Aishwarya's Weight Loss Revelation
Comedian Aishwarya Mohanraj recently garnered significant attention for her candid disclosure about achieving a 22 kg weight loss. She revealed that a primary
catalyst for this transformation was the use of Mounjaro, a medication primarily prescribed for diabetes and obesity management. In a widely shared social media video, Aishwarya detailed her long-standing struggles with weight, exacerbated by conditions like PCOS and hyperthyroidism, which had made traditional weight loss methods challenging. She also touched upon her diagnosis with clinical depression, underscoring the multifaceted nature of her health journey. Prior to exploring medication, Aishwarya committed to a rigorous regimen of healthy eating and consistent exercise. However, an unfortunate diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis severely limited her ability to engage in physical activity, prompting her to seek alternative solutions. This led her to Mounjaro, which she initially administered weekly, incurring substantial costs of approximately Rs 4,000 per injection over a six-month period. Subsequently, she adjusted the dosage to twice a month, then monthly, with plans to discontinue its use soon. Acknowledging the financial commitment, she stressed the absolute necessity of consulting a medical professional before considering such treatments.
Challenges and Celebrity Support
Beyond the initial effectiveness, Aishwarya Mohanraj also openly discussed the adverse effects she experienced while undergoing treatment with Mounjaro. These side effects primarily included persistent nausea, a significant suppression of appetite, and a noticeable increase in hair fall, impacting her daily well-being. Her bravery in sharing these intimate details resonated with many, including actress Soha Ali Khan. Soha Ali Khan publicly commended Aishwarya's honesty via Instagram, highlighting that such weight loss achievements are not solely the result of diet and exercise, but often involve medical interventions like Mounjaro. Soha emphasized the importance of increased awareness and education surrounding these drugs, advocating for a shift from speculation and stigma to informed understanding. She expressed her intention to address this topic further in her upcoming podcast, aiming to disseminate accurate knowledge about weight loss medications, thereby encouraging a more transparent and informed public discourse.
Expert Insights on Safety
The safety of weight loss medications is a paramount concern, and Dr. Pillai, a Consultant in Internal Medicine at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, offers crucial insights. He explains that while these drugs can be safe for certain individuals when prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician, they are not universally suitable. Potential side effects are varied and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, elevated heart rate, and alterations in mood or sleep patterns. In more serious, albeit rarer, instances, these medications may lead to severe complications such as pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid-related concerns, or the exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions. Dr. Pillai specifically advises heightened caution for individuals with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or liver ailments, or a history of eating disorders, stressing the non-negotiable requirement of medical consultation before commencing any such treatment. He further elaborates that these drugs achieve optimal results when integrated with a holistic approach encompassing healthy dietary habits, regular physical activity, and sustained lifestyle modifications, rather than being used as a superficial quick fix. Self-medication, sharing prescriptions, or purchasing from unreliable online sources significantly escalates health risks and compromises safety.
Understanding Mounjaro's Risks
Weight loss drugs like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Zepbound are known to facilitate substantial weight reduction. However, a significant concern arises when discontinuing their use, as studies indicate a tendency for rapid weight regain, often at a faster rate than with diet and exercise alone. Furthermore, any improvements observed in cardiovascular health and the reduction of diabetes risk may reverse within a few years post-cessation, suggesting that medication alone might not guarantee long-term success. Dr. Pillai outlines several key risks associated with these medications, particularly when used without proper medical guidance. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, and increased heart rate. Some users might also experience mood fluctuations, anxiety, or even depression. In rare circumstances, more severe issues like pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney damage, thyroid tumors, severe allergic reactions, or cardiac complications can occur. For individuals with diabetes using other medications, there's an additional risk of hypoglycemia. Certain weight loss drugs can also interact negatively with medications for blood pressure, mental health conditions, or other chronic illnesses. Dr. Pillai concludes that unsupervised use is dangerous, and the risk of weight regain is high if healthy lifestyle habits are not maintained post-treatment, negatively impacting both physical and emotional well-being.
