At 32, Kelly faced over ten years of weight struggles that brought her close to developing type 2 diabetes. When she began treatment with Mounjaro, her life changed dramatically as she lost more than four stone, dropping from a size 18 to 12. While she did experience common side effects like low energy, diarrhea, and hair thinning, it was an unanticipated change to her sense of taste that proved most challenging.
Kelly shared with NeedToKnow, “Mounjaro has completely changed my taste buds. Around 1pm, I feel hungry, but when I eat, the taste of any food immediately puts me off.” Despite feeling true hunger, the flavors that once brought her joy now repulse her, making mealtime difficult.
Pharmacists note that Mounjaro users often report altered taste perceptions, where food seems less appealing or tastes different. While this shift can help reduce calorie intake, it may also create nutritional challenges if healthy foods become unappetizing.
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Previously, Kelly enjoyed eating for pleasure, frequently indulging in takeaways and comfort foods after meals. Now, even her favorite dishes fail to tempt her palate. She documented the strange effects on TikTok, showing herself trying sushi, protein bars, and strawberries—with little success. In one clip, she exclaimed, “This was disgusting, and I was just so over it all.”
Protein shakes have become a vital part of Kelly’s diet during this transition. Though her cravings have started to return slightly as her body adjusts to long-term use, she says, “When I started Mounjaro, those cravings completely stopped, which helped the weight fall off. Now, even when I get cravings, I know I won’t enjoy the taste if I give in.”
Before Mounjaro, Kelly recalls constantly craving pizza, burgers, and various takeout cuisines that she felt compelled to satisfy. Today, she’s able to separate hunger from desire, viewing food as nourishment rather than a source of pleasure.
Despite the taste changes, Kelly plans to continue her Mounjaro journey as she approaches her goal weight. “I enjoy being on it, and though I’ve heard horror stories, I’ve done my research and haven’t had health complications.”
Beyond weight loss, Kelly emphasizes the improvement in her mental health and quality of life: “I look in the mirror and no longer hate myself. I can play with my children without getting out of breath, and I’m no longer ashamed of being in pictures with them. I’ve learned that food is a need, not a want. I eat to fuel my body and get on with life, rather than obsessing over meals.”