MOUNJARO FOR WEIGHT LOSS: AN IN-DEPTH GUIDE

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has emerged as a promising solution for weight loss, particularly for those struggling with obesity or weight-related health conditions. Originally developed as a diabetes medication, Mounjaro has shown significant results in supporting weight loss, making it a potential game-changer in non-surgical weight management. 

Mounjaro should only be used under a doctor’s prescription, as improper and unsupervised use can lead to serious side effects and worsen other conditions. It also should be avoided by certain patients. 

In this blog, we will provide information on Mounjaro, including its indications, contraindications, administration settings, advantages, and disadvantages. We will also explain how it aids in weight loss. 

The goal of this blog is to give you a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering this medication for weight loss or diabetes. However, remember that this blog does not replace a personalized consultation with your bariatric surgeon.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication initially developed to help individuals with type 2 diabetes manage their blood glucose levels. However, it has also shown significant weight loss benefits, and ongoing studies are exploring additional positive effects of this drug. Mounjaro works by mimicking two naturally secreted hormones in the body: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), both of which play a role in regulating blood sugar and controlling appetite.

How Does Mounjaro Help with Weight Loss?

Mounjaro injection promotes weight loss by targeting several mechanisms in the body which include:

• Appetite Suppression: Mounjaro injection reduces appetite by helping individuals feel fuller for longer, thereby decreasing overall food intake.
• Slowed Gastric Emptying: It slows down the movement of food through the stomach, extending the feeling of fullness and satiety after meals.
• Blood Sugar Stabilization: Stable blood sugar levels reduce cravings and the likelihood of insulin spikes, which can contribute to fat storage.

These combined effects make it easier for individuals to reduce their food intake, leading to gradual and sustained weight loss, while promoting good health and stable blood glucose levels.

What are the Other Advantages of Mounjaro?

In addition to aiding weight loss, Mounjaro offers several other health benefits:

• Improved Blood Sugar Control: Mounjaro is highly effective at lowering blood glucose levels, making it beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity: This medication improves the body’s response to insulin, reducing insulin resistance, which is often linked with weight gain.
• Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest that Mounjaro injections may be beneficial for patients with cardiovascular events, as it may help reduce cardiovascular risks. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Who is Eligible for Mounjaro?

Mounjaro dose may vary based on individual needs and is typically prescribed for:

• Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Mounjaro is approved to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Adults with Obesity or Weight-Related Conditions: Mounjaro is often prescribed for weight loss in individuals with a BMI over 30, or a BMI over 27 with a weight-related condition such as hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, or other obesity-related health conditions.

It is recommended to consult with your bariatric surgeon to evaluate your health and current medical conditions to determine if Mounjaro for weight loss is suitable for you.

At Reem Hospital, you can consult our weight-loss specialists to assess your eligibility.

Who Should Not Use Mounjaro for weight loss?

Mounjaro for weight loss is not suitable for everyone. People who should avoid using Mounjaro include:

• Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes: Mounjaro is only approved for type 2 diabetes management and should not be used for type 1.
• People with a History of Medullary Thyroid Cancer & MEN Syndrome: Mounjaro may increase the risk of certain types of thyroid cancers, so it is not recommended for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or People with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) syndrome.
• Children below 18
• Pregnant women
• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of pancreatitis or gall bladder disease

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting Mounjaro, especially if you have a history of these or other serious medical conditions.

How is Mounjaro Taken?

Mounjaro is given as a weekly injection just under the skin. Here’s how it’s typically used:

1. Dose Schedule: Your doctor will usually start you on a low Mounjaro dose to minimize side effects and then gradually increase the dose. Your initial dose (typically 2.5mg) may not be the best dose for initiating weight loss which is more likley to kick in after incremental increase in dosage.
2. Injection Site: It is injected under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. 
3. Self-Administration: Many people can self-administer Mounjaro after being shown how, making it a convenient option for weekly dosing.

What Results Can Someone Expect After Taking Mounjaro Injection?

Clinical studies have shown significant weight loss results for individuals using Mounjaro, especially when paired with a healthy diet and exercise. On average, patients can expect:

• Gradual Weight Loss: People taking Mounjaro often see upto 15-20% reduction in total body weight over several months (upto over a year), although individual results vary.
• Improved Blood Sugar Control: For those with diabetes, Mounjaro also helps lower HbA1c levels, a marker of long-term blood sugar control.

The exact amount of weight loss will depend on several factors, including diet, physical activity, dosage, and how consistently the medication is used.

What are the Side Effects of Mounjaro Injection?

Mounjaro injection has some potential side effects during the initial days. The most common include:

• Nausea: Often occurring when starting the medication, nausea is one of the most reported side effects but tends to improve over time.
• Diarrhea or Constipation: Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or constipation may also arise as the body adjusts.
• Loss of Appetite: While this helps with weight loss, some people may find the reduced appetite affects their energy levels.
• Fatigue: A mild sense of fatigue or weakness is possible, especially in the initial phase of use.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, but consult your doctor if they persist or worsen.

What Are the other Non Surgical Alternatives to Mounjaro?

While Mounjaro is effective, there are other non-surgical alternatives for weight loss, including:

• Ozempic (Semaglutide): Another GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps with both weight loss and blood sugar control.
• Saxenda (Liraglutide): Similar to Mounjaro, Saxenda is an injection that helps reduce appetite, though it requires daily dosing.
• Wegovy: A higher-dose formula of semaglutide specifically approved for weight loss.
• Diet and Exercise Programs: A personalized diet and exercise plan remains the cornerstone of sustainable weight loss and should be aimed for all individuals .
• Behavioral Therapy: Working with a therapist to understand eating behaviors and triggers can significantly improve weight loss outcomes.

Each alternative has its unique benefits and considerations, so discussing options with your healthcare provider is essential to find the best fit.

Is Mounjaro FDA-Approved for Weight Loss?

Yes, tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, is FDA-approved for weight loss in addition to its approval for managing type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro in context to Bariatric surgery

It can also be used as an adjunct to bariatric surgery in the following situations

• Preparation prior to bariatric surgery to make surgery safer and more effective
• Routinely after bariatric surgery to improve the effectiveness and outcomes
• In patients who have not lost enough weight or regained weight after bariatric surgery

Conclusion

Mounjaro offers a promising, non-surgical solution for weight loss, especially for those managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. With its dual-action approach to controlling blood sugar and appetite, Mounjaro can effectively support long-term weight management goals.

However, like all medications, it’s essential to use Mounjaro for weight loss under medical guidance and consider lifestyle changes like diet and exercise for the best results.

Whether you’re interested in Mounjaro injection or exploring other options, always consult your healthcare provider to ensure you choose the safest and most effective path toward achieving a healthier weight.

You can always consult our expert team of weight loss doctors at Reem Hospital. Call 8007444 to schedule your personalized consultation.