NHS Worker Loses Six Stone with Mounjaro, Faces Price Hike

A healthcare assistant from Colchester, Essex, has successfully lost six stone (38.1 kg) using the weight loss injection Mounjaro, but a recent price increase will compel her to take on additional work shifts. Carly Stokes, 40, reached her peak weight of 14 stone (88.9 kg) in 2021, a situation exacerbated by early menopause that triggered emotional eating and led to feelings of low self-esteem.

Stokes, a mother of two, noted that she often turned to binge eating as a coping mechanism for her struggles. “I felt disgusting,” she shared, recalling how her weight impacted her self-image and social life. In 2022, after being diagnosed as pre-diabetic, she decided it was time for a change.

Initially, Stokes attempted to improve her diet but found herself reverting to unhealthy eating habits. Inspired by NHS colleagues who had experienced positive results with Mounjaro, she began her treatment in September 2024. This medication works by promoting a feeling of fullness, which helped her reduce her cravings significantly.

Weight Loss Journey and Financial Strain

Stokes reported losing weight steadily, averaging around 2 lbs (0.9 kg) per week. She now enjoys a healthier lifestyle, eating one substantial meal a day supplemented by fruits and vegetables. Despite her progress, she has faced challenges, including nausea, which she managed with anti-sickness wristbands.

As her treatment continues, Stokes is facing a significant financial hurdle. The monthly cost of Mounjaro is set to rise from £229 to £319 following a price hike announced by Eli Lilly, the medication’s manufacturer. Stokes emphasized the financial strain this increase places on her as an NHS worker, stating, “To cover the costs, I’ll just have to probably do an extra shift to cover that.”

In her view, many individuals on similar weight loss journeys may struggle with the increased costs. “I feel sorry for the people who are halfway into their journey of losing weight and now they’re going to have to pay a lot more money,” she said.

Impact of Mounjaro and Future Aspirations

Carly has shared her journey on social media, where she has garnered over 13,000 followers on Instagram under the handle @our.essex.homelife. Her posts highlight her meals and experiences with Mounjaro, inspiring others to consider the medication.

She now weighs eight stone (50.8 kg) and has a healthy body mass index (BMI) of 20.5, feeling more confident than ever. “I’m not breathless anymore, and I’m not hiding away anymore,” she expressed. Stokes is committed to maintaining her treatment, even if it means working extra hours to afford the medication.

Dr. Earim Chaudry, chief medical officer of Voy, the weight loss service Stokes uses, acknowledged the impact of the recent price hikes. He stated, “We understand that these increases have affected many patients.” He also mentioned that alternatives like Wegovy offer similar results at a more accessible price.

As Carly looks to the future, she remains hopeful about her journey and the potential for broader access to weight loss medications like Mounjaro. “There’s a lot of hospital admissions with obesity-related illnesses, so I think it could help the NHS if they made it more accessible,” she concluded, advocating for changes that could benefit others struggling with their weight.