A mother who tipped the scales at 22 stones shed 13 stones following her father's purchase of what she describes as the "ultimate Christmas gift" last year—the Mounjaro weight loss injections. Emilly Murray, aged 35, weighed 22st 1.5lbs and battled to fit into a size 30 at her peak weight, having struggled with binge eating throughout her life.
She consumed roughly 5,000 calories daily, indulging in Chinese takeouts, pizza, chocolates, and Haribos, despite numerous efforts to curb her appetite.
Emilly experimented with various diets but invariably regained the pounds, yet in December 2024, her father, Paul Murray, a 55-year-old community centre manager, inquired about her Christmas desires, and she requested Mounjaro.
The parent of three received her initial injection on December 30, 2024, marking the beginning of what she terms a "transformative life journey." Subsequently, she slimmed down to an almost unrecognizable 9st 2lbs, effortlessly fitting into a size six—dropping nearly 13st overall, the lightest she's felt since her childhood days.
Nowadays, she enjoys better fitness and health, engaging more actively with her children—Esme (12), Ellie (six), and Joseph (four)—and boasts increased self-assurance, attributing this to her dad for the "finest Christmas gift ever," one year in.
Personal Reflections and Family Impact
Emilly, who works as a content creator, remarked: "My father's question about my Christmas wishes sparked significant transformation. I was consuming food excessively—I felt like a potential heart attack waiting to happen. I often pinch myself in disbelief at this year's progress. It has reshaped not only my existence but also my family's, making me a stronger parent for my kids. I can join them at the play centre and slide down slides. It truly was the greatest Christmas present from my dad—I owe him a fantastic one this time."
She explained that her weight issues began in childhood, and she could never maintain losses permanently. Throughout the years, she attempted multiple diets and weight management methods, only to relapse into binge eating and regain the weight.
She added: "As a child, my friends nicknamed me 'the whale'—I was always large. I tried slimming down but lacked nutritional knowledge, leading to restrictions followed by weekend binges. Food served as my support and solace. Whether joyful, sorrowful, or depressed, eating was the constant response. Others advised 'simply exercise more and consume less,' but it's not straightforward when food dominates your thoughts."
Exploring Weight Loss Options
Late last year, Emilly researched weight loss injections after observing online transformations by others, believing it might help silence the 'food chatter.' She had previously dropped over six stones in a year via calorie reduction and workouts but feared stagnation and subsequent regain without intervention.
Thus, when her father Paul inquired about her Christmas preferences the prior year, she confessed her interest in Mounjaro. He provided £105 to enable her online order, and she initiated the injections at 16st and size 24, just before New Year's Eve.
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She stated: "After my first dose, it felt like a mental switch activated. Mornings no longer revolved around food cravings. That preoccupation evaporated. My mind freed up space for other matters."
Managing Side Effects
She dealt with side effects such as constipation and diarrhea but mitigated them through dietary adjustments.
As the pounds melted away, her mental well-being enhanced, simplifying tasks like climbing stairs or playing with her young son.
Although she invested approximately £1,500 annually on the injections, she views it as cheaper than her prior yearly expenses on snacks, takeouts, and convenience foods.
She noted: "I habitually visited the shop nightly for a large bag of candies, crisps, and a sizable chocolate bar. I often ordered deliveries or purchased frozen items, as I struggled mentally and lacked the energy to prepare meals after cooking for the children."
A Year of Transformation
This December signifies one year since her initial injection and jab commencement—she now weighs 9st 2lbs. Her total loss reaches 13st, with about 7st attributed to Mounjaro, labeling it "life-altering."
She commented: "13st exceeds my current weight—it's equivalent to my body plus my son's."
Emilly plans to gradually reduce doses to discontinue the injections eventually, having reached a maintenance phase with no further weight reduction desired. She prepares for excess skin removal surgery in May in Lithuania, at a cost of roughly £12k.
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DINNER - typical meals, such as curry, chicken, fried rice, nutritious burrito bowls