MEGAN Byrne, 26, has been a model for 10 years, but said over the last year her work has really dried up.
The mum-of-one, from Wrexham said modelling agencies now want a specific look, and no longer want models with “saggy skin” or “bingo wings”.
She puts this down to the rise in popularity of weight loss jabs – like Mounjaro and Ozempic.
Megan, who wears a size 14, said: “They want a specific type of plus sized model, it’s the type that can still wear absolutely anything.
“Opportunities have dried up for almost every single plus size model out there.
“They don’t want people who look like people anymore, it was such an uphill battle to get even half of the way there and thanks to weight loss jabs it feels like we’re starting back at the bottom.
“Being skinny through weight loss injections is an epidemic.”
The award winning model’s work has dried up so much, that she has had to get a job in Greggs to be able to provide for her family.
Megan initially started out as a “straight size model”, but after going from a size zero to a size 16 following the birth of her son Frankie, seven, she decided to pursue a career as a plus size model.
She had plenty of success, winning pageants and awards including Miss Voluptuous Wales, but over the last 12 months, things have changed drastically.
Megan, who now wears a size 14, said there is now “nowhere near as many opportunities” for plus size models.
“I’ve absolutely lost out on earnings,” she said.
The model also works within the pageant industry to recruit plus size women for a plus size inclusive pageant, and said this too has been affected by the weight loss jabs.
She said: “There’s a lot of girls going on the Mounjaro jabs, which is sad really, because obviously, my entire message is to empower women and make them feel beautiful in their own skin.
“They’re being told constantly to ‘be skinny, it’s easy’.”
Megan revealed many women within the plus size model community, who used to spread body positivity messages, are now promoting weight loss jabs.
She said: “Quite a lot of people that used to share the same message as I do, to be empowered within your body and love the skin you’re in, are now promoting Mounjaro and the weight loss jobs.”
Megan has been tempted to use the jabs herself, in an attempt to gain more work opportunities, however, she decided against it as she has decided to accept her plus size body.
“My ultimate decision for not using them was based on accepting my plus size body,” she said.
“I spent years building up my confidence and learning to re-love my natural body after having a child.
“Yes it would be very easy to take a ‘miracle Mounjaro jab’ and lose it all, but my plus size body is where I found my confidence.
“It’s also where I found an accepting community of other like minded- women – never mind all the hidden side effects that come along with it.”
She added she finds it “scary” how “readily available” the jabs are, especially for people like herself, who have struggled with eating disorders.
“I know a lot of women, below size eight, who are on the Mounjaro jab,” she said.
“They’re constantly fed into this ideal that they should be skinnier and they’re not allowed an ounce of fat on their bodies.”
Megan added she believes the jabs are “dangerous”, and that there should be tighter regulations around them.
She said: “I think for some people who want to do it for medical reasons that’s absolutely fine, but overall I’m against them.”
What are the side effects of weight loss jabs?
Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.
Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:
Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.
Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.
Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.
Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation.
Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.
Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.
Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.
Serious side effects can also include:
Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.
Thyroid tumors: There’s a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.
Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
