Table of Contents
Introduction
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a medicine that not only regulates blood sugar level but also works very well for weight loss. Dr Sarah Fishman explains the scientific reasons behind this. He is an experienced endocrinologist at Northwell Health’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. According to him, Monzaro works as a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. These two mainly mimic the action of hormones called incretins. Their job is to control the amount of sugar in the blood.
Some pharmaceutical experts now think otherwise. Intellihealth, a company associated with excess fat loss treatment, has its Chief Medical Officer Dr. Leon I. Eagle. He is a fat loss drug specialist and endocrinologist. He revealed that some healthcare companies are using Mounjaro for weight loss despite not having FDA approval.
In 2022, a medical trial used Mounjaro in some people without diabetes to reduce excess weight. Participants were injected with Mounjaro at different doses every week such as 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg. Very surprising results were obtained. Those given the 5 mg dose lost 15%, those given the 10 mg dose lost 19.5%, and those given the 15 mg dose lost 20.9%.
Another study in 2023 found that Mounjaro worked very well for weight loss in obese people with type 2 diabetes.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro works a little differently than Ozmpic and Wegovir. It does not stimulate only one receptor, but acts on two receptors simultaneously, so it is called a ‘dual-agonist’.
Dual agonists are more effective than single-agonists for weight loss. These receptors are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). When these receptors are activated, they control the amount of gloucse in the blood as well as reduce hunger, resulting in weight loss.
Ozempic and Wegovi activate only GLP-1 receptors but Mounjaro activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors simultaneously.
Mounjaro Dosage
Mounjaro can be taken weekly under the skin. It is available in single dose pen. Injections can be taken under the skin in the abdomen, thighs, and it is very important to change the injection site every time. 2.5 mg dose can be started initially and then the dose can be increased by 2.5 mg every four weeks till the appropriate dose is reached.
Dr. Fishman says the effective dose for weight loss depends on the individual. Some people get good results with a small dose like 2.5 mg or 5 mg, some with a medium dose like 7.5 mg or 10 mg, some use up to 12.5 mg or 15 mg.
A missed dose of it can be taken within the next 4 days or 96 hours. If it is more than four days then this dose should be taken on the specified day. Two doses of Mounjaro should not be taken three days apart.
How much weight do people lose with Mounjaro?
Clinical trials of Mounjaro have yielded very surprising results. Those given the 15 mg dose lost up to 21% in weight.
Those who underwent clinical trials had normal symptoms of diabetes. That is why this medicine has attracted more attention as a weight loss drug. Its various benefits are evident from clinical trials.
What are the pros and cons of Mounjaro?
Pros.
- Reduces A1C (average blood sugar over time) by an average of 2.4%.
- Can be taken weekly.
- It can be taken with meal or empty stomach.
- It comes in a package of a pen and a needle so it is convenient to inject.
- It is also suitable for those who have liver or kidney problems.
Cons.
- This is only available by injection.
- Stomach problems like vomiting, diarrhea can occur.
- Only one brand name is available.
- Not approved for use by children.
- It is not known if it can be taken during pregnancy.
How to use Mounjaro for weight loss?
It is injected under the skin in the same way that Mounjaro is used for type 2 diabetes, for weight loss. The only difference is the dose and how many days it is used.
If using this medicine for weight loss or any other reason, it should start with the lowest dose of 2.5 mg. After four weeks, the dose can be increased up to a maximum of 15 mg on the doctor’s advice. It is better to follow the doctor’s advice in this regard.
A small dose of Mounjaro is taken initially just to allow the body to adapt to a new drug. Not much weight loss may occur at this dose. Not everyone needs to go up to the highest dose. Many people lose up to 5% weight on 5 mg. Clinical trials have shown weight loss of up to 15% at the highest dose, and some patients outside of the trial have lost up to 22% at the same dose.
Side effects of Mounjaro:
Some gastrointestinal side effects may occur. They are:
vomiting
diarrhea
Constipation
indigestion
loss of appetite
stomach ache
These side effects are less common when increasing the dose.
Serious side effects are seen in rare cases. They are:
Pancreatitis: Acute abdominal pain with or without vomiting is due to pancreatitis.
Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia may occur, causing sweating, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, feeling shaky or anxious, increased heart rate, mood changes, or loss of appetite.
Allergies: Serious allergies sometimes occur, causing swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, dizziness or fainting, and a very fast heart rate.
Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to kidney failure in kidney patients and lead to dehydration.
Gallbladder problems can cause abdominal pain, jaundice and fever.
According to Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of the Mounjaro drug, it increases the risk of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. So lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty in swallowing, and difficulty in breathing should be monitored.
Who should not take Mounjaro?
- Mounjaro is not safe for people who have had or have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
- This medicine is not safe for people who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).
- Mounjaro is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How quickly do you lose weight on Mounjaro?
The rate of weight loss depends on the patient’s weight and body composition. 10-20% weight loss can be achieved within 6-12 months using Mounjaro. It also benefits in improving metabolism, proper blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels. Using Mounjaro in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise provides the most benefit.
Can you lose belly fat with Mounjaro?
Fat and weight can be reduced very well using Mounjaro. In addition, it controls blood glucose levels and helps reduce cholesterol. It also reduces hunger.
It is very important to consult a doctor before starting this medicine.
What not to eat on Mounjaro?
Can be eaten:
Lean meat or chicken
egg
cottage cheese
Cooked or dry cereal
the rice
Canned or soft fresh fruit
Cooked vegetables, without skin
Food should be avoided (small amounts are ok).
Carbonated drinks
raw vegetables
Hard meat or gristle meat
red meat
fried food
Highly seasoned or spicy foods
Nuts and seeds
corn bran
Will I gain weight after stopping Mounjaro?
Mounjaro controls blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. But it is also very effective for losing excess weight.
After stopping it, there is a possibility of regaining fat. A low calorie diet and regular exercise are essential for this.
Do the side effects of Mounjaro go away?
Most of the side effects of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are temporary such as vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea. Hair loss has been reported in some cases. Some serious side effects are possible but not very common, such as gallbladder problems and pancreatitis. If any side effects seem serious, consult a doctor.
Where is the best place to inject Mounjaro?
The American Diabetes Association recommends three different sites for Mounjaro injection. These are the stomach (abdomen), thighs and outer upper arms. It’s efficacy is no less or greater for injection sites. Choose a clean and soft place without any spots, moles.
Injections should be given at different sites every week. Redness may occur for injections at the same site two weeks in a row. Multiple injections at the same site may cause hair growth. The next injection should be taken at least one and a half inches away from the last injection. Mounjaro is better absorbed and most effective when injected through the site.it
How long do you take Mounjaro?
Mounjaro controls blood sugar very quickly but it may take 8 to 12 weeks for best results. Significant weight loss is seen as early as 28 weeks.