You hear the name more and more often: Mounjaro. From acquaintances, on social media, or maybe from your GP. But what exactly is it, who is it meant for, and what makes it different from other waste medication?
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a relatively new drug with the active ingredient tirzepatide. The medication was developed to regulate blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, but research shows that it also gives powerful results in weight loss, especially in severe obesity. It is not an insulin and therefore not suitable for type 1 diabetes.
How does it work?
Mounjaro is administered as a weekly injection via a pre-filled pen that you easily administer yourself. You put the pen under the skin once a week.
The places where you can put the injection pen are:
- the abdomen
- the upper arm
- the femur
To ensure the best results, it is important to administer the injection at the same time every week. This will ensure that the active substances remain at stable levels in your body.
And does it really work? Short answer: yes!
Large clinical studies show that participants with severe obesity lose an average of 15 to 22% of their body weight,* which is significantly more than most other approved drugs. How well it works for you depends on your starting weight, dosage and lifestyle.
What exactly does Mounjaro do in your body?
Here lies the big difference from other drugs, such as Ozempic. Whereas Ozempic activates only the GLP-1 hormone, Mounjaro tackles it with two hormones, GLP-1 AND GIP. Those hormones both play a role in the way your body reacts to food.
GLP-1 inhibits your sense of hunger and helps keep your blood sugar stable, while GIP makes your body produce insulin more efficiently. Because Mounjaro activates both hormones simultaneously, its effect on hunger and blood sugar is greater than drugs with a single active ingredient.
By activating both hormones at the same time, the following happens:
- Your pancreas makes more insulin the moment your blood sugar rises
- Your liver produces less glucagon, keeping your blood sugar more stable
- Your stomach empties more slowly, leaving you feeling full longer and less likely to get hungry again
As a result, you will feel less like eating and will grab smaller portions.
As a result, you will lose weight gradually without constantly feeling hungry.
That does not necessarily make Mounjaro the best choice for everyone, because what suits you depends on your situation, your health history and how your body reacts. Want an overview of all the options? Then check out our medication overview.
Considering the medical way to lose weight? Schedule a no-obligation consultation at WeightConsult. Do our own health check and contact us easily online
Who is Mounjaro intended for?
Mounjaro is officially approved for two groups:
- People with type 2 diabetes where lifestyle adjustments and other medication do not help sufficiently
- People who are obese (BMI ≥30) or severely overweight (BMI ≥27) with health problems such as high blood pressure, sleep apnoea or elevated cholesterol
Has there been pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal problems in the past? Then extra caution is needed and a doctor will decide whether it is justified.
Note: Mounjaro is not suitable during pregnancy or lactation.
What are the most common side effects?
The most commonly reported side effects are nausea, fatigue and bowel problems. These sound unpleasant, but they mainly occur in the first weeks, when the body gets used to the low starting dose. In most people, these symptoms subside on their own after that.
The dosage is always built up step by step, from 2.5 mg to a maximum of 15 mg per week, to give your body time to get used to it.
Wondering if Mounjaro is right for you?
An intake at WeightConsult is free of obligation. We look at your situation together and give you honest advice, even if another remedy suits you better. If the Mounjaro injection the right choice, then we discuss your health history, your goals and what guidance you need to achieve them. We then arrange a referral to an authorised pharmacy and accompany you throughout the process, including repeat prescriptions and, if required, an intake with a dietician.