Mounjaro Stories: An Interview with Andrew

Welcome to our latest edition of the Life on Mounjaro interview series, where we speak to real people about their journey with Mounjaro. Today, we meet Andrew, a product manager in the tech industry who shares his refreshingly honest and articulate experience after six months on Mounjaro.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background (age, lifestyle, health history, etc.)?

Hi, I’m Andrew. I’m in my very late 50s and have worked in tech for most of my career, mainly in product management, with a focus on regulated industries like pharma and clinical trials. My lifestyle has always been pretty full-on: long hours, lots of travel, and a real passion for the work I do. Despite staying relatively active and even running the Boston Marathon back in 2012, weight has always been a challenge for me.

I’m over six feet tall, so I’ve tended to carry extra weight reasonably well, but I’ve rarely been within what the NHS or CDC would call a “healthy” BMI. Even when I was marathon-fit, I was in the low 190lbs. So this has been a lifelong issue, one I’ve managed, ignored, confronted, and circled back to more times than I can count.

What led you to consider Mounjaro? (Was it recommended by a doctor? Personal research? A specific health concern?)

I actually decided to try Mounjaro after working on several clinical trials involving GLP-1 agonists. I was seeing these drugs being tested in combination with other treatments to enhance effectiveness, and one day I just thought, “What the hell, why not try it myself?”

I did quite a bit of personal research and felt that Mounjaro was a good fit for my situation. I also read that the injectable pen was virtually painless, which helped, because the idea of injecting myself frankly scared the bejesus out of me.

When did you start taking Mounjaro, and what were your initial expectations?

I started Mounjaro on December 13, 2024, at 237.6 lbs. My expectations were realistic. I wasn’t expecting a miracle, but I hoped it would help reduce the daily mental struggle around food choices. That constant internal negotiation had become exhausting.

What was your first experience like? Did you notice any immediate changes?

The first injection was a huge relief. I followed the instructions exactly, and it really was painless. But what stood out even more was what happened the next day: I just wasn’t thinking about food all the time anymore.

I’d heard people online talk about “food noise,” and honestly, I didn’t understand what they meant. In my world, “food noise” was the sound of unwrapping a packet of biscuits. But suddenly, I understood. I’d walk to the shop and come back with just eggs or a paper, no Hula Hoops, no chocolate. For the first time, I wasn’t being ambushed by food impulses.

Were there any challenges or surprises in the beginning?

The food noise disappearing was probably the biggest and most surprising shift. I hadn’t realised how much brain space it had been taking up until it went quiet. It was like discovering you’ve been living next to a humming generator your whole life, and then one day it’s just… off.

One other important realisation: I used to think that people who didn’t struggle with food were just better at resisting temptation. But what I’ve learned is that they’re not resisting at all. They’re not even playing the same game. That’s not a moral failure on my part. It’s just a different challenge. Knowing that has helped me let go of a lot of shame.

How has Mounjaro impacted your weight, blood sugar levels, energy, or overall well-being?

As of today, I’ve lost just over 53 pounds. I’m now at 184.6 lbs, and my BMI has gone from 36 to 25. I’m aiming for 172 as a final goal, and from there, I’ll shift into maintenance. The biggest change I’ve noticed? My tight 38-inch waist trousers have been replaced with 34s that are actually a bit too big now.

Have you experienced any side effects? How have you managed them?

Side effects have been pretty minimal. The main thing has been staying regular, which I manage by taking a sachet of Fybogel (psyllium husk) every morning and drinking plenty of water. That seems to keep everything moving comfortably.

A weird but welcome side effect? I used to drink Diet Pepsi almost daily. Since the day of my first injection, I’ve had no interest in it at all, not one can. It’s like a switch flipped.

What non-scale victories (NSVs) have you noticed?

The biggest non-scale victory? I’ve replaced my entire wardrobe. I feel sharper, more put-together, and way more confident in what I wear. There’s something powerful about dressing in a way that reflects how you feel, rather than just trying to make do.

Another NSV moment: I recently went on a holiday to New Zealand that included a 40+ mile hike over three and a half days, carrying all my own gear and food. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to eat enough for the activity level, so I extended my dosing interval and stayed on a lower dose. I ate freely, including treats like ice cream, and when I came back, I’d actually lost a pound. That felt like a successful “test run” of maintenance, and it gave me a lot of confidence about what comes next.

Has Mounjaro influenced your approach to diet, exercise, or other lifestyle habits & have you made any long-term changes to support your health journey?

Honestly, the biggest shift has been mental. Before Mounjaro, dieting always felt like a constant, conscious effort, a background app that was always running and draining energy. That’s probably why diets never really worked for me long term: they required sustained willpower, and eventually, something had to give.

But now? I don’t think about food the same way. It’s not a battle anymore. Mounjaro seems to be running its own background process, and I just get on with my life. I still enjoy food, I still eat things I like, but that internal tug-of-war is gone. And that’s honestly wonderful.

What kind of support system do you have (friends, family, online communities) or have you found any resources (books, podcasts, social media groups) particularly helpful?

I’ve been pretty open about my use of Mounjaro, and almost universally, the response has been supportive and often curious. People want to know more, and there’s a real sense of interest rather than judgment.

Reddit has been my go-to place for community and support. It’s been invaluable, not just for the emotional encouragement but also for practical tips and shared experiences. That said, I also benefit from being involved in several clinical trials with GLP-1s, so I’ve got a strong understanding of the science. When people do throw out opinions as if they’re facts, I’m usually in a good position to gently challenge that with evidence-based info.

What advice would you give to someone considering Mounjaro for the first time and if you could go back to your first day on Mounjaro, what would you tell yourself?

This is a tricky one because I often want to talk to people who are clearly facing the same lifelong struggle I’ve had. But I also know that proselytising can backfire. So I take a softer approach. I just mention that I’m using a GLP-1, and if someone shows interest, I’m completely open about my experience. More often than not, that leads to a sort of come-to-Jesus moment where they want to know everything.

For anyone considering it, I’d start by saying this: GLP-1 agonists aren’t new. They’ve been used in clinical practice for nearly 25 years, mainly for diabetes, and they have a solid safety profile, even for long-term use. That often surprises people and helps dispel the myth that this is some brand-new, untested fad.

And my advice? Just give it a go. If it works for you, amazing. If it doesn’t, that’s fine too. You can stop at any time. There’s no complicated weaning off process. The stakes aren’t as high as people sometimes imagine.

Is there anything else you’d like to share that we haven’t covered?

It’s only been about six months, but I can already see that I’ll likely be on these drugs for the rest of my life, and honestly, that’s fine. More than fine, actually. I’m happy to do it because I’ve gained so much in return: more mental capacity to focus on things that matter, better physical health, and a more positive relationship with myself.

I also think this class of drugs is evolving quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a daily tablet form become widely available soon, which would make it more accessible, convenient, and probably more affordable as well.

Thank you so much to Andrew for sharing his story with such honesty and clarity. His reflections on food noise, mindset shifts, and navigating life on Mounjaro offer real insight and encouragement for others on a similar journey.

If you’re currently taking Mounjaro and would like to share your own experience—whether you’re just starting out or well into maintenance—we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch via lifeonmounjaro@gmail.com or drop us a message on Instagram.(@mounjaro.life) . Your story could help someone else take the first step.