A father from England recently shared the unexpected challenges he faced while traveling after using Mounjaro, a weight-loss medication. Mark Spurr, a resident of West Yorkshire, initially attempted to qualify for weight loss injections through the NHS when his weight hit approximately 420 pounds, with a BMI of 57.
Mark, who worked as a security officer, faced difficulties walking even short distances and realized his job was in jeopardy when he could no longer fit into his stab-proof vest. Despite being in significant discomfort, Mark did not meet the NHS criteria for weight loss injections, which require a BMI over 35 and at least one weight-related illness. Although he had Type-2 diabetes, his condition wasn’t severe enough for the program.
Mark recounted his experience, saying: “I was basically on my hands and knees, crying my eyes out and pleading with my GP to prescribe me something. I might as well have been smashing my head against a brick wall as I was told I didn’t fit the criteria, but they recommended that I take it privately.”
Following this advice, Mark chose to go private and has spent approximately $4,597 (£3,500) on Mounjaro over the past 17 months. This decision has led to a remarkable weight loss of 182 pounds and an 18-inch reduction in his waistline.
Although Mounjaro is known for aiding weight loss, Mark’s drastic transformation caused an unanticipated problem when he attempted to board a flight to Spain. He commented: “Mounjaro has given me my life back in so many ways. I have reversed my Type 2 diabetes, saved my job and am spending more time with the family – doing normal things like going for a walk rather than hiding in a gym where I was too unfit for outdoor exercise.”
“I even need a new passport. Flying to Spain in June, airline staff said my picture doesn’t look like me and nearly didn’t let me board the flight.”
Despite the financial cost of Mounjaro, Mark believes it has saved him money compared to his past expenses on junk food and takeaways. He is now helping others through their weight loss journeys via his TikTok and YouTube channels, @markonmounjaro, but emphasizes that the injection is “not a magic jab.”
Mark has transformed his diet, opting for healthier meals like chicken with rice and egg salad. He explained: “It gets more difficult to remain focused as time goes on and if you’re not prepared to change, you will be throwing money down the drain. You’ve still got to be prepared to quit the junk food and get help with the emotional side of what’s causing you to eat.”
His efforts have been fruitful, as Mark shared: “I went for a medical review at my GP and the blood test results came back showing that my blood pressure was much lower – with no Type 2 diabetes. So I was put into remission with no need for medicine besides the Mounjaro, which helps to control it.”
Mark is now fundraising for surgery to remove 28 pounds of excess skin, aiming to reach his target weight of 210 pounds. His GoFundMe page is available for those who wish to support him.
The manufacturer of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly, has been contacted for a statement.