Gemma Collins Discontinues Mounjaro Over Pain, Switches to Microdosing
Gemma Collins has shared that she is now microdosing Mounjaro, a decision made after concerns that the weight loss injections were causing significant health issues.
Last month, the former TOWIE star told the Daily Mail about a 'gallbladder attack' she experienced in August, which caused her to collapse due to intense pain.
Having reduced from a size 26 to a size 20 and losing 3.5 stone since starting the injections, Gemma took a break before deciding to resume the treatment.
'I had to pause the injections for a while because of a gallbladder attack in August. However, I've been assured that it's not actually related to Mounjaro,' Gemma informed The Mirror.
She added, 'After a break and careful management of my diet, I'm considering microdosing. I believe microdosing will help minimize any adverse reactions.' Health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor any side effects.
Collins followed the recommended approach of gradually increasing her dosage, starting from 2.5mg and eventually reaching the maximum of 15mg per week.
Now, she has confirmed that she intends to stick with the 2.5mg dose, as it proved to be the most effective for her.
Describing the medication as 'life-changing,' she stated, 'I've managed to lose about 3½ stone and have successfully kept it off. I feel great. I'm not aiming to be extremely thin; that's not my goal. My focus is on improving my health, and I'm moving in the right direction.'
Weight Loss Goals
Her ultimate goal is to lose a total of 6 stone from her initial weight. However, she is not in a hurry to lose the weight rapidly.
Potential Side Effects
According to Dr. Babak Ashrafi of Superdrug, one of the reported common side effects of Mounjaro is gallstones.
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On the company website, Dr. Ashrafi explained, 'Gallbladder issues, such as gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis), are rare but potentially serious side effects of Mounjaro.'
'GLP-1 inhibitors, like Mounjaro, can lead to gallbladder problems by reducing the levels of cholecystokinin, a hormone essential for healthy gallbladder function.'
The Mounjaro patient information leaflet also lists gallstones as a possible side effect.
While Collins has proudly showcased her weight loss achievements, she also experienced an immediate side effect from the injections.
Gemma expressed concern that her weight loss was making her 'look older.' She shared an honest post on Instagram, pointing out the appearance of crow's feet.
She previously mentioned: 'I'm not sure what's happening to me; it seemed to happen overnight. It's been a year since I had any cosmetic procedures.'
'I'm not sure if it's due to the weight loss. I don't have 'Ozempic face' yet, but that would be ideal right now.'
'I've always had a fuller face. I appreciate the expressions around my eyes and want to maintain a natural look. But something isn't right.'
'What's going on? I'm 44, but this is taking it to a level I never anticipated.'
