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 Choices

Mongeau'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.

Heart failure has quietly emerged as one of India’s most serious and underestimated health challenges, driven by a rise in hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and delayed diagnosis of heart disease.

Due to a shortage of donor organs and a long waiting period before receiving the right treatment, end-stage heart failure patients in India faced a lot of difficulties a few years ago.

Today, advancements in heart transplant techniques are changing the situation from what was once an untreatable condition to a second chance at life.

Data from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) shows a significant year-on-year rise in heart transplants, with 253 transplants done in 2024, showcasing improved organ donation awareness, better coordination between hospitals, and stronger transplant networks.

What was once considered the only option is now emerging as a life-saving solution, offering patients not just a second chance but a return to a more meaningful and active life.

Why Are Heart Transplants Needed?

A heart transplant offers hope and gives a second life to patients whose hearts no longer support the body even after the best available medical aid.

Although it is never performed instantly, it becomes necessary whenever conditions of the heart result in end-stage heart failure, where the pumping function of the heart is compromised.

Also read: Harish Rana’s Family Donated His Heart Valves And Corneas After His Death From Passive Euthanasia

When medications and modern technologies cannot supply an adequate amount of blood and oxygen to the organs, patients experience extreme breathlessness, fluid buildup, fatigue, and repeated hospitalizations, making even simple activities like walking, eating, or lying flat exhausting.

As the flow of blood continues to deteriorate, failure is also expected in other vital organs such as the kidneys and liver. It is at this point that the transplantation of the donor heart is considered the only treatment option to ensure that the blood flow is normalized.

How Heart Transplantation Transforms Life?

Heart transplant is not just a surgical replacement of a failing organ, but a complete life restoration for patients with end-stage heart failure.

Its benefits include:

• Normalizes Heart Functioning: A healthy donor heart can immediately restore normal and effective blood flow. This will reduce weakness and fatigue that makes carrying out everyday tasks rather difficult.
• Enhances Survival Rates: Patients diagnosed with end-stage heart failure can only experience the best post-transplant survival outcomes when they undergo the transplant procedure as compared to other medical treatments.
• Enhances Quality of Life: The patients are able to attain independence once again as they are able to walk, sleep, travel, and socialize with their families and friends.
• Prevents Frequent Hospitalization: The successful transplant procedure prevents constant hospitalization, especially in cases with deteriorating heart failure, infections, and organ dysfunction.
• Protects Other Vital Organs: By restoring adequate blood flow, heart transplantation helps reverse damage to the kidneys, liver, and lungs caused by prolonged heart failure
• Permits Return to Normal Roles and Responsibilities: Patients regain their ability to work, take care of others, and carry out their daily responsibilities, which helps their emotional well-being.

Scottish Olympic legend Liz McColgan has warned athletes to wear sun protection during their training hours to protect their skin from “lasting consequences”.

Liz McColgan shared the health warning to athletes after undergoing surgery to remove lesions on her face.

The Olympic silver medalist from Dundee shared post-surgery photographs on the social media platform Instagram and lamented that, as a young runner, she never focused on wearing sun protection.

Avoiding sun cream because she felt it made her "sweat more" was her “ignorance”, said the 61-year-old former athlete.

“As a young athlete, I trained and raced in all weathers. Sun protection was never something I gave much thought to. In fact, I avoided it. I didn’t like the feeling of creams on my skin - I thought they made me sweat more, so I convinced myself I was better off without them. Looking back, that was ignorance,” Liz McColgan said.

“Recently, I had to undergo surgery to remove two lesions on my face. It was a stark reminder that the choices we make early on - especially the ones we dismiss as unimportant - can have lasting consequences,” she added.

Liz McColgan noted that athletes keep all their focus on "performance - mileage, sessions, recovery, nutrition”, but simple things like protecting their skin are often ignored.

“Yet it’s just as much a part of our overall health and wellbeing as any training session,” she said.

