Is Mounjaro FDA-Approved For Weight Loss?

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a medication traditionally prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. In 2023 it was approved by the FDA as a treatment for weight loss too. A synthetic peptide, Mounjaro is also known by the name of its active ingredient Tirzepatide, and is a once-weekly injection administered using a pre-filled pen. (1)

How is Mounjaro different from Ozempic and Wegovy? 

Tirzepatide is different to many other weight loss drugs on the market because it’s classified as both a glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonist and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. (2) Yes, that sounds complicated, but let us explain.  

What is GLP-1 weight loss treatment?

The body naturally produces a hormone called Insulin. It allows the body’s cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream when we eat. As we digest food, the body’s GLP-1 receptors send a signal to the pancreas, telling it to release insulin. This helps your cells absorb and use glucose for energy, bringing your blood sugar levels back to a normal level. Scientists have developed a synthetic version of GLP-1s called GLP-1 agonists. These drugs mimic the action of natural GLP-1, helping to manage blood sugar levels and make you feel full when you’ve eaten. They’re often used for blood sugar regulation for people with health conditions like diabetes, but they’re also effective as a medical weight loss treatment. 

How Mounjaro works in the body for weight loss

Mounjaro is unique because  it works in two different ways. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist it triggers production of insulin which helps regulate and reduce blood sugar after meals, as mentioned above. As well as behaving like a messenger for insulin release, GLP-1s also slow down stomach emptying, which makes you feel full faster and for longer.

Mounjaro is also a (GIP) receptor agonist. By targeting specific brain receptors it increases levels of Adiponectin, a protein known to regulate and suppress appetite, reducing your calorie intake and increasing fat loss. (3)

Clinical Trials and Research on Mounjaro

Clinical trials – including this 72-week study – have shown sizable and sustained reductions in body weight from taking Tirzepatide (in 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg doses) once weekly. With some participants losing up to 20% of their body weight after a year. (4) At Levity, we know that over the long term, medication alone won’t keep your weight off. We recommend reading our blog for holistic advice on maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise regime too. 

Potential side effects and risks associated with Mounjaro use

Similar to other GLP-1 weight loss injections, some people might experience adverse effects while using Mounjaro. Though for most the side effects will be mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation – which usually reduce over time. (1) You might find getting fresh air, sipping cold drinks and consuming smaller, more frequent meals helps combat these symptoms.  

Other common side effects include feeling weak, tired or dizzy, difficulty sleeping and bruising, pain, or a rash around the injection site.

Uncommon and rare side effects associated with Mounjaro

Around 1 in 100 people may experience an increased pulse rate, general feeling of being unwell, dehydration and gallbladder inflammation. Rare side effects can include Pancreatitis, which may present as severe abdominal pain radiating to the back and multiple episodes of vomiting.  If you’re worried about any side effects, you can contact our US-based clinical team who are always on hand to help. 

Recommended dosage and frequency of Mounjaro use for maximum weight loss

Everyone starting weight loss injections like Mounjaro must begin on the lowest possible dose, which is 2.5mg. This low dose helps your body adjust to the medication and minimizes the risk of potential side effects.

Your once-weekly injections are self administered in pre-filled pens. Over time your healthcare provider or Levity clinician will increase your dose incrementally as your weight loss journey progresses. 

Overview of the costs associated with Mounjaro treatment

At Levity, Mounjaro costs $1,299 every month, which includes your initial consultation, prescription, clinical support, health coaching and medication delivered to your door each month. There are alternative GLP-1 treatments available ranging from $225 to $1599 per month including Compounded Semaglutide, Ozempic, and Wegovy. You can compare their prices and benefits here – but our clinical experts will recommend the right treatment for you following your online consultation. Start yours here. 

References

‌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. Gettman L. New Drug: Tirzepatide (MounjaroTM). The Senior Care Pharmacist [Internet]. 2023 Feb 1;38(2):50–62. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36751934

3. Nguyen TMD. Adiponectin: Role in Physiology and Pathophysiology. International Journal of Preventive Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Sep 3;11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7554603 

4. 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