After losing four stone on Mounjaro to prepare for IVF, Alice Dogruyol confronts the anxiety and risk of weight regain during mandatory withdrawal from the medication, highlighting the complex challenges of balancing fertility treatment with weight management.
Navigating the intricate journey of weight management, particularly in the context of impending motherhood, can evoke profound emotional and physical challenges. This reality hits particularly hard for those who have relied on GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which have provided not just weight loss, but a semblance of control over previously chaotic eating habits. For one woman, Alice Dogruyol, this struggle has been amplified as she approaches the crucial final attempt to conceive after years of battling against her weight and health complications.
After 17 months on Mounjaro, which has effectively allowed her to lose four stone and reach the necessary BMI of 32 for IVF, Alice now faces the daunting task of coming off the medication. The two-month withdrawal from GLP-1 drugs is mandatory for her IVF treatment, due to the unknown effects these medications might have on pregnancy. This sudden upheaval has led Alice to confront the haunting possibility of regaining the weight she worked so hard to shed, a change she describes as akin to “stepping off a cliff.” As she reduces her dosage, familiar feelings of hunger and anxiety have begun to resurface, manifesting in what diet industry specialists have termed “Oz-iety,” the anxiety that accompanies the cessation of weight-loss medications.
Alice’s experience is not unique; many individuals taking Mounjaro have reported significant weight loss benefits over alternatives like Ozempic. Studies indicate that users of Mounjaro were notably more successful at shedding weight than those on Ozempic, often losing 15% or more of their body weight within just a year. Unlike Ozempic, which targets only GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro also engages GIP receptors, enhancing its efficacy in reducing appetite and aiding in weight loss. Such findings underline the growing recognition of these medications as vital tools in obesity management, even if they are not FDA-approved for fertility treatments.
The impact of weight loss on fertility, particularly for those with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is well-documented. Losing weight can improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance, essential factors for healthy ovulation and conception. Alice’s underlying challenge of type 1 diabetes complicates her situation, underscoring a reality faced by many: controlling weight is often more than a matter of diet or willpower—it can be a multifaceted battle intertwining medical intricacies and emotional well-being.
Reflecting on the emotional aspects of her weight management journey, Alice recounts her past struggles with numerous diets, from gastric balloons to intensive therapy. While these efforts brought some insights, they often fell short of the transformative change she sought. It was only with the introduction of GLP-1 medications that she experienced a tangible shift, one that provided clarity of mind sufficient to adhere to a low-carb, intermittent fasting diet.
As the prospect of IVF looms, Alice has put in place a detailed strategy for maintaining her progress without Mounjaro. This includes incorporating muscle-building exercises, as increased muscle mass plays a crucial role in boosting metabolism and regulating blood sugar—an essential consideration for managing her diabetes. She is also adopting a low-carb lifestyle, which reduces her insulin levels and helps prevent fat storage.
She is aware of the potential pitfalls as she gradually reduces her medication. The instinct to revert to old eating habits—a rhythm that had become all too familiar—has begun to creep back into her mental landscape. Balancing her psychological responses to food with her long-term goals requires a robust commitment to self-control and healthy living strategies.
Moreover, Alice is exploring natural supplements, such as Calocurb, believed to stimulate the body’s satiety hormones and curb cravings significantly. The science behind these supplements aligns with emerging studies that show certain dietary fibres and gut bacteria can enhance metabolic health by increasing GLP-1 production and appetite regulation.
As she prepares for the challenges ahead, Alice recognises that sleep hygiene will play a fundamental role in her ability to control hunger. Poor sleep not only disrupts hormonal balance but can also trigger cravings for carbohydrates, underscoring the interconnectedness of lifestyle choices in the pursuit of health.
Alice’s determination to achieve motherhood underscores the broader themes of resilience and hope within the narrative of weight loss and fertility treatment. By implementing strategic lifestyle changes and remaining steadfast in her approach, she aims to harness her body’s potential while fostering an environment conducive to future conception. While the journey remains fraught with difficulties, the unwavering desire for motherhood propels her forward, compelling her to maintain a rigorous focus on her health and wellness.
This evolving story serves as a powerful testament to the complex interplay between weight management and fertility, challenging preconceived notions and highlighting the urgent need for personalised approaches in medical and therapeutic settings.
