Rising hopes and a difficult turn
Emma McDonald, a 38-year-old British mother, turned to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in mid-2024 after years of struggling to lose weight following pregnancy. Like many women, she battled polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and significant weight gain that began after giving birth. Emma recalls feeling she had exhausted other options: “Mounjaro was my last resort.”
Within weeks of starting the treatment, Emma began to see rapid changes. She notes that her clothes no longer fit and her motivation to reclaim control over her health surged. By the end of the year, she had shed a substantial amount of weight, reporting an overall sense of empowerment as she moved toward a healthier lifestyle.
A painful complication emerges
Two months into the regimen, Emma started experiencing “excruciating” indigestion and rib pain. An ultrasound revealed a gallstone blocking her bile duct and an inflammation of the gallbladder known as cholecystitis. The diagnosis explained persistent pain and the need for hot showers to find relief during the worst episodes. Despite the discomfort, Emma pressed on with her recovery, enduring a demanding post-surgery healing period that included four incisions in her abdomen.
As her condition evolved, the situation worsened. By October 2025, doctors found that Emma’s gallbladder had begun to rot—a serious complication that required urgent cholecystectomy, or surgical removal of the gallbladder. She was told that Mounjaro could have acted as an exacerbating factor in the gallbladder issues, though she emphasizes that the drug helped her regain control of her life overall.
The medical perspective on gallbladder risks
GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class to which Mounjaro and Ozempic belong, slow digestion and promote fullness, which can be effective for weight loss. However, gallbladder complications have been reported in some patients. The National Institutes of Health notes that women are two to three times more likely to develop cholecystitis than men. Risk factors include childbirth, hormonal changes, rapid weight loss, and PCOS—all of which applied to Emma’s experience. Doctors describe a complex “perfect storm” where multiple risk factors converge, potentially amplifying the likelihood of gallbladder problems during rapid weight loss or GLP-1 therapy.
Emma reflects on the outcome with a measured perspective: “It was a perfect storm of having PCOS, a massive weight gain after giving birth and using Mounjaro.” Yet she maintains that the benefits of the treatment outweighed the risks in her case and emphasizes that she has no regrets about seeking medical help and pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
Current status and ongoing management
Following surgery, Emma has continued to use Mounjaro at a 7.5 mg dose, achieving a maintained weight of about 80 kg (12st 9lbs) and a clothing size around a UK 12. Recovery remains challenging as she navigates reintroducing food and coping with digestion changes, including a shift in how certain foods—like meat—are tolerated post-operation.
Emma’s experience underscores a broader conversation about weight-loss medications: while GLP-1 receptor agonists can offer dramatic improvements for some patients, they are not without potential risks. Individuals considering these therapies should consult healthcare professionals, weigh benefits against possible complications, and monitor for symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or changes in digestion.
Industry response and ongoing monitoring
Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, emphasized that patient safety is a priority and noted that gallstones are a recognized side effect for weight-management use and an uncommon side effect for type 2 diabetes. The company advocates for ongoing medical oversight and consultation with healthcare professionals for anyone experiencing adverse effects while taking the medication.
Emma’s story illustrates why informed medical supervision is essential when pursuing weight loss with GLP-1 therapies. Her experience also highlights the importance of reporting side effects so that clinicians can better understand how these drugs behave in real-world settings.
What this means for potential users
For individuals considering Mounjaro or similar treatments, the key takeaway is that rapid weight loss can carry gallbladder risks, especially for those with PCOS, recent childbirth, or a history of gallbladder issues. Any plan should include thorough medical evaluation, personalized dosing, and careful monitoring for warning signs that warrant medical attention.
Emma’s final message is one of cautious optimism: the medication helped her regain control over her life, even as she faced a serious surgical consequence. She stresses the importance of speaking openly with doctors about risks and benefits, and she remains committed to maintaining a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
