Bunny XO Shares Mental Health Struggles from Weight Loss Drug
Bunny XO, known as Alyssa Deford and the wife of country artist Jelly Roll, has opened up about her experience with weight loss medications, specifically a drug called Retatortide (Reta) from Lilly. This medication is still in late-stage trials and hasn’t received FDA approval yet.
In a recent episode of the Dumb Blonde podcast, Bunny discussed her struggles, revealing that she began feeling unwell shortly after starting the drug. She noted that within a week, she noticed changes in her appearance and, by the fourth week, had increased her dosage. It was then that she felt “mentally paralyzed.”
“I went into the worst suicidal depression since 2020,” she shared, adding that she felt terrified and prayed during that challenging period.
She described having “no emotions” and unable to enjoy music that once brought her happiness. “My eyes looked black,” she said, recalling how she often drove in silence because even simple stimuli felt overwhelming.
After taking a break from the medication for 20 days, Bunny mentioned that her joy started returning, calling the experience “a battle.” She made it clear, though, that her story isn’t universal. “Many people take Reta and love it. But something happened to me,” she explained.
Lilly acknowledged that letaltortide is an “investigational molecule” offered only in clinical trial settings. They advised against considering any version of this drug outside of those trials, citing potential risks related to counterfeit medications.
In response, Dr. Mark Siegel, a senior medical analyst, cautioned against using letaltortide outside of FDA-approved scenarios, noting its association with mental health risks similar to those seen with other weight loss drugs. “Depression and suicidal thoughts can occur,” he warned.
Understanding Retatortide
Retatortide, informally referred to as “GLP-3,” targets multiple hormones and may provide enhanced weight loss results. Initial trials have shown significant weight loss among participants, especially those dealing with obesity and related health issues.
While the potential upside of the medication looks promising—for instance, those who took it reportedly lost substantial weight over several months—experts urge caution. Side effects, which can include gastrointestinal issues and, in rare cases, more serious conditions, remain similar to those of existing GLP-1 medications.
Dr. Philippe Rabito described how these new weight loss drugs yield results approaching those from bariatric surgery but emphasized the need for careful monitoring due to the unknowns surrounding their long-term safety.
Mental Health Implications
There is an ongoing discussion about the links between these medications and mental health, with some experts believing they impact the brain’s reward system, affecting mood and appetite. “It’s somewhat unpredictable,” Dr. Siegel noted regarding these potential side effects.
Dr. Peter Balazs also highlighted the importance of a thorough clinical evaluation for anyone experiencing severe mood changes while on these drugs, stressing that understanding a patient’s full medical and psychological context is essential.
Experts further agree that hormonal fluctuations, especially in perimenopausal women, can contribute to mood instability, making this a complex issue. Balazs warned about the challenges presented by weight gain and its inflammatory effects on overall brain function.
Ultimately, there’s a consensus that ongoing vigilance and comprehensive monitoring are crucial for anyone using weight loss drugs like Retatortide, especially as more clinical information becomes available.
