Mounjaro is quickly becoming one of the most popular injectable weight loss medications along with Ozempic, Wegovy and compounded semaglutide. Here, our Levity experts unpack how Mounjaro works, how to access a prescription and how much it costs.
Mounjaro is the brand name for a prescription medication produced by Eli Lilly that was initially developed to treat people with type 2 diabetes but was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity in adults. [1]
It is an injectable medication that is administered once-weekly at home using a pre-filled pen and is often prescribed in conjunction with changes to diet and exercise.
The active ingredient in Mounjaro is called tirzepatide and it works by mimicking two essential hormones in the body: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and is more commonly referred to as a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist.
By mimicking these hormones the medication signals to your brain that you’re not hungry, slows stomach emptying, and stimulates the release of insulin all of which help to reduce your appetite, curb food cravings, make you feel fuller for longer and regulate blood sugar levels. [2]
These biological changes make it easier to reduce food intake and stick to a consistent exercise routine so you can achieve your weight loss goals.
Clinical trials, including a 72-week study, have demonstrated significant and sustained weight loss in adults taking tirzepatide (in doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg) once weekly, with an average weight loss of 20% of their body mass after one year. [3]
In comparison, single-acting hormone medications like Wegovy and Ozempic typically result in an average weight loss of 15% and 7% respectively. [4]
GIP and GLP-1 receptors like Mounjaro can only be prescribed for weight loss where it is medically appropriate. According to health guidelines it is approved for weight management in adult patients with a BMI of over 30, as well as those with a BMI over 27 who also have weight-related health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease and raised cholesterol. It’s also important to note that Mounjaro should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise plan for the best results.
While Mounjaro is an effective weight loss drug, there are some groups of people who it is not recommended for. These include:
If you’re unsure if Mounjaro is the right weight loss drug for you it is important to seek medical advice from a trusted healthcare provider.
Mounjaro is generally supplied in one-month quantities, typically consisting of four pre-filled injection pens since the medication is taken once weekly and you can normally find it at a community pharmacy or through an online pharmacy provider.
Before seeking a Mounjaro prescription for weight loss, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to assess whether Mounjaro is the right treatment option for you based on your medical history and personal goals and circumstances.
Additionally, your healthcare provider may order blood tests or perform a physical examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Mounjaro. They will also consider factors such as potential side effects, drug interactions, and overall safety of the medication in relation to your medical history. It is important to be open and honest with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding taking Mounjaro for weight loss.
By consulting with a healthcare professional, you can ensure that you are making an informed decision about pursuing Mounjaro as a weight loss treatment. Your provider can guide you through the process of obtaining a prescription and offer personalized recommendations based on your unique health circumstances. Remember, always prioritize your health and well-being when considering any medication for weight loss.
At Levity, we combine the cost of your consultation, prescription, medication, weekly self-injectable pen, clinical check-ins and access to our health coaches into a once-monthly subscription cost. We don't currently accept insurance, but we’re planning to in the future.
With Levity, you can get a Mounjaro online prescription for weight loss from the comfort of your home. Plus, our service also includes follow-up appointments, coaching and any additional medication you may need to help reduce side effects like nausea.
Finally, if Mounjaro isn’t the right medication for you our clinical team can suggest an alternative medication to support you on your weight loss journey.
[1] Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056
[2] Dutta P, Kumar Y, Babu AT, Giri Ravindran S, Salam A, Rai B, et al. Tirzepatide: A Promising Drug for Type 2 Diabetes and Beyond. Cureus [Internet]. 2023 May 1;15(5):e38379. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10231274/
[3] Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jun 4;387(3). Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
[4] How do Mounjaro, Wegovy & Ozempic compare for weight loss? [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/mounjaro-wegovy-ozempic-compare-weight-loss-3570898/
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