Mounjaro (active ingredient tirzepatide) is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the activity of these hormones. Which leads to improved blood sugar control.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are two hormones produced in the gut in response to sugar consumption. These hormones, called incretins, contribute to blood sugar control.

Mounjaro can also lead to significant weight loss, and although it’s not FDA-approved for this purpose, some providers are prescribing it off-label, says Leon I. Igel, M.D., a board-certified obesity medicine specialist and endocrinologist, and chief medical officer for Intellihealth, an obesity treatment company.

In a 2022 clinical trial, individuals living with obesity (but without diabetes) were given once-weekly injections of tirzepatide at doses of 5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 15 milligrams or a placebo for 72 weeks.

In comparison with the control group, who lost an average of 3.1% body weight. Individuals receiving tirzepatide experienced a 15% reduction in body weight with the use of 5 milligrams weekly, 19.5% with the use of 10 milligrams weekly. And 20.9% with the use of 15 milligrams weekly

Additionally, a 2023 meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 9,783 people found that tirzepatide causes significant weight loss in both individuals with type 2 diabetes and those with obesity

“GIP and GLP-1 are satiety hormones naturally produced by the intestine,” says Dr. Igel. “Mounjaro mimics these hormones, which leads to feeling full sooner after eating and helps you to remain full longer.” It also slows down digestion, which can help with portion control and hunger, he adds.

In addition, Mounjaro targets the areas of the brain (such as the hypothalamus) that control appetite and influence eating decisions, which may further assist with weight loss, says Dr. Igel.

Mounjaro comes as a single-dose pen that is self-administered once weekly via injection under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. You should rotate the once-weekly injection site with each dose.

Typically, individuals start with a treatment initiation dosage of 2.5 milligrams to allow the body to get use to the medication. After four weeks at this dose, it’s increase in implements of 2.5 milligrams until an effective dosage is achieved.

However, the exact dosage needed for weight loss varies by the individual. “Some people achieve significant weight loss with low doses (2.5 milligrams or 5 milligrams) Mounjaro. While others require mid (7.5 milligrams/10 milligrams) or higher doses (12.5 milligrams or 15 milligrams) to see meaningful results.

If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, take it as soon as possible within four days (96 hours) after your missed dose. If more than four days have passed, take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day, ensuring that you don’t take two doses of Mounjaro within three days of each other.

As with all medications, your specific dosage and dosing instructions should come from your doctor.

 The risk/benefit profile of Mounjaro seems to be very favorable, according to clinical trials. That said, gastrointestinal side effects may occur in some individuals, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Reduced appetite
• Stomach pain

“These side effects are typically mild to moderate in severity and occur primarily during the dose-escalation period,” says Dr. Igel.

Although serious side effects are rare, they include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), causing severe and persistent abdominal pain with or without vomiting.
• Kidney failure in individuals with kidney problems due to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting that results in dehydration.
• Stomach problems that are severe or do not go away.
• Changes in vision like blurred vision, floaters and loss of vision.
• Gallbladder problems causing upper abdominal pain, jaundice, clay-colored stool and fever.

According to Eli Lilly, the drug’s manufacturer. Mounjaro may cause thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer, so look out for symptoms like a lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath or hoarseness.

The following individuals should not take Mounjaro:

• Individuals with a history or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• Individuals with an allergy to any of the ingredients of Mounjaro
• Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding

A good candidate for Mounjaro is a person with type 2 diabetes with overweight or obesity, or an individual with overweight or obesity (without type 2 diabetes), says Dr. Fishman.

The best candidate will have an elevated body mass index (BMI) of at least 27, notes Dr. Igel, adding that you should also be comfortable administering a self-injection.

Be sure to ask your provider about potential drug interactions. “Mounjaro is associate with improve glucose control, so if you are taking other medications to lower your glucose, your dose of these medications may need to be lower to prevent hypoglycemia (very low glucose levels),” says Dr. Igel.

Talk to your health care provider about diet and lifestyle modifications to make along with Mounjaro. It’s very important to increase physical activity, and in particular muscle building and strength training activities, to prevent muscle loss. You will likely lose weight without exercise, but it will be harder to maintain after stopping or tapering the medication.

Mounjaro is generally safe for weight loss in individuals who are overweight or living with obesity.  Individuals who are at normal weight or underweight are at risk of malnutrition or muscle loss if they use the medication. Be sure to consult with your health care provider to weigh the medication’s risks and benefits. Buy mounjaro in uk, mounjaro for sale in uk