Introduction: A Weight-Loss Tale Intersected by Serious Medical Complications
Emma McDonald, a 38-year-old British mother, sought a path to sustainable weight loss after pregnancy-related weight gain. Turning to Mounjaro, a GLP-1 receptor agonist known for its appetite-suppressing effects, she hoped to regain control of her health and PCOS symptoms. What began as a life-changing weight-loss journey soon revealed a terrifying complication: her gallbladder began to “rot.” Emma’s story is a stark reminder that even highly effective medications can carry serious risks, especially when multiple risk factors converge.
The Journey to Mounjaro
Emma’s weight surged after giving birth, moving from 15 stone (95.2 kg) in a size 12 to 21 stone (133.3 kg) in a size 24. Struggling with PCOS and irregular periods, she considered Mounjaro a last resort that could help stabilize her health and reduce the emotional burden of weight gain. “Mounjaro was my last resort,” she told LADbible. Within weeks of starting the medication in June 2024, Emma began to see results. “When my work clothes stopped fitting, that was my wake-up call,” she recalled. By the end of the year, she reported an impressive eight-stone (about 50 kg) weight loss, a turning point that boosted her confidence and sense of control.
Emerging Symptoms and a Grim Diagnosis
Two months into the treatment, Emma began experiencing excruciating indigestion and rib pain. Initially, she attributed this to dosage changes, but examinations revealed a more serious issue: a gallstone blocked her bile duct, triggering cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder. She endured persistent pain and underwent surgical interventions, including a procedure with multiple incision sites. By October 2025, doctors discovered that her gallbladder had begun to rot, necessitating an emergent cholecystectomy—the surgical removal of the organ.
Despite the severity of the medical episode, Emma attributes much of her initial success to Mounjaro, noting that the drug helped her regain control of her health and, crucially, manage her PCOS symptoms. “Mounjaro has helped me take control of my life,” she said. The complicated reality, however, is that gallbladder issues can be a risk associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly in individuals with rapid weight loss and hormonal factors.
Medical Perspective: Why Gallbladder Issues Occur with GLP-1 Drugs
Drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic belong to a class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by delaying digestion and increasing the sensation of fullness, which can drive significant weight loss. Yet a subset of patients experiences gallbladder complications, including gallstones and cholecystitis, sometimes progressing to gallbladder “rotting” in extreme cases. The National Institutes of Health notes that women are more prone to cholecystitis than men, with risk further elevated by factors such as childbirth and rapid weight loss—both of which were present in Emma’s case. Medical professionals emphasize that any treatment plan should be tailored to the individual’s risk profile and monitored closely for gallbladder symptoms such as abdominal or rib pain, nausea, or digestive disturbances.
Clinical Guidance and Patient Safety
Healthcare providers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective for weight management, they carry potential side effects that warrant vigilance. The Mayo Clinic and other health organizations advise patients to report new or worsening abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, or vomiting promptly. Emma’s experience underscores the importance of ongoing medical supervision, especially for individuals with PCOS, rapid weight loss histories, or biliary system concerns.
Emma’s Current Status and Reflections
Post-surgery, Emma has resumed Mounjaro at a continued 7.5 mg dose, maintaining a weight around 12 stone 9 pounds (80.2 kg) and a size 12. She acknowledges the recovery has been challenging, particularly with dietary transitions. “I’m transitioning back into eating more food now,” she shared, noting digestion has become more difficult for certain foods, such as meat. Despite the dramatic onset of gallbladder complications, Emma emphasizes a lack of regrets. Her statement reflects a broader reality for many patients who weigh the benefits of weight loss against the possible risks of medication-driven side effects.
The Industry Response: What Lilly Says
Eli Lilly responded to inquiries, stressing patient safety as a top priority and noting that gallstones and related gallbladder issues are listed as potential side effects in the Mounjaro patient information leaflet. The company encouraged patients to consult healthcare professionals for any adverse effects and to ensure they are using genuine Lilly medications. This stance aligns with broader regulatory guidance that patient monitoring and transparent reporting are essential in the management of pharmacotherapies with systemic effects.
Conclusion: Balancing Benefits and Risks
Emma McDonald’s experience illustrates a complex balance: the potential for significant weight loss and health improvements with GLP-1 receptor agonists against the risk of gallbladder complications in susceptible individuals. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for patients considering or currently using Mounjaro, underscoring the importance of personalized medical oversight, awareness of biliary symptoms, and informed discussions with healthcare providers about benefits, risks, and alternatives. While Emma asserts that she has no regrets regarding her journey, her narrative highlights the need for ongoing research and patient education around GLP-1-based therapies and gallbladder health.
