The cost of the weight loss injection Mounjaro, medically known as tirzepatide,is set to significantly increase, threatening to ignite a 'cost of slimming crisis' with monthly prescription bills potentially soaring by over £100 from September. Currently, a typical monthly prescription for Mounjaro, often referred to as the 'King Kong of weight loss jabs', could rise from under £200 to more than £300. This impending price hike has left some individuals contemplating debt to continue their treatment, while others are actively seeking and revealing more natural, wallet-friendly alternatives for achieving weight loss.

Mounjaro functions by suppressing appetite, fostering a prolonged sense of fullness in users. It is officially licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and for individuals who are clinically obese, defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Administered as a weekly injection, the duration of treatment varies depending on the individual's weight loss journey. However, beyond the financial strain, a 'dark side' to weight loss drugs like Mounjaro has emerged. Tragic incidents, such as the death of 58-year-old Scots nurse Susan McGowan after taking low-dose Mounjaro injections, underscore the severe risks.

Nearly 400 individuals have been hospitalized due to adverse reactions to weight loss drugs, with reported side effects including severe dehydration from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Doctors have also observed “life-threatening complications” such as seizures, bowel obstruction, and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even reported a seizure after taking high doses of Ozempic. Lilly UK, the makers of Mounjaro, prioritize patient safety, stating that regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments and that they are committed to monitoring and reporting safety data, advising users to consult a healthcare professional for side effects.

Photo Credit: Numan

Amidst these concerns, a TikTok user, known as @biffgoudiebkup, shared her remarkable natural weight loss journey, claiming to have shed several dress sizes, transitioning from a size 20 to a size 12, without resorting to Mounjaro. She highlighted a method that not only “beats Mounjaro” in effectiveness but is also significantly more economical, advocating for accessible and sustainable alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions.

The TikToker attributed her impressive transformation to “fruit fasting,” a dietary approach where only fruit is consumed for several consecutive days. This method relies on the low-calorie, high-water content nature of fruits such as watermelon and apple, which can contribute to shedding weight. Alongside physical changes, she also reported an unexpected benefit: improved sleep quality, stating, “Day four of my fruit fast. Slept like a baby last night, first time in years I've had a full 12 hours. Could this fasting be healing insomnia? I think so.”

However, the efficacy and safety of fruit fasting are viewed with caution by health professionals. Ashley Simper, manager of Dietetic Services with OSF HealthCare, warned against a sudden increase in fibre, which is characteristic of an all-fruit diet, stating, “Fibre is important to help keep our digestive system moving. But if you have a sudden increase in fibre in your diet… it can have the opposite effect. The claims to reduce bloating can be quite the opposite.

It can actually promote bloating, abdominal cramping and pain.” She recommends a gradual increase in fibre intake, coupled with adequate fluid consumption (eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily), rather than drastic overnight changes. While fruit fasting itself hasn't been directly linked to curing insomnia, certain fruits like kiwis, tart cherries, and pineapples are indeed popular for potentially improving sleep quality, as reported by Hartford Healthcare.

In a similar vein of promoting natural wellness, content creator Gina Drewalowski,a mother-of-two from Germany, shared her “three go-to” recipes that help her maintain a slim physique without relying on weight loss injections like Ozempic. With over 719k followers on Instagram, Gina's mission is to “spread positivity” and assert that “ageing is our super power,” emphasizing the importance of fueling the body properly alongside regular exercise rather than succumbing to restrictive diets or quick fixes.

For breakfast, Gina recommends a “towel of scrambled eggs,” a simple yet filling dish comprising one slice of whole grain bread, three eggs, 50g of cherry tomatoes, and two slices of smoked turkey breast. This breakfast, which involves scrambling eggs, cutting bread into a round, filling it with eggs and warm tomatoes, and topping with turkey, provides just 348 calories, but boasts an impressive 27g of protein, nearly 21g of carbs, and 16.6g of healthy fats, highlighting its nutritional value and satiety.

Her lunch suggestion is a salmon and avocado “power” bread, totaling 420 calories. This “flat tummy” recipe calls for one slice of wholegrain bread, half an avocado mashed with sea salt, lime, and pink pepper, two boiled and mashed eggs, one small cucumber, one slice of gravlax, and fresh cress. The preparation is straightforward: spread avocado and egg on bread, add cucumber, gravlax, and finish with cress. This meal is packed with 26g of protein, 22g of carbs, 25g of fat, and 7g of fibre, designed to be both delicious and energy-boosting.

Photo Credit: The New York Times

For dinner, Gina offers a healthier take on a Chinese favourite: a special sweet and sour beef wok. Key ingredients include 200g beef tenderloin, carrot, red and yellow bell pepper, pineapple, spinach, garlic, ginger, coconut oil, and optional rice. The sauce is made from soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice. The cooking involves quickly searing beef, stir-frying vegetables and pineapple, adding spinach and sauce, returning the beef, and sprinkling sesame seeds. With rice, this dinner amounts to approximately 480 calories, providing a substantial 35g of protein, 15g of fats, and 50g of carbs.

Gina’s overarching philosophy, shared in her captions, emphasizes balance and self-love: “Not every day is a flat-tummy day – and that’s perfectly okay. Especially if you’re training regularly, don’t forget to fuel your body properly. These are just feel-good ideas – always adapt them to your personal lifestyle and needs! Nourish your body with love – not restriction. Strong feels good.” Her approach underscores that sustainable well-being comes from mindful eating and listening to one’s body, offering a stark contrast to the costly and potentially hazardous quick fixes like Mounjaro.