Mounjaro is a diabetes medication combined with diet and exercise to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and has tirzepatide as the main active ingredient. It is the first and only dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist) for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. As a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, the drug reduces food intake while increasing energy expenditure, assisting in weight loss. Combining GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists may have a more significant impact on metabolic dysregulation.
Mounjaro and Weight Loss
MounjaroTM, from Eli Lilly and Company, has been shown to significantly impact the treatment of obesity. It is okay to prescribe the drug for weight loss. Nevertheless, it has not yet been approved by the FDA for this purpose. Learn more about this medication and how it can aid in long-term weight loss.
What Research Says about Mounjaro Weight Loss
Clinical research on the impact of Mounjaro on weight loss reveals that participants lost between 5% and 22.5% of their total body weight. The results are impressive because a majority of people taking FDA-approved obesity medication lose an average of 5 -10% of their body weight. Further, A SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial from Eli Lilly executed in April 2022 offered promising results. The overweight and obese participants with at least one other comorbidity recorded a reduction of up to 52 pounds during the 72-week MounjaroTM (tirzepatide) trial.
Mounjaro Dosage and Weight Loss
Mounjaro weight loss impact varies by dose. According to the study, participants on a 5mg dose recorded a weight loss of 35 pounds or 16% of their body weight. Those who received a 10 mg dose lost an average of 49 pounds or 21.4% of their body weight while those taking 15mg recorded the highest loss. They lost an average of 52 pounds or 22.5% of their body weight.
At the same time, participants taking a placebo only lost 2.4% of their body weight during the study. The study support that Mounjaro is an effective weight loss drug because it shows a significant improvement compared to those taking the placebo.
Experts’ Opinion on Mounjaro and Weight Loss
Experts believe that Mounjaro helps in weight loss. A Q&A session from EVERYDAY HEALTH offers insight into the topic. Robert Gabbay, the chief science and medical officer for the ADA explains that the drug mimics the effect of two different hormones in the body (GLP-1 and GIP).
Mounjaro affects AIC and weight in a number of ways. It allows the body to release extra insulin when blood sugar is high. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach. This allows one to feel fuller, eat less, and lose weight. It has effects on hunger and satiety in the brain where it signals when to stop eating. This not only improves blood glucose but also helps with weight loss.
Why Mounjaro is a Weight Loss Game Changer
Rekha Kumar a Chief Medical Officer from Found asserts that the drug will be a game-changer in the treatment of obesity. He feels that the Mounjaro will be beneficial for obese patients who do not respond to other medicines. It has great efficacy and a unique mechanism that will ensure that obese and overweight patients achieve their weight loss goals.
How Mounjaro Helps in Weight Loss
As outlined above, Mounjaro impacts weight loss in two key ways. First, the drug slows down the emptying of the stomach making you feel satisfied with less food. Consumption of lesser food means lower caloric intake and therefore eventual weight loss. Secondly, the drug reduces appetite by supporting hunger and satiety signals in the brain. It reduces cravings by telling your brain that you are full. This helps you make sound nutritional choices that support weight loss.
Is Mounjaro FDA -Approved for Weight Loss?
No, Mounjaro is not approved by the FDA specifically as a weight loss drug. The good news is that regulators have taken notice, granting the medication a fast-track designation for its review for the treatment of obesity.
As PR Newswire reports, Lilly received U.S. FDA Fast Track designation for tirzepatide for the treatment of adults with obesity, or overweight with weight-related comorbidities.
What are Mounjaro’s side effects?
Mounjaro Serious Side Effects
- Some of the serious side effects of Mounjaro are inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar, serious allergic reactions, kidney problems, severe stomach problems, changes in vision, and gall bladder problems. If you note any of these side effects, call your healthcare provider immediately. For allergic reactions stop using Mounjaro and get medical help right away.
Mounjaro Common side effects
- The most common side effects of Mounjaro are nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach (abdominal) pain. These are not the only possible side effects of Mounjaro. Discuss with your healthcare provider any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
Final Thoughts
This is not all the information you need to know about Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full Mounjaro information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