Sharing the health message to both young and old athletes, McColgan said, “Take sun protection seriously. Whether you’re training, racing, or even just spending time outdoors, protecting your skin matters.”

McColgan won a silver medal in the same event at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. In 1991, she went on to win the 10,000m World Championships title in Tokyo.

Also read:5 Simple Do's And Don'ts For Healthy Skin

Why Sunscreen Is Essential

Using sunscreen protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes

• skin cancer,
• premature aging,
• painful sunburns.

Should Sunscreen Be Used Indoors Too?

Sunscreen is meant to be part of a daily skincare routine. But most people reach for sunscreen when heading to the beach or stepping out for a long day in the sun.

According to dermatologists, sunlight can still reach you indoors.

Dr Khushboo Jha, Chief Dermatologist Consultant at Metro Hospital, explains that sunlight entering through windows can still affect the skin.

“While standard window glass blocks most UVB rays, which cause sunburn, UVA rays can still pass through. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to long-term concerns such as premature aging, uneven pigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity,” she said.

These UVA rays are often overlooked because they do not cause immediate redness or burning like UVB rays. However, over time, they can lead to visible signs of skin aging and pigmentation.

Also read: Why Should You Must Apply Sunscreen Inside A Plane?

A Practical Approach To Daily Skincare

Dermatologists suggest viewing sunscreen as a preventive skincare habit rather than a rigid rule.

Dr Jha recommends incorporating sunscreen into your morning routine, particularly if your day includes stepping outdoors or spending time in naturally lit environments.

In simple terms, if daylight reaches your workspace or you plan to go outside later in the day, applying sunscreen in the morning is a small step that can help protect your skin over time.

Many men believe that as long as they feel healthy, active, and free from major illness, their fertility remains intact. While men do not have a sudden fertility cut-off like women, age still plays an important role when it comes to male fertility. Currently, a large number of men wish to start families later in life, often thinking their good health guarantees easy conception and fatherhood. They often neglect the age factor, even though it is linked to hormonal imbalance, stress, and genetic issues. A large number of men are unaware of their fertility health and continue to suffer. However, even in the absence of visible health problems, older men may face unexpected fertility challenges. Dr Madhukar J Shinde, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, PCMC, Pune, answered this for Health and Me.

Read more: The Overlooked Role of Men in IVF: Why Their Silent Strength Is Key to Fertility Success

Why do older men struggle with infertility?

Decline in sperm quality: Various studies have confirmed that as men age, sperm count, movement, and shape can slowly decline. Even if the numbers appear normal, DNA damage in sperm increases with age, which can reduce the chances of successful fertilisation.

1. Hormonal imbalance: It is important to note that testosterone levels naturally decrease over time. Lower testosterone can affect sperm production, sexual function, and overall reproductive performance, even when a man feels physically fit.
2. Some medical conditions tend to take a toll on fertility: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disorders become more common with age. These may be well-managed and symptom-free, but can still affect sperm health and fertility.
3. Stress and other lifestyle factors can impact fertility: Chronic stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, or exposure to pollution can take a toll on sperm quality and lead to fertility issues that can be worrisome for men. Preservatives in a lot of frozen and junk food not only contribute to poor fertility health, but research suggests they may also affect DNA function. Therefore, men should stay vigilant.
4. Genetic issues: Advanced paternal age is associated with a higher risk of genetic mutations in sperm. This can further affect embryo development and increase the risk of miscarriage or certain developmental conditions.

Men must stay in touch with a fertility consultant who can design an appropriate treatment plan. The expert will evaluate them thoroughly and suggest lifestyle modifications such as a well-balanced diet, exercise, stress management through meditation, and medication for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. Awareness helps men take informed steps towards parenthood, even later in life. Certain pre-medications, including antioxidants advised by a fertility consultant, may significantly help in reducing DNA fragmentation, which contributes to poor sperm function. Therefore, men should prioritise their reproductive health, stay informed, and not suffer in silence.