Weight loss drugs have surged to unprecedented popularity, dominating social media feeds and online discussions. From Ozempic and Wegovy to Mounjaro, these injections are increasingly portrayed as fast-track solutions to dramatic physical transformations, endorsed by celebrities, influencers and everyday users alike.
The appeal is largely driven by results. Many users report rapid and visible weight loss, fueling demand across the globe. Yet behind the viral success stories lies a more complicated reality—one that includes physical side effects, mental health challenges, high financial costs and growing social judgment.
A more unfiltered perspective recently came from stand-up comedian and content creator Aishwarya Mohanraj, who shared a candid account of her weight loss journey in a YouTube video. Rather than showcasing a polished “glow-up,” Mohanraj offered a detailed and personal explanation of the medical, emotional and financial factors that led her to use Mounjaro.
In the video, Mohanraj revealed that she weighed around 51 kg at the beginning of 2021, but her weight increased to nearly 70 kg within months. She attributed the change not only to lifestyle factors but also to underlying health conditions, including PCOD and hypothyroidism, which made weight management especially difficult.
“I stopped making videos. I stopped coming online because I could not see myself,” she said, describing the toll the changes took on her mental health.
While weight gain affected her overall confidence, Mohanraj admitted that her double chin became her biggest insecurity. In January 2025, she began focusing on diet and daily exercise to regain her jawline. However, medical setbacks—including plantar fasciitis and high uric acid levels—forced her to stop exercising, leading to renewed weight gain and exhaustion. After reviewing her blood reports with her doctor in May, she decided to explore medical intervention.
Mohonraj disclosed that she began using Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a weekly injectable medication prescribed for weight management. The results were swift. She lost one kilogram in the first week, four kilograms in the first month, and a total of 22 kilograms over six months, bringing her weight down from 74 kg to 52 kg.
She also noted unexpected benefits, including regulated menstrual cycles for the first time in years. However, Mohanraj did not shy away from discussing the downsides. She experienced nausea during the initial phase, extreme appetite suppression and noticeable hair loss—effects she attributed to the speed of the weight loss.
Despite her results, Mohanraj was clear that she does not recommend Mounjaro to others. Stressing that she is not a medical professional, she repeatedly urged viewers to consult qualified doctors rather than treating her experience as advice. She also highlighted the cost factor, explaining that each injection costs around ₹4,000, making the treatment inaccessible to many.
According to medical guidance from institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic, Mounjaro is administered as a subcutaneous injection once every seven days, with injection sites rotated regularly. When combined with insulin, the medications must be injected separately.
Beyond weight loss, the drug has been associated with additional benefits, including improved cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and reduced risk of diabetes-related heart complications. However, it also carries common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and bloating.
More serious complications, though rare, include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues and kidney problems. Health authorities have warned users of GLP-1 medications—including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro—to remain alert for symptoms of severe pancreatic inflammation, such as intense abdominal and back pain. In January, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency reiterated the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if such symptoms occur.
“The risk of developing these severe side effects is very small, but it is important that patients and healthcare professionals are aware and alert to the associated symptoms,” said Dr Alison Cave, the agency’s chief safety officer.
As weight loss injections continue to trend online, Mohanraj’s story stands out for its honesty. It underscores a crucial reminder amid the hype: rapid weight loss may come with real physical, emotional and financial consequences, making informed medical guidance essential in any weight loss journey.
