For many in the UK struggling with obesity, achieving lasting weight loss can feel like a constant battle. Mounjaro for weight loss, a relatively new prescription medication, has emerged as a promising tool in the fight against excess weight. But how exactly does it work? Let’s delve into the science behind Mounjaro’s weight loss effects.
A Dual Approach: Targeting Key Hormones
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg per 0.5 mL injection is a prescription weight loss injection, unlike traditional weight loss drugs, Mounjaro works through a unique dual-agonist mechanism. It targets two crucial incretin hormones:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1):
This hormone slows down stomach emptying, promoting feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. It also stimulates insulin release, helping your body regulate blood sugar levels.
- Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)
Often dubbed the “hunger hormone,” GIP stimulates insulin secretion and increases fat storage. Mounjaro acts as a GIP receptor antagonist, essentially blocking its actions and potentially leading to decreased food intake and increased energy expenditure.
This dual approach differentiates Mounjaro from other weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, which only target GLP-1 receptors. Studies suggest this double action might translate to even greater weight loss compared to single-agonist drugs.
Mounjaro’s Multifaceted Impact on Weight Loss
Mounjaro’s influence goes beyond simply curbing appetite. Here’s a closer look at its potential weight loss mechanisms:
- Appetite Suppression: By stimulating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, Mounjaro can activate areas that control satiety, leading to feelings of fullness and reduced desire to eat.
- Slowed Digestion: Mounjaro can slow down the rate at which food empties from your stomach, prolonging feelings of fullness and potentially reducing calorie intake.
- Improved Blood Sugar Control: By enhancing insulin sensitivity and promoting insulin release, Mounjaro can help regulate blood sugar levels. This, in turn, might indirectly contribute to weight management by reducing sugar cravings and promoting a healthier metabolic environment.
- Increased Energy Expenditure: Early research suggests that Mounjaro might influence hormones involved in energy expenditure, potentially leading to a mild increase in the body’s calorie burn rate.
It’s important to remember that these mechanisms are complex and still being fully understood. However, the combined effects seem to translate into significant weight loss for many users.
Scientific Evidence for Mounjaro’s Weight Loss Efficacy
Clinical trials have provided robust evidence for Mounjaro’s effectiveness in weight management. A prominent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that participants taking Mounjaro lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight over a year, compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group. This dramatic weight loss injection highlights the medication’s potential impact on weight management.
Is Mounjaro Available in the UK?
Yes! Mounjaro was given the green light for weight loss by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) in November 2023. However, there are specific criteria you need to meet to be eligible.
- An initial assessment by a GP or other qualified healthcare professional is crucial. They’ll determine if Mounjaro is the right fit for you based on NICE guidelines.
- If you meet the criteria, your clinician will provide a prescription for Mounjaro.
- The initial assessment can sometimes be done entirely online with a licensed healthcare provider or in person, depending on your preference.
- Remember, unlike some weight loss pills or injections, Mounjaro is not available over the counter. You’ll always need a prescription.
Mounjaro comes in various strengths to cater to individual needs. As with most medications, the cost depends on the dosage prescribed by your healthcare professional. While the prices may vary with dosages, at Priman we strive to offer Mounjaro at competitive rates to support your weight loss journey.
Mounjaro for Weight Loss: Important Considerations
While Mounjaro shows promise as a weight loss medication, it’s crucial to understand its limitations. Here are some key points to consider:
- Prescription Medication: Mounjaro is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Self-administration can be dangerous and lead to unforeseen complications.
- Lifestyle Changes Still Essential: Mounjaro is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It’s not a substitute for a sustainable lifestyle approach to weight management.
- Potential Side Effects: Like any medication, Mounjaro can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and fatigue. These are usually mild and temporary, but it’s important to be aware of them and discuss them with your healthcare professional.
- Not for Everyone: Mounjaro is not suitable for everyone. People with a history of pancreatitis, certain types of stomach cancer, or a serious allergy to the medication should not take it.
The Road to Weight Loss
If you’re considering Mounjaro for weight loss, the first step is to talk to your healthcare professional. They can assess your individual needs, determine if Mounjaro is right for you, and develop a weight loss plan that incorporates healthy lifestyle changes alongside medication.
References
Cai, W. et al. (2024) “Tirzepatide as a novel effective and safe strategy for treating obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials,” Frontiers in public health, 12. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1277113.
Eli Lilly and Company (2022) Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) Injection: The First and Only GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Approved for Type 2 Diabetes, Lilly.com. Available at: https://www.lilly.com/news/media/media-kits/mounjaro (Accessed: July 9, 2024).
Garvey, W. T. et al. (2023) “Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2): a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial,” Lancet, 402(10402), pp. 613–626. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01200-x.
Grespan, E. et al. (2021) “Different mechanisms of GIP and GLP-1 action explain their different therapeutic efficacy in type 2 diabetes,” Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 114(154415), p. 154415. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154415.
Jastreboff, A. M. et al. (2022) “Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity,” The New England journal of medicine, 387(3), pp. 205–216. doi: 10.1056/nejmoa2206038.
Lilly’s tirzepatide delivered up to 22.5% weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight in SURMOUNT-1 (no date) Eli Lilly and Company. Available at: https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-tirzepatide-delivered-225-weight-loss-adults-obesity-or (Accessed: July 9, 2024).
Mounjaro KwikPen 10mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc) (no date) Org.uk. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15484/smpc (Accessed: July 9, 2024).
Müller, T. D. et al. (2019) “Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1),” Molecular metabolism, 30, pp. 72–130. doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.09.010.
