A father who attributed his severe abdominal pain to trapped wind after using weight loss injections was shocked to learn the true cause was a life-threatening condition. Edd Langmead, 44, from Oldham, began his weight loss journey in May 2025 after struggling with obesity his entire life, often indulging in sweets and reaching 20st 7lbs at his heaviest.
Desperate for a quick fix
Suffering from weight-related back pain, Edd consulted his GP but was told there was a waiting list of over 12 months for weight loss medication. Eager for a rapid solution, the musician purchased Mounjaro from an online pharmacy and experienced immediate results. Due to rising costs, he briefly switched to a cheaper alternative but found it less effective, so he returned to Mounjaro. Over nearly a year, he lost 5st 13lbs, dropping to 14st 5lbs and eliminating his back pain, with no notable side effects.
Sudden onset of pain
On March 9, Edd began experiencing discomfort he assumed was trapped wind. Over-the-counter remedies provided no relief. Three days later, the pain intensified, leaving him doubled over on the floor. His partner called an ambulance, which rushed him to hospital. Tests revealed he had gangrenous cholecystitis, a condition where gallbladder tissue dies, requiring emergency surgery. The infection had also spread to his stomach and lungs, believed to be linked to his rapid weight loss.
Edd said: 'I've struggled with weight all my life. I went to my doctor to get on it and they said the waiting list is more than 12 months. Everyone wants a quick fix, don't they? I did. I'd been suffering with back pain for three years, and within two months it was gone.' He added: 'I've dealt with trapped wind a lot. I got things from over the counter but it didn't help. I couldn't sit or lie down without pain, and it kept getting worse. My partner was meant to go to work, but I was doubled up on the floor, barely able to talk, so she called an ambulance.'
Emergency surgery and recovery
Hospital staff rushed him into surgery to remove his gallbladder. He remained in hospital for four days, then returned home with an IV antibiotic drip for ten days. Edd recalled: 'When I came out of the operation, surgeons said how lucky I was. All I could think of was leaving my kids without a dad. I've gone from being the healthiest I've felt since my teens to now feeling like I'm in my nineties. I've got pipes hanging out of me, can't walk or move properly, can't lie down. If I hadn't gone in or couldn't get to hospital, I might not be here.'
Urgent warning to others
After the ordeal, Edd stopped using the injections and urges anyone considering them to obtain them through their GP for proper monitoring. He said: 'Once I found out it was related to weight loss, I doubted whether I should have just waited for the NHS. Online companies don't show you those risks. There is a sadness that it happened like that for me. Make sure you get regular blood tests. It's not worth the risk.'
Manufacturer's response
A spokesman for Lilly, which manufactures Mounjaro, stated: 'Patient safety is Lilly's top priority and we actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines to the MHRA. The Mounjaro Patient Information Leaflet warns that cholecystitis is an uncommon side effect, affecting up to 1 in 100 people. Anyone experiencing side effects should consult their doctor and ensure they are getting genuine Lilly medicine.'
Understanding gangrenous cholecystitis
According to the NHS, acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by a gallstone blocking the cystic duct. Without treatment, it can lead to life-threatening conditions, including death of gallbladder tissue (gangrenous cholecystitis), which can cause a serious infection spreading throughout the body.
