Labour MP Carolyn Harris Shares Weight Loss Journey with Mounjaro Amid Rising Demand for Weight-Loss Injections
Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Neath and Swansea East, lost nearly 10 stone after starting treatment with Mounjaro in October 2024, dropping from a dress size 24 to 10. Her motivation for seeking treatment was mobility issues, as she found it increasingly difficult to walk. For instance, she once attempted to walk around a lake in Swansea for International Menopause Day but had to stop a quarter of the way through.
Harris opted for private treatment and obtained the drug through a GP to ensure she received medical checks, highlighting the importance of regulated medical supervision rather than acquiring such medications online. She criticized online trolls and urged the public to access weight-loss treatments via regulated healthcare channels.
The National Pharmacy Association reported a surge in demand for weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Ozempic, noting that some individuals obtain these drugs illegally through beauty salons or social media platforms. Regarding regulation, in England, prescribing weight-loss injections must be done by a person registered with the Care Quality Commission, while in Wales, only doctors are required to register with Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. This discrepancy raises concerns about regulatory oversight and the safety risks from potential black market supply.
In response, the Welsh government acknowledged the considerable demand for weight management medicines and is working on a new access model with wrap-around support. Currently, urgent-access arrangements exist for patients with the most urgent clinical needs, while broader access is being considered.
