There is lots of chatter in the weight loss world surrounding different GLP-1 medications and how they help with aiding weight loss. With the likes of Ozempic taking the celebrity world by storm, there’s another drug on the market that’s gaining great popularity – Mounjaro. So, what is Mounjaro? Does it work, and is it safe? In this blog post, I’m going to answer as many questions as I can to try and clarify exactly what these drugs are and if they work.
As always, before undertaking any kind of weight loss or lifestyle change, it is always best to speak to a medical professional who is best suited to give personalised advice on your individual health needs. The information in this article is as accurate and up-to-date as possible at the time of writing. These medications are ever-developing, and information is always changing including brand names. Please check all information for accuracy. This blog post does not constitute medical advice.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, also known by its generic name tirzepatide, is a GLP-1 medication originally developed for the management of type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro is quite unique because it acts as a dual incretin receptor agonist, which targets both the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. This dual action helps regulate blood sugar levels more effectively than some other diabetes medications.
Although Mounjaro is predominantly a diabetes drug, there have been significant studies on the positive effects it has on weight loss. In clinical trials, patients treated with Mounjaro experienced notable weight loss. The medication’s dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors not only helps regulate blood sugar but also reduces appetite and promotes a feeling of fullness, leading to decreased calorie intake and weight loss.
How Does Mounjaro Work?
Mounjaro works by mimicking the actions of two incretin hormones, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These hormones play essential roles in blood sugar control and appetite. Studies have shown that Mounjaro can aid significant weight loss, even in individuals who do not have diabetes. Participants in some trials lost an average of 15-20% of their body weight, which is substantial compared to other weight loss medications.
Mounjaro slows gastric emptying and directly affects brain centres that regulate hunger, causing appetite suppression. This makes you feel full sooner and for longer periods. By enhancing insulin sensitivity and impacting fat metabolism, Mounjaro helps the body manage and store energy more effectively and works best with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Dosage & Use Of Mounjaro
Mounjaro is injected once per week by the user at home using a single-dose pen. Injection sites are rotated and can be the stomach, thigh or back of the upper arm. The dosage starts gradually with a low dose and builds up over a number of months to minimise the severity of any side effects from drug administration until you have reached the maximum dose. It’s important to take this process slowly, and although I understand there is impatience when trying to lose weight for the best results and overall health of the user, the dose should be increased gradually as per the clinical advisor’s guidance and to prevent side effects from higher doses.
Does Mounjaro Have Side Effects?
Diabetes medicines, as with any medication, there are potential side effects. Whether these will affect you or the severity depends on you individually. This is the main reason the dosage for Mounjaro is increased gradually. The starting dose is low to begin with, and after every dose of Mounjaro, your symptoms and any side effects should be monitored.
Common Side Effects
Gastrointestinal Issues:
Nausea: This is one of the most frequently reported side effects. Nausea may be mild to moderate and often decreases over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Vomiting: Some patients may experience vomiting, particularly at the beginning of treatment, as your body gets used to it.
Diarrhea: Loose or frequent stools can occur, or alternatively;
Constipation: Although less common, some individuals may experience constipation and bloating.
Decreased Appetite:
Due to its effects on slowing gastric emptying and promoting a feeling of fullness, Mounjaro can lead to reduced appetite and lower food intake, which can be beneficial for weight loss but may also be seen as a side effect. It’s still important to fuel your body, so making sure you prioritise a healthy diet is key.
Injection Site Reactions:
Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site can occur. These reactions are typically mild and temporary, and why it is recommended that you rotate the injection site.
Less Common Side Effects
Pancreatitis:
Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas is rare but can happen. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If these symptoms occur, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Kidney Problems:
In rare cases, gastrointestinal side effects like severe vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and kidney problems, which is why staying hydrated is essential.
Gallbladder Issues:
Again, this is another rare side effect, but it is important to note that there have been reports of gallbladder problems, including gallstones, associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, it is not entirely clear if Mounjaro specifically increases this risk.
