Surge in Mounjaro Use Raises Health Concerns Among Users

A growing concern has emerged regarding the use of weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, as reports indicate that increasing numbers of individuals are experiencing severe health issues linked to their usage. According to Dr. Ducu Botoaca, a specialist in non-surgical aesthetic procedures, many patients are becoming dangerously underweight due to an addiction to these appetite-suppressing injections. This alarming trend has led to what he describes as a situation where users are effectively ‘cannibalising’ their own bodies.

Mounjaro, initially developed as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes, gained popularity for its ability to suppress appetite. It is typically prescribed to individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30, which is classified as clinically obese. For reference, a BMI of 25 to 30 is considered overweight, while a healthy BMI ranges from 18 to 25. Dr. Botoaca reports that he is now encountering patients who have managed to obtain these drugs by misrepresenting their weight through online pharmacies or resorting to illegal alternatives sold on the black market.

In an interview with a news outlet, Dr. Botoaca stated, “I’ve seen people with a healthy BMI of 23 drop to a BMI of just 17 in a matter of weeks—it’s like they have aged by 15 years in just three months.” He emphasized that many of these individuals are not consuming a balanced diet, resulting in symptoms such as mood swings, hair loss, and excessively dry skin. Their bodies are losing vital collagen and muscle mass, leading to a rapid decline in overall health.

Dr. Botoaca warns that many users dismiss these negative side effects as typical reactions to the medication, unaware they are suffering from malnutrition. Without medical supervision, these individuals are placing themselves in significant danger. He elaborated, “A doctor would tell them that the maximum amount of weight you can lose healthily is less than five percent of your body mass. People are chasing big losses on the scale, and it is going to make them very, very sick.”

The demographic seeking these weight loss injections predominantly consists of women aged between 30 and 45, many of whom do not recognize the malnourishment they are experiencing. Dr. Botoaca noted that this population fears regaining weight and are thus reluctant to stop using the drugs. He remarked that some individuals may have previously been overweight, but many did not require the medication at all.

In addition to the legitimate products, Dr. Botoaca has identified a troubling trend where patients turn to potentially harmful and unregulated alternatives. These substances, often marketed as compounded peptides, are manufactured in facilities lacking proper oversight by health authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Despite their unregulated status, many individuals are using these products, exposing themselves to further health risks.

Dr. Botoaca’s clinic in Central London has seen a marked increase in patients suffering from the adverse effects of weight loss drugs. He and his team have observed signs of the body beginning to ‘cannibalise’ itself, with one of his colleagues, a general practitioner, noting elevated thyroid hormone levels in some patients. This condition indicates an accelerated metabolism, as the body uses its own tissues for energy.

The consequences of extreme weight loss due to under-eating are severe. Dr. Botoaca explained that muscle wasting occurs as the body metabolizes muscle alongside fat for energy. X-rays and blood tests have revealed dangerously low levels of calcium and vitamin D, highlighting the body’s struggle to survive with insufficient nutritional resources.

The surge in demand for weight loss injections has transformed Dr. Botoaca’s practice, with an estimated 80 percent of his business now focused on revision work for patients who have lost significant weight. He stated that many of these individuals arrive feeling depressed and suffering from low self-esteem, often displaying physical signs of malnutrition such as hair loss and dry skin.

Rebuilding their health takes time, and addressing the psychological aspects of their fear of weight gain is also crucial. Dr. Botoaca mentioned that patients typically recognize the need to regain some of their lost weight when they begin to notice changes in areas they are most concerned about, such as their facial appearance or body shape. “Once they see even a small improvement, or notice that they aren’t losing as much hair, they are usually much more willing to take our advice and start living healthier,” he added.

The implications of this trend extend beyond individual health, raising questions about the safety and regulation of weight loss medications and the responsibility of healthcare providers in monitoring their use. As the popularity of weight loss injections continues to grow, the need for awareness and caution surrounding their use becomes increasingly critical.