Man Shares Weight Loss Cautionary Tale

A man who shed over 80 pounds before facing a life-threatening situation wants others to think twice about seeking GLP-1s online.

In May 2025, Edd Langmead, a 44-year-old professional drummer from England, weighed 280 pounds and was struggling with severe back pain. It had been a long-term battle with his weight.

When he asked his doctor about getting GLP-1 medication, Langmead found himself on a 12-month waiting list. Wanting faster results, he turned to an online pharmacy to procure Mounjaro, a GLP-1 medication, and noticed immediate changes.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are generally prescribed alongside diet and exercise to help control blood sugar and promote weight loss. These drugs mimic hormones in the gut, playing a significant role in these processes.

Langmead’s initial success led to a long-term weight loss of 80 pounds—he did this without a doctor monitoring his use. However, doctors emphasize that using GLP-1s without medical guidance can have dangerous consequences, including severe side effects.

He recalled that “within two months, my back pain had gone,” something he hadn’t imagined was possible. At one point, Langmead felt healthier than he had in years, but that feeling soon shifted.

After a while, he began to experience discomfort that felt like trapped gas. He tried to remedy it with over-the-counter medications but ended up in excruciating pain, requiring a trip to the emergency room just days later.

Langmead was diagnosed with gangrenous cholecystitis, a serious condition involving tissue death in the gallbladder. This diagnosis is notably linked to type 2 diabetes. It typically occurs when the gallbladder’s wall is compromised, potentially leading to perforation.

He underwent immediate gallbladder surgery and later reflected on how lucky he was to have sought medical help in time. “If I hadn’t gone in,” he remarked, “I might not be here.”

Langmead’s experience isn’t unique; others have reported gallbladder issues linked to Mounjaro in online forums. Some users have speculated that the medication slowed their digestive systems, potentially causing further complications.

Medical experts are increasingly recognizing the connection between GLP-1 medications and gallbladder dysfunction. With reduced digestive speeds, the gallbladder may struggle, which can lead to flare-ups and additional health troubles.

Reflecting on his experience now, Langmead, who spent four days in the hospital, felt a sense of sadness about his decisions. “Had I done it differently, I think it wouldn’t have led to such problems,” he said.

“I’ve gone from feeling like the healthiest I’ve ever been to feeling like I’m in my nineties.”