Mounjaro

 Mounjaro™

Mounjaro™ (Tirzepatide) is a popular weight loss medication that has gained a lot of attention in recent years.  It works by mimicking the effects of 2 hormones involved in blood sugar control - Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).  Mounjaro™ was initially developed and used for blood sugar control for type 2 diabetics, but its use has since extended into the weight-loss arena.  GLP-1 increases satiety and decreases gastric emptying, while GIP is thought to affect regulation and storage of adipose tissue.  The drug is delivered in weekly subcutaneous injections.  The recommended starting dosage of Mounjaro™ is 2.5 mg.  After four weeks, doses may be increased in 2.5 mg increments, as tolerated, up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly.   Doses are set and monitored by a healthcare provider.  

Many people taking the medication experience side effects and this appears to be related to increased dosage.  However, the most common side effects are mild and tend to improve with time.  Side effects of Mounjaro™ may include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach (abdominal) pain.

Rarely, Mounjaro™ may cause more severe side effects such as kidney problems, gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, or changes in vision. 

Mounjaro™ may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptive medications. It is recommended that you change to an alternative form of birth control for contraceptive purposes while on Mounjaro™. 

Cost Considerations:

Mounjaro™ can be a relatively expensive weight loss program, as it involves buying the medication and there are other program costs.  One such program called Calibrate, costs $1649 a year plus the cost of medication.  On average, a one-month supply of Mounjaro™ costs around $50 with insurance coverage. 

Time Commitment: 

Weight loss with Mounjaro™ requires a significant time commitment, as it involves regular exercise and meal planning to be most effective.  However, many people find that the program is flexible enough to fit into their busy schedules.

Degree of Lifestyle Modification: 

Mounjaro™ requires significant lifestyle modifications, including changes to diet and exercise habits. While these changes can be challenging, they are often necessary for long-term weight loss success.

Special Products Needed: 

Mounjaro™ involves the use of the medication given by weekly injections. There are no known food-medication interactions with tirzepatide, so there are no foods to avoid while on Mounjaro™.  There are no meal replacements or meal plans to buy.

Health Considerations:

Before starting Mounjaro™, it is important to consider any health conditions you may have, particularly with any endocrine-related disorders, such as thyroid tumors.  It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program.  You should also be aware of the risk of side effects from taking the medication.

Family-Friendliness: 

Mounjaro™ can be family-friendly, as it does not require any special diets or buying any particular foods.  However, it may be challenging to make changes to your family's eating habits and routines if that is needed.

Hormone-Friendliness: 

Mounjaro™ is a hormone-friendly approach to weight loss, which can be helpful for individuals with hormonal imbalances as it appears to only affect the hormones that are involved with food intake and blood glucose metabolism.  However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any hormone-related supplements or treatments.

Likelihood of Long-Term Success After Stopping:  

While Mounjaro™ can be a great way to lose weight, it is important to consider the likelihood of long-term success after stopping the program.  Many individuals appear to gain back the weight after stopping the medication, particularly if there were no significant diet and lifestyle changes, however, some also reported gaining the weight back even though they had significant diet and lifestyle changes and maintained them.  

Degree of Support: 

Mounjaro™ usually offers a great deal of support since you need to be monitored by a healthcare professional to use it.  Programs that use the medication usually include coaching and community support.  This can be helpful for individuals who need extra motivation and guidance throughout their weight loss journey.

Overall, Mounjaro™ can be an effective way to lose weight, but it is important to consider several factors before starting it.  With careful consideration and the right support, Mounjaro™ can be a successful weight loss strategy for many individuals.

For more technical information on Mounjaro™:

In pre-clinical models, GIP has been shown to decrease food intake and improve blood glucose metabolism therefore resulting in weight reductions, and when combined with GLP-1 receptor agonism, may result in greater effects on markers of metabolic dysregulation such as body weight, glucose and lipids.”  To evaluate the effectiveness of tirzepatide, the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial was conducted from December 2019 through April 2022 at 119 sites in nine countries.  The subjects had an average baseline weight of approximately 231 pounds and they all were required to have been unsuccessful in one or more diet attempts. 

At 72 weeks, the mean reduction in body weight was 15% in the 5-mg group, 19.5% in the 10-mg group, 20.9% in the 15-mg group, and 3.1% in the placebo group. In pounds lost, those changes translated to 35.5, 48.9, 52.0, and 5.3, respectively.  Overall, more than 90% of those on tirzepatide 15 mg achieved the co-primary endpoint of weight reduction of 5% or more. Nearly 60% achieved a target of 20% or greater reduction in weight from baseline, and about one-third had a reduction of 25% or more. 

The advantage for tirzepatide was evident as early as 4 weeks after treatment began, and by week 20 the pooled tirzepatide groups were down an average of 22 pounds (10.1 kg) compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). 

Approximately 80% of patients receiving tirzepatide reported at least one adverse event (as did 72% in the placebo group). The most common adverse events were nausea, diarrhea, and constipation and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation phase.   Four participants developed pancreatitis: one in each of the three treatment groups and one in the placebo group. Similarly, cholelithiasis occurred in seven patients on the 5-mg dose, nine patients on the 10-mg dose, four patients on the 15-mg dose, and six patients on placebo.