Mounjaro - Weight loss medication
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a new and innovative weight loss medication that has shown promising results in clinical studies. It is a dual hormone medication that works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which provides a more powerful effect than previous medications. Mounjaro is originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but has also proven to be very effective for weight loss.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro works by activating two important hormones:
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1): Reduces appetite, increases satiety and helps regulate blood sugar
- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide): Improves insulin production and lowers blood sugar
By acting on both of these systems, Mounjaro provides a more powerful effect than medications that only act on GLP-1, which can result in greater weight loss.
Who can use Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is intended for adults with:
- BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
- BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) together with at least one weight-related disease such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes who also need help with weight loss
The medication should be used together with a calorie-reduced diet and increased physical activity for best results.
Results and effectiveness
In clinical studies, Mounjaro has been shown to be very effective for weight loss. After 24 months of treatment, you can expect an average weight loss of approximately 20% of body weight, which is higher than many other weight loss medications. In head-to-head studies, Mounjaro has proven superior compared to other medications such as Wegovy.
How is Mounjaro taken?
Mounjaro is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week. The medication is delivered in a pre-filled injection pen that is easy to use. The dosage is gradually increased during the first months to reduce the risk of side effects.
It is important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and to inject on the same day each week for best results.
Side effects
The most common side effects of Mounjaro are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Most side effects are mild to moderate and often disappear after a few weeks when the body gets used to the medication. If you experience serious side effects or signs of low blood sugar, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Important information
Before starting treatment with Mounjaro, it is important to:
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially other diabetes medications
- Inform about any allergies or medical conditions
- Tell if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly
- Be aware that Mounjaro is a relatively new medication with limited long-term data