Reference Map
- Lead article and personal narrative
- Study comparisons of Mounjaro and Ozempic
- Insights on weight loss and fertility
- Additional weight loss study findings
- Overview of Mounjaro’s effects in broader studies
- Insights from health professionals regarding weight loss medications
- Study highlighting weight loss more effectively achieved with Mounjaro
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14724827/Mounjaro-IVF-hunger-supplement-Ozempic.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/business/money-report/mounjaro-is-more-effective-than-ozempic-for-weight-loss-in-overweight-and-obese-adults-real-world-study-says/4896939/ – A real-world study published in November 2023 indicates that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is more effective than Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight loss in overweight and obese adults. The study found that patients on Mounjaro were significantly more likely to lose 5%, 10%, and 15% of their body weight compared to those on Ozempic. Additionally, Mounjaro users experienced larger reductions in body weight at three, six, and twelve months. Both drugs are GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management, but Mounjaro also targets GIP receptors, potentially enhancing its efficacy. ([nbcnewyork.com](https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/business/money-report/mounjaro-is-more-effective-than-ozempic-for-weight-loss-in-overweight-and-obese-adults-real-world-study-says/4896939/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/sep/15/ozempic-changed-my-life-do-diabetes-jabs-boost-the-chances-of-conception – An article from September 2024 discusses the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic on fertility. It highlights that weight loss achieved through these medications can improve insulin sensitivity, potentially restoring hormonal balance necessary for ovulation. The piece also notes that while these drugs are not approved for treating infertility, they may offer benefits for women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects about one in ten women of childbearing age. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/sep/15/ozempic-changed-my-life-do-diabetes-jabs-boost-the-chances-of-conception?utm_source=openai))
- https://abcnews.go.com/amp/GMA/Wellness/weight-loss-mounjaro-ozempic-new-study-answer/story?id=111774135 – A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is more effective than Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight loss. Individuals taking Mounjaro were three times as likely to lose 15% or more of their total body weight, 2.5 times as likely to experience 10% or more weight loss, and 1.8 times as likely to experience 5% or more weight loss compared to those taking semaglutide. This finding was sustained at 12 months of follow-up, according to the study, which analyzed more than 18,000 patients with obesity, both with and without Type 2 diabetes. ([abcnews.go.com](https://abcnews.go.com/amp/GMA/Wellness/weight-loss-mounjaro-ozempic-new-study-answer/story?id=111774135&utm_source=openai))
- https://www.newsweek.com/better-weight-loss-ozempic-1922168 – An article from Newsweek discusses a recent study comparing the weight loss effects of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide). The study found that Mounjaro was more effective in shedding pounds among overweight and obese individuals. The article also notes that while both drugs reduce hunger signals to the brain, they operate through different mechanisms, with Mounjaro mimicking two gut hormones (GIP and GLP-1) and Ozempic mimicking only GLP-1. ([newsweek.com](https://www.newsweek.com/better-weight-loss-ozempic-1922168?utm_source=openai))
- https://uthscsa.edu/medicine/news/kens-5-study-finds-those-taking-mounjaro-have-better-chance-weight-loss-ozempic – A news segment from KENS 5 reports on a study indicating that individuals taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have a better chance at weight loss compared to those taking Ozempic (semaglutide). The segment features an interview with Dr. Carolina Solis-Herrera, chief of the Endocrinology Division at the Long School of Medicine, who discusses the findings and implications of the study. ([uthscsa.edu](https://uthscsa.edu/medicine/news/kens-5-study-finds-those-taking-mounjaro-have-better-chance-weight-loss-ozempic?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2023/dec/research-shows-mounjaro-achieves-better-weight-loss-results-than-wegovy-and-ozempic.html – Research published in December 2023 indicates that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) leads to faster and greater weight loss than Novo Nordisk’s versions Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide). The study found that 42.3% of people using Mounjaro lost at least 15% of their weight within a year, compared to only 19.3% of individuals using Wegovy or Ozempic. The study analyzed the health data of 9,193 adults using Mounjaro and the same number of people using Ozempic. ([diabetes.co.uk](https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2023/dec/research-shows-mounjaro-achieves-better-weight-loss-results-than-wegovy-and-ozempic.html?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative does not contain outdated information, but it does not provide explicit dates for the events mentioned. It discusses current medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic, which are in use today, but lacks specific dates or references to recent news events.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from a specific individual, Alice Dogruyol, but does not provide an original source for these quotes. The uniqueness of the quotes suggests they might be original to this narrative.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, which is a well-known publication but can vary in reliability depending on the topic. The narrative does not cite specific academic studies or peer-reviewed sources directly.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative discusses recognized weight loss medications like Mounjaro and their effects on fertility, which aligns with current medical understanding. The emphasis on lifestyle changes and medical supervision for fertility treatment is plausible.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a plausible account of weight management challenges related to fertility treatments, utilizing recognized medications like Mounjaro. However, it lacks specific dates and academic references, which affects its overall reliability. The use of direct quotes without original sources and the publication’s variable reliability contribute to the need for further verification.
