A Mother’s Journey to Weight Loss and Lessons Learned
Camilla Do Rosario, a 30-year-old mother of two from Essex, has experienced a remarkable transformation by shedding nearly half her bodyweight using weight loss injections. At her heaviest, she weighed 25-and-a-half stone (158 kg), but after starting treatment with Mounjaro in April 2024, she has lost an incredible 10-and-a-half stone (66 kg). In a video shared with her 152,000 TikTok followers, she reflected on what she would tell her younger self before beginning the journey.
One piece of advice she wishes she had known is about the side effects of the medication. The most uncomfortable one for her was constipation. Camilla emphasized the importance of incorporating prunes into her daily routine to manage this issue. She explained that prunes are high in fiber and contain sorbitol, a natural sugar that helps draw water into the gut, making them effective for relieving constipation.
She also mentioned trying various remedies, including eating unpeeled kiwis, which led to an unpleasant experience. Prunes became her go-to solution, and she even admitted to consuming seven to 10 of them when she needed a more thorough cleanse. Despite their unappealing nature, she insisted they were the best option for her.
In addition to constipation, Camilla faced another unexpected side effect: hair loss. She revealed that she lost about half of her hair, a common but not officially recognized side effect of the medication. She described this as part of a process of shedding her old self and embracing a healthier version of herself. After discussing with the team at Voy, who provide her injections, she learned that this type of hair loss is often linked to dietary changes.
Camilla also addressed the skepticism from those who believe that losing weight doesn’t equate to happiness. Her goal, however, is not just to be skinny but to be healthy for the sake of her family. She shared how her weight loss significantly improved her life, impacting not only her own well-being but also that of her husband, children, parents, and friends.
Her journey highlights the challenges of weight loss treatments and the importance of understanding and managing side effects. With more than 1.6 million Britons expected to receive similar injections on the NHS over the next 12 years, the use of these medications is becoming increasingly common. Mounjaro, which costs £122 per month, is a GLP-1 agonist used to manage blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss. Other similar medications include Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus.
Currently, there are approximately 500,000 people in the UK taking weight loss medications, mostly through private prescriptions. As the popularity of these treatments grows, it’s essential for individuals to be aware of both the benefits and potential side effects. Camilla’s story serves as a reminder that while weight loss can bring about significant positive changes, it also requires careful management and support.