What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a prescription-only weekly injection that contains the active substance Tirzepatide. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it has been shown to be effective for weight loss when used alongside a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The medication has recently been approved in the UK to treat people living with obesity.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro acts by mimicking two hormones, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These act on receptors in
the brain that control your appetite, causing you to feel fuller and less hungry and experience less craving for food. Mounjaro also leads to the stomach emptying more slowly, which helps you feel fuller for longer. While it isn’t guaranteed to work for everyone, it can help you to eat less and lose weight. It works best when it is taken while making healthy lifestyle changes.
How effective is Mounjaro?
In clinical trials when Mounjaro 15mg weekly is combined with a reduced calorie diet and increased exercise, a 72-week study has shown that:
Around 91% of people lost more than 5% of their body weight
83.5% of people lost more than 10% of their body weight
56.7% of people lost more than 20% of their body weight
We know that Mounjaro effectively sustains weight loss for at least two years, which can improve health. Losing excess fat improves or reduces the
risk of obesity- related health conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes.
Is Mounjaro right for me?
Mounjaro can be considered as a treatment option if you have:
• BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 or
• BMI ≥27 kg/m 2 and at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or obstructive sleep apnoea.
Mounjaro is not suitable for everyone, so your doctor will conduct a full assessment to ensure this medication is appropriate for you. It is important to continue to receive support in making healthy changes to your diet and physical activity levels, as the medication is most effective when used alongside a healthy lifestyle.
What are the side effects of Mounjaro?
As with all medications, Mounjaro can cause side effects. The most common side effects include – nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, sickness and indigestion.
These side effects are dose-dependent and may develop at the start of treatment or when the dosage is increased but tend to settle over time as the body adapts to the medication.
You are less likely to develop side effects if you:
More serious (but uncommon) side effects are:
Acute pancreatitis
A fast heart rate
An allergic reaction
Do not take Mounjaro if:
You have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
A personal or family history of thyroid cancer
You are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
Please see the patient information leaflet and the leaflet in the medication box for more information on side effects and discuss with your doctor.
How do I take Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). You should use this medicine once weekly and, if possible, on the same day each week. You can give yourself the injection at any time of the day – regardless of meals. The pens are pre-filled with the exact dose required. There are six available strengths. Your treatment will start at the lowest dose and gradually increase under your doctor’s supervision. Your doctor will tailor the treatment to your unique circumstances.
In Summary
Mounjaro is a medication that helps you lose weight and improve your health by reducing your appetite. For long-term weight loss Mounjaro works best when
combined with healthy food choices, increased physical activity and under the guidance of an experienced healthcare professional. It is not a medication that is
suitable for everyone and does have some adverse effects, so talk to your doctor to see if Mounjaro is the right treatment option for you.