Mom, 58, who used weight-loss drug to ‘be thin’ for son’s wedding shares extreme side effect which almost ‘killed her’
Ali Eastburn, a 58-year-old mom from Tennessee, had been eagerly anticipating her son’s wedding when her plans took a frightening turn. Wanting to slim down before the big day, she decided to try a GLP-1 weight-loss drug a compounded version of semaglutide after struggling for years to shed 20 to 25 pounds gained during menopause. She began treatment in April, starting at 185 pounds, and was encouraged when she dropped to 165 pounds. But along with the weight loss came health problems that grew worse over time.
At first, she noticed only mild heartburn. When her progress slowed, her medical provider suggested increasing the dosage. After doing so, the heartburn became severe, and she began having trouble eating without feeling nauseous or dry heaving. Soon she developed extreme diarrhea, to the point where she described it as “nothing but water.” On July 11, she ended up in the ER, unable to keep food or fluids down. Doctors diagnosed her with gastritis, ruling out appendicitis, and sent her home after treatment.
Just days later, she boarded a flight to California for the wedding week, but during the trip, she was hit with intense abdominal pain and collapsed on the floor at the airport. An ambulance rushed her to the hospital, where doctors discovered her appendix had burst—a dangerous and potentially fatal condition. When she asked her doctor if she was going to die, he told her he didn’t know. She spent four days in the hospital recovering and, by what she calls sheer luck, managed to attend her son’s July 19 wedding. Her son cried when he saw her there.
Ali now believes the GLP-1 drug played a role in her medical crisis. She’s warning others that these medications, which are often marketed as quick fixes for weight loss, can have serious risks. She says they should not be handed out casually to people trying to lose only 20 or 30 pounds, and that lifestyle changes should be the first recommendation. While GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic can help people with diabetes, high stroke risk, or significant obesity, they are not without danger.
Her recovery is ongoing—her esophagus has been burned from severe acid reflux, and she’s still in pain. She has since abandoned the drug, opting instead for exercise, walking, and portion control to stay healthy. Medical experts note that GLP-1 drugs can cause a wide range of side effects, from nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting to blood sugar problems, and while many people tolerate them, they’re not suitable for everyone. Ali hopes sharing her story will keep others from going through the same ordeal.
