Overview: A Weight-Loss Journey Takes a Serious Turn
A British mother’s attempt to reclaim her health using the diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro has been marked by dramatic results and a frightening medical complication. Emma McDonald, 38, credits the GLP-1 receptor agonist with helping her shed pounds she felt were out of reach after pregnancy, but the treatment also coincided with a gallbladder illness that culminated in surgery to remove the organ. While Emma says she has no regrets, her case highlights potential risks associated with rapid weight loss therapies.
The Starting Point: Struggling With Weight After Birth
Emma’s weight gain followed the birth of her daughter. She describes moving from 15st (95.2kg) and a size 12 to about 21st (133.3kg) and a size 24. For someone contending with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the weight loss journey can be especially challenging. Emma hoped Mounjaro would not only aid in shedding pounds but also help manage PCOS symptoms such as irregular periods. “Mounjaro was my last resort,” she told LADbible, underscoring the desperation many feel when conventional methods fail.
Promises and Results: Quick Wins From GLP-1 Therapy
Emma began the medication in June 2024. Within weeks she noticed changes at work and in her clothes: “When my work clothes stopped fitting, that was my wake-up call,” she said. By the end of that year, she estimated an eight-stone (about 50kg) weight loss. For many patients, such rapid results can be transformative, improving mobility, confidence, and overall health perception.
A Painful Diagnosis: The Gallbladder Crisis
Two months after starting treatment, Emma’s health took a troubling turn. She experienced excruciating indigestion and rib pain, which she initially attributed to dose increases. An ultrasound revealed a gallstone blocking her bile duct and a diagnosis of cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder. Emma describes persistent pain and the need for hot showers to alleviate it, a stark reminder that medications—even those with benefits—can bring serious side effects in the context of rapid weight loss.
The “Rotting” Gallbladder and Surgery
In October 2025, doctors detected that Emma’s gallbladder had started to “rot,” an alarming complication requiring urgent removal of the organ. Doctors indicated that Mounjaro acted as an exacerbating factor in her gallbladder issues. Emma underwent cholecystectomy to remove the damaged organ. She notes a difficult recovery but maintains that the drug helped her regain control of her health overall. “I was told my gallbladder had gone rotten and Mounjaro was an exacerbating factor, but overall, I’m much healthier now so I don’t have any regrets,” she said.
What Medical Experts Say About Gallbladder Risks
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic are designed to slow digestion and promote a feeling of fullness, supporting weight loss. However, gallbladder complications have been observed in some users. The NIH notes that women are more prone to cholecystitis, especially with risk factors such as birth control use, childbirth, and rapid weight loss—conditions present in Emma’s case. Doctors emphasize that while these drugs can be highly effective, they are not without potential adverse effects, which patients should discuss thoroughly with their healthcare providers.
Living Forward: Ongoing Use and Recovery
Emma continues to use Mounjaro at a 7.5mg dose, maintaining a weight of about 12st 9lbs (80.2kg) and a size 12. Recovery remains challenging, and she reports digestion adjustments as she reintroduces more foods. The experience underscores the importance of individual medical monitoring during potent weight-management therapies and the need for ongoing dialogue with clinicians about benefits and risks.
A Statement from the Manufacturer
Eli Lilly responded to LADbible, noting patient safety as a top priority and highlighting that gallstones is a common side effect for weight management users and an uncommon one for those taking Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. The company encourages patients to seek medical advice for any side effects and to ensure authenticity of their medication.
Conclusion: A Personal Perspective on Benefit and Risk
Emma’s story is a nuanced reminder that weight-loss medications can produce life-changing results for some while presenting serious complications for others. She emphasizes that, for her, the benefits—greater control over her health and PCOS—outweigh the risks in the long run. As weight-management therapies evolve, patients should remain informed, vigilant, and closely guided by healthcare professionals to navigate the potential upsides and hazards of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
