sizes on the weight-loss drug.
These include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, as well as pancreatitis and even hypoglycaemia in rare, severe cases.
Another side effect that some users have claimed to experience is ‘turkey neck’.
What is ‘turkey neck’?
Healthline reported that ‘turkey neck’ refers to the ‘saggy or wrinkled skin on the neck that develops with ageing.
It usually occurs when your neck muscles begin weakening and your skin loses its elasticity or the ability to stretch and stay tight.
Loose skin is also likely to occur after weight loss. This is because it is hard for collagen and elastin fibres to return to their original, pre-weight-gain state, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.
Areas where loose skin commonly develops after weight loss include the stomach, thighs, and, unfortunately, the neck.
Mounjaro users complain of ‘turkey neck’ side effects
Redditors have been posting on social media about their experiences on Mounjaro, with many asking for advice on how to deal with getting rid of ‘turkey neck’.
For example, a 39-year-old woman used the Reddit thread r/Mounjarno to type: “I guess I have lost a lot of weight in my face and now I am developing turkey neck.
"Please share your skincare routine to combat this. I know I can just Google it but I like knowing exactly what others used and what order. What products and can I can get them at Ulta or Amazon?"
A second used the social media platform to explain that they’d lost ‘quite a bit’ of weight at the beginning of their weight-loss journey and were in the midst of trying to ‘re-educate [their] system’,
“My problem is I’m starting to get a turkey neck,” they complained. “Is there any creams or exercise some of you have tried and had any success?”
Someone else has also complained that they had developed ‘turkey neck’ after losing a whopping 30lbs.
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“I’m only 55 but wow is my neck looking creepy and saggy now that I’ve lost 30 lbs,” they penned.
A spokesperson from Eli Lilly told Tyla: “Mounjaro (tirzepatide) should only be used when prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional, and prescriptions should be fulfilled and supplied by registered pharmacies or providers.
“We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional to discuss any possible side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine.”
Can you treat ‘turkey neck’?
There are a multitude of natural ways you can help alleviate turkey neck, including face yoga and stretching.
Some may find success in improving neck appearance by using topical skin treatments like retinol, tripeptide and glaucine, according to a 2023 study.
However, Healthine reported that surgical procedures are ‘by far the quickest and most effective treatments for turkey neck’.
These plastic surgeries can range from neck lifts to minimally invasive operations and even noninvasive treatments like skin tightening lasers.
If you’re concerned about signs of skin, it’s advised that you seek medical advice.
Topics: Mounjaro, Health, Women's Health, UK News
Ella Scott