Fatty, plumpy, stout – well, it really doesn’t sound good when we hear them, right? However, obesity is a global issue that is taking many people’s good night’s sleep. To manage overweight, I am sure you have heard of this recent popular name mounjaro.
But how far the drug can aid in managing weight? Most importantly, is mounjaro approved for weight loss?
This article will enlighten you with all the aspects of mounjaro – approval, trial, effectiveness, risks, dosage, etc., to unveil its impact on weight loss.
What Is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a pharmaceutical drug primarily designed to help manage type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. This weekly injectable medicine usually helps lower blood sugar and A1C levels in adults with type 2 diabetes
Tirzepatide is the active component of Mounjaro, a dual-targeted or dual-agonist medication that mimics the function of the body’s natural incretin hormones. Mounjaro usually targets 2 hormones – GLP-1 and GIP hormones.
- GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1): This hormone is released in the gut in response to food and helps lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release.
- GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide): Also released in the gut, GIP helps slow down gastric emptying, leading to a feeling of fullness and reduced food intake.
These hormones aid in the regulation of blood sugar levels. In response to elevated blood glucose levels, the drug stimulates insulin release. They also regulate your body’s response to food intake, potentially aiding in weight loss by reducing appetite and food intake.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes should not use Mounjaro. Also, its safety and effectiveness in children under 18 is unknown.
Is Mounjaro Approved For Weight Loss?
Yes, In November 2023, the FDA approved Mounjaro (also known as Zepbound) for managing chronic weight in overweight and obese adults who have at least one weight-related condition – high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The drug is effective with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Evidence suggests that Mounjaro is a viable option for individuals who are obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. According to a study, this drug helped dieters lose about a quarter of their body weight, or 60 pounds (27 kilograms).
Mounjaro For Weight Loss Effectiveness: What Research Suggests?
Research suggests that Mounjaro is highly effective for weight loss in overweight and obese adults.
A large analysis by Truveta Research found that patients taking Mounjaro were significantly more likely to lose 5%, 10%, and 15% of their body weight overall and saw more significant reductions in body weight after three months, six months, and a year compared with those on Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic.
Another study reported that Mounjaro users were 76% more likely to lose at least 5% of their body weight than Ozempic users. They were also twice as likely to lose at least 10% and three times as likely to lose at least 15%.
After undergoing treatment for three months, people taking Mounjaro had lost an average of 2.3% more body weight than others. By the end of 6 months, the difference had increased to 4.3%, and after 12 months, the group had lost an average of 7.2% more weight.
According to another research, people taking 15mg of Mounjaro lost 11.2 kg (24.7 lb) at 28 weeks. It indicates that Mounjaro can be used for long-term weight management.
These trials suggest that Mounjaro can be highly effective for weight loss in overweight and obese adults. However, before using this medication for weight loss, talk to a healthcare provider about possible side effects and risks.
What Are The Side Effects Of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro may cause both mild and severe side effects.
Mild side effects may disappear after the body gets used to Mounjaro or within several days. The most common mild side effects include-
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Appetite Loss
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Abdominal Pain
- Belching
- Flatulence
- Acid Reflux.
More severe side effects may include-
- Acute Organ Failure
- Low Blood Sugar
- Inflammation Of The Pancreas
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Stomach Paralysis
- Thyroid C-Cell Tumors.
However, seek medical attention ASAP if you experience symptoms like-
- persistent or severe abdominal pain
- vision changes
- Dizziness
- excessive fatigue
- symptoms of gallbladder problems
How to Use Mounjaro for Weight Loss?
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is available as a single-dose, prefilled injection pen. You can inject Mounjaro once a week in your abdomen or thigh, either before or after meals. Changing the injection site every week is essential to avoid skin reactions like rashes or irritation.
The Recommended Dosage Of Mounjaro
The recommended dosage for weight loss for Mounjaro varies depending on your health history, health goals, lifestyle, and weight. However, here are some general guidelines.
- Starting Dosage: The typical starting dosage of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg, injected subcutaneously once weekly.
- Ongoing Treatment: After 4 weeks, the dosage is increased to 5 mg once per week.
- Dosage Increase: Dosage of 5 mg once per week may be increased in 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks until target blood sugar levels are reached.
- Maximum Dosage: The maximum Mounjaro dosage is 15 mg once per week.
How To Get Mounjaro For Weight Loss?
Mounjaro is a prescription medication that can be prescribed by any board-certified physician, including primary care doctors, endocrinologists, or bariatric doctors. The doctor will conduct an exam and ask questions about your medical history, health status, and weight loss goals to determine your prescription eligibility.
Also, many telehealth platforms offer prescriptions for Mounjaro. These platforms provide a virtual consultation with a healthcare professional to determine whether you are eligible and discuss an appropriate treatment plan. You can generally order the prescription directly through the platform if you qualify.
Schedule an in-office or virtual consult to receive your prescription for Mounjaro or other weight loss shots.
How Much Does Mounjaro Cost?
The cost of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can vary depending on several factors, including whether you have insurance, the pharmacy you visit, and your location. Here’s a general guideline.
- Without Insurance: The average monthly cost of Mounjaro is between $1,000 to $1,2001. A 3-month supply of Mounjaro may cost roughly $3,070, up to over $12,000 annually.
- With Insurance: If you have commercial insurance, you may pay as little as $25 for a 1-month supply of the medication.
Which is better, Ozempic or Mounjaro?
Mounjaro and Ozempic are FDA-approved medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes and aid in weight management. However, several studies have demonstrated that Mounjaro is more effective than Ozempic in promoting weight loss.
A comprehensive analysis of real-world data revealed that people taking Mounjaro experienced a significant weight loss of 10.1%, while those using Ozempic saw a weight loss of only 5.9%. Also, over one year, people using Mounjaro experienced an impressive weight loss of 15.2%, while those using Ozempic lost only 7.9%.
Here’s a comparison of Mounjaro and Ozempic.
| Factor | Mounjaro | Ozempic |
| Generic Name | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Drug Class | Incretin Mimetics | Incretin Mimetics |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors | Acts only on GLP-1 receptors |
| FDA Approval | Approved for Type 2 diabetes | Approved for Type 2 diabetes and to lower the risk of a major cardiovascular event |
| Weight Loss | Significant weight loss observed in studies | Weight loss observed in studies |
| Administration | Weekly subcutaneous injection | Weekly subcutaneous injection |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion |
| Cost | Expensive | Expensive |
FAQ
Can I take Mounjaro for weight loss if I’m not diabetic?
Yes, You can take Mounjaro for weight loss even if you do not have diabetes. Mounjaro is usually recommended for people with a BMI over 30, and it is not restricted to people with type 2 diabetes.
When will tirzepatide be approved for weight loss?
Tirzepatide received FDA approval in May 2022 as Zepbound for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition. Zepbound is a weekly injectable drug with promising results in clinical trials for significant weight loss.
Bottom Line
Is mounjaro approved for weight loss? Yes, mounjaro is approved by the FDA for weight loss. The medication showed promising results aiding in weight management.
However, mounjaro may cause several mild or severe side effects; it needs continuous monitoring during the treatment. So, consult a healthcare provider before taking the medication.
My Concierge, MD, Beverly Hills, offers the best Mounjaro injections for weight loss to help you achieve your goal successfully.
