Thursday, January 15, 2026 – Kelly Parish, 32, revealed she will likely need to stay on the weight loss medication Mounjaro for life after regaining weight when she tried to stop taking it. The talent executive from Sunderland had successfully lost over four stone, reaching a size 12, but her body quickly reverted after she came off the drug.
Kelly’s Struggle After Stopping Mounjaro
After weaning herself off Mounjaro, Kelly faced intense food cravings and found herself eating her old comfort foods, including 12-inch pizzas and late-night snacks. Within weeks, she gained 9 pounds. She described the experience as being constantly challenged by “voices in her head” saying, “Go back on Mounjaro” or “Don’t go back on it – people will think you’re a failure.”
Despite staying active at the gym, her sweet cravings returned, and Kelly struggled to balance her calories, which she had managed easily while on Mounjaro.
Returning to Mounjaro
In October 2025, Kelly resumed taking Mounjaro, starting at a low dose before increasing to 5mg. She now uses the medication as a guide rather than relying on it entirely. Kelly said: “I’m probably going to be on Mounjaro for life. But it’s manageable – I’m not relying on it, but it helps. I can eat my daily calories with no issue, and Mounjaro stops me going over them. My sweet cravings have stopped, and I’ve lost a stone, including the weight I had put back on, so I’m happy.”
The cost of the drug, around £200 per month, is a price Kelly is willing to pay to maintain her health and avoid returning to old habits.
Life Before Mounjaro
Before starting the medication in October 2024, Kelly weighed over 15.5 stone and wore a size 18. She had struggled with her weight for over a decade and was at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By July 2025, Mounjaro had helped her reach a healthier 11st 7lbs, but she admitted that it altered her appetite and taste buds, making eating purely functional rather than enjoyable.
“When I eat, it’s because I need it – not because I enjoy the taste,” she explained. “Even a takeaway pizza doesn’t taste the same anymore.”
Kelly’s Commitment to Health
Kelly is determined to stay at a size 12 and maintain her health. She described Mounjaro as a “helping hand” rather than a crutch, combining it with calorie counting and exercise to ensure long-term success.
“I’d rather be on it for life than be overweight. My health is my first priority, and at least I’m paying for it myself so it doesn’t affect anyone else.”
