When social media influencer Tana Mongeau decided to try the prescription medication Mounjaro, she expected rapid weight loss. What she didn’t expect was to spend the week “crawling on the floor” from the side effects.Her story, shared in a new episode of her podcast 'Cancelled with Tana Mongeau and Brooke Schofield' is the latest in a growing conversation about the risks of using powerful injectable medications designed for Type 2 diabetes as weight-loss shortcuts.Mounjaro, manufactured by Eli Lilly, was originally developed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, tirzepatide, mimics two natural hormones—GLP-1 and GIP—that help regulate appetite and blood sugar. By slowing digestion and reducing hunger, the drug can lead to significant weight loss.In recent years, Mounjaro has found itself compared to other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—both of which have been adopted by celebrities and influencers seeking rapid slimming. For some patients, especially those living with obesity-related health issues, these drugs can be life-changing when paired with diet and exercise but as Mongeau’s experience shows, the side effects can be severe.In her podcast, Mongeau revealed she lost 6 pounds in just two days after her first Mounjaro injection. Yet the physical toll was immediate.“I have been dying this week,” she said. “Like, dying. Like, crawling on the floor.”The nausea was so intense that she had to take prescription anti-sickness medication, Zofran, daily just to cope. She also reported sleeping more than 12 hours a day, leaving her drained and unable to function normally.While Mounjaro is not new to the market, its use in people without diabetes has drawn concern from medical professionals. Side effects often include nausea, constipation, hair loss, and reduced sex drive. Longer-term risks may include loss of bone density and muscle mass, which is why doctors strongly advise maintaining a protein-rich diet and exercise regimen while on the drug.Who Is Actually Eligible for Mounjaro?In UK, Mounjaro is available only by prescription to people with a BMI of 40 or higher, placing them in the “severely obese” category. In US, the FDA approved tirzepatide for Type 2 diabetes, with clinical trials under way for its weight management.The drug, though, has been available from private pharmacies and internet sources well in advance of broader health system introductions, which has driven its off-label usage.This availability, coupled with celebrity promotion and social media hype, has created a demand that tends to eclipse debate around risks.The Celebrity Effect on Medical ChoicesMongeau's celebrity forum means that her health decisions are observed—and in many cases, mimicked—by millions. Her honest report is an unusual counterpoint to a culture on social media influencerdom that glamorizes fixes without revealing the consequences.“Anything that’s a quick fix, obviously, it works well,” she admitted on her show. “But I should not have done that.”This kind of transparency is important, experts say, because it balances the narrative around powerful medications like Mounjaro. Eli Lilly responded to Mongeau’s statements with a reminder that patient safety is a priority:“Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority, and we take any reports regarding patient safety seriously. Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data to ensure the latest information is available for regulators and prescribers. We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any possible side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine.”Mongeau’s experience is part of a broader discussion about the medicalization of weight loss, social pressure, and the risks of using treatments without full medical oversight.Doctors caution that while GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists like Mounjaro can be beneficial for people with obesity-related health problems, they are not intended for cosmetic weight loss in otherwise healthy individuals. Sudden weight loss puts the body under stress, can erode the immune system, and sets in motion long-term health effects.Appetite suppression without the proper intake of nutrients also causes deficiencies, fatigue, and slowing of metabolism—reversals that are challenging to achieve.Mounjaro has the potential to be a lifesaver for some patients if prescribed responsibly. But for others looking for a quick route to weight loss who don't medically need it, the price is steeper than they anticipated.Mongeau's message is direct and straightforward: "Never, ever, ever do it." Her experience reminds us that no quick solution is without cost—and when it comes to powerful metabolic drugs, that cost may be your health.If you’re considering any prescription weight-loss medication, experts agree on one thing: speak with a qualified healthcare provider first, understand the potential risks, and make choices that prioritize your long-term well-being over short-term results.