Serious Side Effects (Rare)
Allergic Reactions:
With all drugs, there is a risk of severe allergic reactions that, although rare, can occur. Symptoms include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
Thyroid Tumors:
There have been some animal studies which showed drugs similar to Mounjaro possibly being associated with thyroid C-cell tumours. At the moment the full relevance to humans is not entirely clear. As a result patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 are not advised to take Mounjaro.
For these reasons, before undertaking Mounjaro treatment, a full assessment should be completed by a healthcare professional.
Recommendations For Side Effects
Regular follow-up checks and monitoring with a healthcare provider is crucial to observe any side effects and adjust treatment as necessary. Staying well-hydrated can help manage some gastrointestinal side effects and adopting a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can enhance the benefits of Mounjaro and minimise side effects.
Who Can Take Mounjaro?
As wonderful as Mounjaro may sound, it isn’t for everyone. Underlying medical conditions and current medications are just one factor that needs to be taken into consideration. Mounjaro is a prescription-only drug prescribed based largely on body mass index. This can be purchased online through a number of providers, but a health assessment and ongoing monitoring are essential, especially if you are on other medications to prevent drug interactions.
There are a number of ‘Black Market’ sellers out there, but I would strongly advise against purchasing down this route. Yes, this is a more affordable way of accessing Mounjaro; however, there is no guarantee you will receive the correct drug, dosage, or equipment. For best results, be sure to use an approved health provider who will do a thorough health assessment in advance.
Does Mounjaro Cause Depression?
Some medications can cause mood-related side effects like depression. This is something that has been repeatedly asked when I was correlating questions for this post, but I cannot find any evidence to suggest this as a side effect. Of course, all medications have different effects on different people, so that doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t work for you – however, at the moment, there isn’t significant evidence to show that depression is a side effect.
If you are concerned about the side effects of Mounjaro or the implications that this can have on your mood, then discussing this with your healthcare provider is your best point of call. If you did decide to go ahead with Mounjaro together, you could monitor how you feel and take appropriate action as needed.
Effectiveness & Best Results
Mounjaro may sound like a wonder drug—but it’s not. It’s easy to see an abundance of slimmed-down celebrities who’ve taken this drug and assume that it’s a one-and-done thing. Unfortunately, there is no wonder drug when it comes to weight loss. Although studies and experiences show that Mounjaro is an effective tool in weight loss for the right people, for best results, it needs to be used in conjunction with a change in diet and lifestyle. Although many users do say, this becomes much easier once they have started the drug.
Is Mounjaro Safe?
Mounjaro is generally considered safe when prescribed to the right people and monitored by a healthcare professional. Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss. However, like any medication, it comes with potential side effects. As discussed, the common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. More serious but rare risks involve pancreatitis, kidney problems, and thyroid tumours. Therefore, it is crucial that individuals discuss their medical history and any pre-existing conditions with their healthcare provider to ensure Mounjaro is a suitable and safe option for their treatment plan.
Regular follow-ups, monitoring and adherence to prescribed dosages are essential to mitigate risks and monitor any adverse effects. If used correctly, Mounjaro is considered safe and effective.
Costs & Availability
Mounjaro is expensive, and its cost varies depending on location and provider with no set list price. If you live in the UK it is becoming more available through the NHS however it is important to understand the waiting list for this treatment is long and the qualification for the drug is quite extensive. At the moment there are a number of qualifying factors that need to be met before it can be offered and the numbers of patients it is available to each year is limited. Some insurance plans may be able to help so if you have a plan in place it might be worth contacting your provider for more details.
If looking at where to buy Mounjaro then private providers are often your best point of call if you want to discuss this medication further. As previously mentioned, avoid ‘Black Market’ providers as although these are often cheaper, the safety is questionable. Purchasing through an official provider means you have the added bonus of medical help throughout your journey.
In Conclusion
There is no doubt that Mounjaro is receiving quite a good reputation for its effectiveness in weight loss. As with all drugs, the decision on whether Mounjaro is appropriate for the user depends on a number of individual factors that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Have you taken Mounjaro for weight loss? I’d love to hear from you; please leave a comment below and let us know how you found it.
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