Imagine shedding over 5 stone (70 lbs) and reclaiming your confidence, all thanks to a revolutionary weight-loss medication—but what if a pesky side effect threatened to derail your progress? That's exactly what happened to 35-year-old Portia Devine, who found a genius solution to combat the nausea that plagues thousands of Mounjaro users. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: her secret weapon? An £8 gadget that's typically used for seasickness! Could this be the game-changer for those struggling with weight-loss medication side effects?
Weight-loss injections have transformed lives worldwide, but for some, the journey isn't without hurdles. Portia, a project manager from Ely, Cambridgeshire, nearly became one of those who had to abandon her treatment due to persistent nausea. At her heaviest, she weighed 14st 7lbs (203 lbs) in 2022, trapped in a cycle of emotional eating and low self-esteem. Standing at just 5ft 1in (154.9cm), she felt consumed by thoughts of food—until she started Mounjaro in April 2025. Since then, she's dropped a dress size every month, reaching a healthy 8st 11lbs (123 lbs) and a UK size eight. But it wasn't just the medication that made the difference; it was her discovery of Sea-Band's acupressure bands, a simple yet effective tool that targets the Nei-Kuan pressure point on the wrist, traditionally used to combat motion sickness.
But here's the controversial part: while Mounjaro has been a miracle for Portia, the side effects—like nausea, diarrhoea, and even hair loss—raise questions about the long-term impact of such medications. Are we sacrificing too much for the sake of quick results? And this is the part most people miss: hair loss, for instance, is often linked to malnutrition from reduced food intake, not the drug itself. Portia, now with a healthy BMI of 23.2, admits, 'Food used to feel like an addiction. Mounjaro changed my mindset—I see food as fuel now.'
Her journey wasn't without challenges. Overweight since age 10, Portia's weight spiraled after a failed relationship led to emotional eating. By 2022, her diet consisted of skipped breakfasts, sandwiches with crisps for lunch, and calorie-laden stews for dinner. Despite gym visits, her weight plateaued, and her self-esteem hit rock bottom. 'I felt like I was fighting my body,' she recalls. After trying countless diets, Mounjaro silenced her 'food noise' instantly. 'It was a huge relief,' she says. Now, her diet prioritizes protein and fiber, with meals like yogurt, flaxseeds, and low-fat cottage pie.
But here's the real question: Can Mounjaro be a sustainable solution, or is it just a temporary fix? Portia plans to wean off the medication once she reaches her goal weight of 8st 7lb (119 lbs), but will her newfound habits stick? She's confident, but only time will tell. To those struggling, she says, 'If I can do it, anyone can.'
So, what do you think? Is Mounjaro worth the potential side effects? And could simple gadgets like acupressure bands be the key to making these treatments more bearable? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
