Mounjaro (generic name: tirzepatide) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a once-weekly injectable drug that is designed to help control blood sugar levels. Mounjaro is also being explored for weight loss in individuals with obesity, even those without type 2 diabetes.
Who Invented Mounjaro and Where Did It Start?
Mounjaro was developed by Eli Lilly and Company, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. It was created as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the activity of two important gut hormones that help regulate blood sugar, insulin release, and fat metabolism.
How Does Mounjaro Work?
Mounjaro is a dual receptor agonist, meaning it activates two key receptors in the body:
- GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide): This hormone helps regulate insulin secretion after meals, promoting glucose absorption into cells, and has an effect on fat metabolism.
- GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1): GLP-1 helps lower blood sugar by increasing insulin production when blood sugar is high, reducing the liver’s sugar production, and slowing down gastric emptying.
By activating both GIP and GLP-1, Mounjaro has a unique mechanism that helps improve blood sugar levels and may also contribute to weight loss.
Is Mounjaro Safe?
Mounjaro has been shown to be generally safe for most people when prescribed and used appropriately under a doctor’s supervision. However, like any medication, it does come with potential side effects. In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects (such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting) were common, especially during the dose escalation period.
Before using Mounjaro, patients should consult their healthcare provider, particularly if they have:
- A history of pancreatitis
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Kidney problems
- Any history of medullary thyroid cancer (Mounjaro carries a boxed warning about potential thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies)
Benefits of Mounjaro
- Blood Sugar Control: Mounjaro significantly lowers HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control) in people with type 2 diabetes, helping manage the condition more effectively.
- Weight Loss: One of the standout benefits of Mounjaro is its ability to promote significant weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that people who take Mounjaro experience a reduction in body weight, which is beneficial for those with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
- Dual Mechanism of Action: Its dual effect (via GIP and GLP-1 receptors) helps improve insulin secretion, reduces blood sugar levels, and promotes fat loss.
How Does Mounjaro Help with Weight Loss?
Mounjaro helps with weight loss through the following mechanisms:
- Reduced Appetite: The GLP-1 receptor agonism leads to feelings of satiety (fullness), which helps people eat less.
- Slower Gastric Emptying: This effect delays stomach emptying, making people feel fuller for longer.
- Increased Fat Metabolism: The GIP receptor activation can also help with fat burning, making it easier to lose weight.
Side Effects of Mounjaro
The most common side effects of Mounjaro are gastrointestinal issues, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
These side effects are often temporary and occur more frequently when people first start the medication or increase their dose. Other possible side effects, though less common, can include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder issues (including gallstones)
- Thyroid tumors (based on animal studies, but not confirmed in humans)
- Kidney problems (especially in those with pre-existing kidney conditions)
Dosage of Mounjaro
Mounjaro is administered as a once-weekly injection. The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg once a week, with gradual increases to help minimize side effects. The dosage can be increased every 4 weeks depending on the patient’s response to the medication and their tolerance to the side effects.
- Typical dosage schedule:
- Start at 2.5 mg weekly.
- After 4 weeks, increase to 5 mg weekly.
- Can further increase to 10 mg and then 15 mg, based on individual needs and goals.
Mounjaro injections can help with weight loss, but they work best when combined with Healthy choices like eating right and staying fit.. Without these changes, the results may not be as effective. For optimal results, it’s crucial to pair the Mounjaro injections with lifestyle changes.
“Consult us to start your transformation today!”
Author: D. Sreenidhi Varma
Clinical Dietician
Team Amnax Health