Pop icon Robbie Williams has publicly shared his growing concern that the weight loss medication he is using is severely impacting his vision, even suggesting it could be 'making him blind'.
A Sudden Change in Vision
The 51-year-old Take That alum disclosed that he first noticed a problem when his eyesight became unexpectedly blurry. He told The Sun that he didn't initially connect the issue to the Mounjaro injections he has been taking, but has since visited an optician for a new glasses prescription.
Williams described himself as an 'early adaptor' of the fat-loss jabs. However, he expressed alarm about his deteriorating eyesight, stating, 'It’s been blurry for a while now, and it’s only getting worse.' His fears are supported by a recent US study that discovered a potential link between Semaglutide—the active ingredient in some weight loss injections—and a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness.
Impact on Stage Performance and Fan Connection
The singer revealed that his blurry vision is now directly affecting his performances on stage. During emotional segments of his show, he struggles to see the faces of his fans, which hampers his ability to connect with them.
He gave a specific example from watching an American football game, where the players appeared as 'blobs on a green field in front of me'. This visual impairment is particularly problematic during the 'She’s The One' part of his concert, where he traditionally serenades a fan from the audience.
'Basically, I was looking in the direction of these women looking up at me, having this experience that’s quite obviously incredible to them, and little do they know I can’t see them,' Williams admitted, highlighting the disconnect he feels despite the audience being unaware.
Weighing the Risks Against Mental Health Benefits
Despite the worrying side effects, Robbie Williams has stated he has no current plans to stop using Mounjaro. He explained that the medication has been profoundly 'liberating' for his mental health.
He said that since starting the treatment, 'the clouds have cleared' and he has adopted a healthier lifestyle, incorporating daily workouts, stretching routines, and strength training. This significant improvement in his wellbeing presents a difficult trade-off.
'Of course it’s worrying and by being honest today, obviously I want to warn people reading this of the potential risks, to make sure they do their research,' he urged. However, he starkly added, 'But seriously, I’m that sick I’d probably stay on it until the sight in one eye has completely gone.'
Williams also mentioned that he is not alone in experiencing this side effect, having spoken to others who confirmed their vision had also become blurry. By speaking out, he hopes to encourage more comprehensive research into the injections' side effects before they become more widely used.
