Former Gogglebox star Amy Tapper has announced she will undergo surgery to remove excess skin following her remarkable eight-stone weight loss transformation, achieved through the use of weight loss medication Mounjaro alongside consistent exercise.
The 26-year-old television personality has dramatically reduced from a size 26 to a size 18 since beginning treatment with the prominent drug while maintaining a dedicated fitness routine.
The Weight Loss Journey
Amy recently disclosed that doctors prescribed the Mounjaro injection just as she was considering gastric bypass surgery. She began her treatment in February, starting on a 2.5mg dose and gradually working up to her current 15mg weekly injection.
The results have been substantial, with Amy shedding an impressive 5lbs within just one week at the peak of her weight loss journey. Six months into her treatment, she had lost an incredible 4st.
Despite her success, the major weight loss has left her with significant loose skin that cannot be eliminated through exercise alone. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, Amy explained: "Unfortunately and inevitably, when you've lost as much weight as eight stone, and there's gonna be more, there's a lot of skin that is just not gonna disappear with exercise."
Facing Surgery and Social Media Backlash
Amy openly acknowledges that surgical intervention will be necessary to address the physical consequences of her weight loss. "My arms and my tummy are definitely gonna need surgery at some point, but my legs are actually OK," she revealed, while jokingly adding about her toning progress: "These little side bad boys are really toning up."
The TV star, who first found fame on Gogglebox at just 13 years old, has faced criticism from online trolls accusing her of "cheating" by using weight loss medication. However, Amy strongly defends her approach, emphasising that she has maintained a consistent workout routine with the same personal trainer for five years.
"I love going to the gym anyway, just mentally, it makes the biggest difference to my week, and hand-in-hand with Mounjaro," she stated, describing the combination as "the most perfect pair."
Campaigning Against Medication Stigma
In response to the judgment faced by many using weight loss treatments, Amy has partnered with online pharmacy Chemist4U to reclaim the phrase "eat less, move more." This initiative comes after research revealed that 7 in 10 people using weight loss medications feel judged for their treatment choices.
The campaign features DJ Fat Tony, who has recorded a new house track called "Already Doing It" and appears alongside Amy in the music video. While sharing her progress online has inspired many fans who call her an "inspiration," the scrutiny has taken a toll on Amy's mental health.
During an emotional appearance on Good Morning Britain, Amy addressed the impact of online trolling: "I do think of myself as strong minded and whatever they say to me I can say a lot worse about myself. But of course it affects you. No one is super human."
She urged others not to give too much power to negative opinions, concluding: "I think you're doomed if you do and doomed if you don't so why not just do it?"
The Chemist4U anti-bullying campaign, backed by the National Bullying Helpline, continues to gain momentum with Amy and DJ Fat Tony leading the charge to change perceptions around weight loss medication.
