[뉴시스] Holly Barron (22) lost about 64kg in 6 months through a combination of obesity treatment injections and diet control. (Photo = TikTok capture) *Resale and DB prohibited
Manchester, February 17, 2026 — A 22-year-old woman shed approximately 63.5 kilograms (about 140 pounds) in six months by combining a novel obesity treatment with a remarkably consistent diet of chicken salad and high-protein snacks. It’s a transformation that’s sparking conversation about the evolving landscape of weight loss.
A Turning Point After Years of Struggle
Holly Barron, from Ermston, Manchester, faced a cascade of health challenges. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 20, her weight ballooned by 44 to 51 kilograms (97 to 112 pounds) within a year after receiving a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis. At her heaviest, Barron weighed around 137 kilograms (302 pounds).
“No matter what diet I tried, I couldn’t lose weight,” Barron recalled. She even experienced severe reactions to metformin, a medication previously prescribed to manage her diabetes, vomiting for 12 hours straight after taking it.
The Role of Maunjaro and Dietary Changes
In June 18, 2025, Barron’s medical team prescribed Maunjaro, an obesity treatment. Starting at a dose of 2.5 mg, the medication began to address a fundamental issue. “During the examination, I was told that the brain was not properly transmitting the ‘satiety signal’ that indicates the stomach is full,” Barron explained. “After using Maunjaro, the sense of recognizing fullness returned, and the vomiting from overeating disappeared as before.”
Alongside the treatment, Barron completely overhauled her eating habits. She abandoned her previous diet in favor of a daily regimen centered around chicken salad and high-protein foods.
As a result, her weight dropped to approximately 73.5 kilograms (162 pounds) within six months. She’s now reportedly wearing size 13 children’s pants, a dramatic shift from her previous size 2~3XL clothing.
“I actually ate the same food every day, recording not only the amount of food but also carbohydrates and sugar in 1g units,” Barron said, adding, “After receiving an obesity treatment injection, I learned for the first time what being full meant.”
Understanding Maunjaro and its Effects
Maunjaro (ingredient name: Tyrzepatide) is an injectable medication that simultaneously targets GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. It works by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, while also aiding in blood sugar control.
According to the drug’s developer, Eli Lilly, a clinical trial involving 751 obese adult patients demonstrated an average body weight decrease of 20.2% after 72 weeks of Maunjaro treatment.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
However, Maunjaro isn’t without potential side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which typically subside as the body adjusts to the dosage. Rarely, cholelithiasis (gallstones) or hypoglycemia may occur. The medication is contraindicated for individuals with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
Combining Maunjaro with a high-protein diet helps minimize muscle loss and maintain a healthy basal metabolic rate. Protein’s slow digestion promotes sustained fullness, naturally curbing overeating.
When adopting a high-protein diet, it’s crucial to maintain a balance of other essential nutrients—carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Excessively restricting these nutrients can lead to fatigue, constipation, and electrolyte imbalances.
What is the role of protein in weight loss? Protein digests slowly, keeping you feeling fuller for longer, which can naturally suppress overeating and help preserve muscle mass during weight loss.
