Mounjaro for weight loss. Celebrities such as Chelsea Handler, Patti Stanger, and Rosie O’Donnell, along with social media influencers, have claimed to have experienced the benefits of Mounjaro in weight loss management. However, it is essential to question whether this medication benefits everyone.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a once-weekly insulin injection that helps stabilize blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist. This medication improves insulin sensitivity, enhances insulin secretion, and reduces appetite for better blood sugar regulation. It is also known by its generic name Tirzepatide.
Mounjaro is used alongside a proper diet and regular exercise, similar to other type 2 diabetes medications. It has shown similarities to Ozempic in delivering positive results for weight loss. However, it is essential to note that Mounjaro still needs approval from its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, to be officially recognized as a weight loss medication.
This medication is injected under the skin once per week. It helps improve glycemic control while preventing complications associated with diabetes, such as kidney damage, visual loss, loss of limbs, nerve problems, and sexual dysfunction. It works by stimulating the body’s natural insulin release, lowering blood sugar levels and preventing unnecessary fluctuations.
How did Mounjaro become popular?
Before the sudden popularity of Mounjaro, two other injectable diabetes medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, gained significant attention for their potential for weight loss, albeit as off-label prescriptions. However, the increased demand for these medications resulted in a shortage, leaving many type 2 diabetes patients without access.
Mounjaro is the latest injectable diabetes medication to attract significant attention. While it is primarily prescribed for diabetes treatment, many people have used it off-label for weight management. Unfortunately, this high demand has led to a medication shortage, making it difficult for type 2 diabetes patients to obtain it.
The weight loss benefits of Mounjaro have been a driving factor behind its popularity. Social media has significantly promoted this medication, with millions of people discussing it on platforms like TikTok, where it has garnered over 330 million views. Additionally, the trials and studies conducted on Mounjaro’s weight loss capacity have yielded commendable results:
- In a 72-week trial, participants reported a “substantial and sustained reduction in their body weight” after taking Mounjaro.
- In the same test, Eli Lilly reported that half of the obese and diabetic participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight during a Mounjaro regimen.
- The Phase III trial, SURMOUNT 1, indicated a weight loss result of up to 22.5%.
- The SURMOUNT 2 trial showed that Mounjaro helped diabetes patients lose around 16% of their body weight after 18 months.
Is Mounjaro safe for weight loss?
Taking Mounjaro can lead to various side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
It is important to note that the FDA has not yet approved Mounjaro for use as a weight loss drug. However, due to its off-label prescriptions and popularity in the digital world, it was included in the FDA’s drug shortage list on December 15, 2022. Unfortunately, this popularity has limited access to the medication for those who genuinely need it, namely type 2 diabetes patients.
