When you hear about someone losing nine stone in less than a year, it’s easy to assume they’ve got it all figured out.
But for Marc McKee, a Northern Irish TikToker sharing his weight loss journey under the handle @my.health.with.marc, the story was anything but smooth.
Marc recently opened up about the mistakes he made while using Mounjaro, the now-famous weight-loss jab, and the lessons he wishes someone had told him from the start.
His goal? To help others avoid the same pitfalls.
The Five Things Marc Learned the Hard Way
In one of his most popular videos, Marc breaks down his top five lessons from his 10-month transformation—and he doesn’t sugarcoat it.
1. Not Planning for Social Events
Marc admitted that he often found himself unprepared when it came to dining out.
He’d “wing it,” ending up eating meals that didn’t align with his goals or left him feeling off.
His advice? Check the menu beforehand so you can choose something that works for your nutritional needs.
2. Letting People’s Opinions Get to Him
Comments like “You don’t need that” or “Just be healthy” hit hard.
Marc said those kinds of remarks really shook his confidence.
His solution now is simple but powerful: “Protect your peace.”
3. Falling Into the Comparison Trap
Like many others, Marc got caught up comparing his progress to others using Mounjaro.
“Why are they losing weight faster than me?” he’d ask.
Eventually, he realized it was pointless.
Everyone’s body responds differently. Comparison only slows you down.
4. Wearing Oversized Clothes
As the pounds came off, Marc kept wearing his old, baggy clothes—which left him feeling disconnected from the changes happening in his body.
Once he started buying properly fitting clothes, his mindset caught up.
He recommends second-hand stores or apps like Vinted for affordable, short-term wardrobe updates.
5. Treating It Like a Quick Fix
Marc admitted that at first, he treated Mounjaro like a shortcut.
But the turning point came when he focused on the basics: routine, sleep, hydration, movement.
That’s when everything started to feel sustainable, and not just like a temporary solution.
A Community Opens Up in the Comments
Marc’s honest post resonated deeply with his followers. Many thanked him for being so transparent, sharing their own struggles and triumphs in the comments.
One user confessed that the clothes they bought for an upcoming holiday were already too big.
Another praised Marc for giving them the motivation to keep going.
Someone else said they were nervous to start Mounjaro until they saw his content, which made them feel more confident about giving it a shot.
Mounjaro Goes Mainstream Through the NHS
As of this month, Mounjaro—also known by its medical name, tirzepatide—has become more widely accessible in England.
Under new NHS guidelines, around 220,000 severely obese people will now be able to get the jab for free through their GP.
The weekly injection helps people lose up to 20% of their body weight in a year, and until recently, was only available through private clinics at £250 a month or via specialist NHS clinics with long waiting lists.
Now, patients with a BMI over 40 and at least four obesity-related conditions (like diabetes or sleep apnoea) can get it from their local doctor.
One Woman’s Warning About the Side Effects
While Marc’s journey was mostly positive, others have had more complicated experiences.
Ellen Ogley, a 42-year-old mum from Yorkshire, saw quick results with Mounjaro—too quick, in fact.
Ellen dropped a staggering 6st after struggling with her weight for years.
But once she stopped taking the injections, things took a concerning turn.
From Snack Cravings to ‘Skeletor’ Comments
Ellen initially praised Mounjaro for helping her overcome emotional eating habits.
“I used to raid the snack cupboard constantly,” she said.
“Once I started on Mounjaro, it was like someone switched that off.”
Within five months, she was down to 10st and feeling healthier.
But when she stopped the jab, she became overly focused on getting thinner and thinner.
The result? Hurtful comments online comparing her to Skeletor, the villain from the old He-Man cartoon.
She also received warnings from loved ones—her husband said she looked unwell, and that was the wake-up call she needed.
Rebuilding Muscle and Confidence
Ellen decided to take control in a new way.
She took up weight training, focused on protein-rich foods, and introduced healthy swaps like Greek yoghurt with berries to fight sugar cravings.
She also started practicing portion control and replacing takeaways with homemade meals.
The result? She got her strength back—and even discovered visible abs at age 42.
The Hidden Risk of Muscle Loss
Experts say that rapid weight loss, especially through medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, can also lead to muscle loss if patients don’t eat enough or engage in strength training.
That’s why Ellen’s pivot to weightlifting was so important.
A recent Oxford study even warned that many people regain the weight within 10 months of stopping the jab if they don’t commit to a long-term healthy lifestyle.
Ellen’s Battle with Cancer and a Turning Point
For Ellen, this journey was also about survival.
In 2023, she was diagnosed with both cervical and ovarian cancer.
Her doctors advised her to lose weight before undergoing a hysterectomy, a major operation to remove the uterus.
Determined to reduce her risks, she began with a strict fasting diet that helped her drop 3st.
But she knew it wasn’t sustainable. “I was basically starving myself,” she admitted.
That’s when she turned to Mounjaro—and eventually, a healthier, more balanced routine.
What These Stories Teach Us
Marc and Ellen’s journeys couldn’t be more different, but they share a common theme: weight loss isn’t just about the numbers on the scale.
It’s about mindset, support, and building habits that stick.
While drugs like Mounjaro can be powerful tools, they’re not magic pills—and without lifestyle changes, the results may not last.
As Marc put it: “We’re all learning together.” And sometimes, the most helpful advice comes not from professionals, but from people who’ve lived it.