Obesity is a growing concern in the UK, with recent statistics painting a stark picture of the nation’s health. According to the latest data, from 2021 to 2022, an estimated 63.8% of adults aged 18 and over in England were overweight or living with obesity. This was an increase from 2020 to 2021 (63.3%).
This trend is alarming as it leads to increased risks of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Amidst this backdrop, effective weight loss solutions such as weight loss injections are in high demand. One such promising solution, now approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), is Mounjaro, a medication that has shown significant potential in aiding weight loss.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a new prescription medicine recently approved by the MHRA for weight loss in addition to its use in treating type 2 diabetes. Developed by Eli Lilly and Company, Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable medication that mimics the action of incretin hormones, which regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.
Mounjaro comes in a simple pen that patients inject themselves once a week. This medicine makes you feel fuller after eating small amounts of food.
Unhealthy weight can cause diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Medicines like Mounjaro can help improve your health in the future. For the best results, it should be used with a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
If other weight loss methods haven’t worked for you, your doctor might suggest trying Mounjaro. It has been thoroughly tested for safety and is approved for use in adults.
Mounjaro functions by activating receptors in the stomach and brain, signalling to the body that it’s time to stop eating. It contains an active ingredient called Tirzepatide, which mimics the natural hormones responsible for creating a sense of fullness.
Mounjaro’s weight loss benefits can be attributed to its unique mechanism of action. It functions as a dual agonist, targeting two key receptors: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide).
GLP-1 Agonism: By mimicking GLP-1, Mounjaro enhances insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. These actions collectively contribute to reduced appetite and better glucose control.
GIP Agonism: GIP plays a crucial role in fat metabolism and energy balance. By activating GIP receptors, Mounjaro helps regulate fat storage and utilisation, promoting weight loss.
The combination of these mechanisms results in a comprehensive approach to weight loss, addressing both appetite regulation and metabolic processes.
After administration, Tirzepatide begins circulating in the body, triggering nerves that communicate to the brain, “The stomach is full, so reduce the sensation of hunger.” Consequently, individuals feel satisfied with significantly smaller meals than they would typically require.
Over the course of weeks and months, consistent weekly injections of Mounjaro result in reduced meal portions, leading to an overall decrease in calorie consumption. This calorie deficit, combined with the other effects of Mounjaro, facilitates weight loss.
Mounjaro stands out in the crowded field of weight loss injections for several reasons:
Dual Action Mechanism: Unlike traditional weight loss drugs that focus solely on appetite suppression or fat absorption, Mounjaro works by targeting both glucose and weight regulation pathways. This dual action makes it more effective in promoting weight loss and improving overall metabolic health.
Once-Weekly Dosing: The convenience of a once-weekly injection sets Mounjaro apart from daily oral medications. This not only improves adherence but also reduces the burden on patients who may already be managing multiple medications.
Superior Efficacy: Clinical trials have demonstrated that Mounjaro offers superior weight loss compared to other available medications. Patients have reported substantial reductions in body weight, which is crucial for those struggling with obesity.
Metabolic Benefits: Beyond weight loss, Mounjaro provides significant metabolic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles. This makes it an attractive option for individuals with metabolic syndrome or those at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The effectiveness of Mounjaro in promoting weight loss is backed by robust scientific evidence. In a series of clinical trials, Mounjaro demonstrated remarkable results in reducing body weight among participants.
One pivotal study, the SURPASS-2 trial, involved over 1,800 adults with type 2 diabetes. Participants receiving Mounjaro experienced an average weight loss of 12-14% over 52 weeks, significantly higher than those on placebo or other standard treatments.
Another study, SURMOUNT-1, focused specifically on weight loss and involved participants without diabetes. This trial revealed even more impressive results, with participants losing up to 21% of their body weight over 72 weeks.
These findings underscore Mounjaro’s potential as a game-changer for chronic weight management, offering hope to millions struggling with obesity.
Mounjaro is available in multiple strengths to cater to individual patient needs. It comes in pre-filled, single-dose pens for subcutaneous injection. The available strengths include:
2.5 mg
5 mg
7.5 mg
10 mg
12.5 mg
15 mg
Patients usually start with the lowest dose and gradually increase based on their response and tolerance. This titration approach helps minimise potential side effects and optimise therapeutic outcomes.
Mounjaro has been tested and approved for adults over 18 dealing with obesity and weight-related health issues. However, because it is a newer medication, doctors carefully consider several factors before prescribing it.
In studies, Mounjaro was given to people with a BMI over 30, or over 27 if they had at least one weight-related issue like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. These conditions can improve with weight loss. Doctors might suggest Mounjaro if you have a similar profile and have struggled to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes alone.
It’s important to talk to your GP or pharmacist about all your health conditions and medications first. While Mounjaro can be safe for many, people with certain digestive issues or those taking specific drugs may need adjusted doses or closer supervision. For example, thyroid problems, a family history of thyroid tumours, or using blood thinners require special considerations.
Starting Mounjaro involves several steps to ensure safe and effective use:
Book Online Consultation: Before beginning your weight loss journey with Mounjaro, please book a free consultation at The Care Pharmacy. We will assess your medical history, current medications, and overall health to determine if Mounjaro is suitable for you.
Prescription and Guidance: After your eligibility consultation, we will prescribe Mounjaro and guide its use. This includes instructions on proper injection techniques and dosage adjustments.
Monitoring and Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust the dose if necessary. We will track your weight loss every month, blood sugar levels, and overall health to ensure optimal outcomes.
To maximise weight loss on Mounjaro, take it exactly as prescribed, maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Stay hydrated, get adequate sleep, and manage stress through activities like yoga or meditation.
Why does Mounjaro work so well for weight loss?
Mounjaro mimics hormones in the body that control appetite and blood sugar levels. It works similarly to other well-known weight loss drugs like Saxenda and Wegovy. The only difference is that it mimics two hormones GLP-1 and GIP.
Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?
The top 3 reasons you might not be losing weight on Mounjaro are:
– You’re not eating fewer calories than you burn.
– You’ve hit a temporary weight-loss plateau.
– Your dose isn’t high enough to reduce your hunger and help you eat less.
What diet works best with Mounjaro?
Here are some recommended foods:
Whole Grains: Choose options like quinoa, oats, and whole wheat. They have a lower glycaemic index and provide lasting energy.
Lean Proteins: Include lean meats, fish, and plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas in your meals.
Where to inject Mounjaro?
Abdomen: The abdomen is commonly recommended for injections due to its large surface area and easy access.Thigh: The thigh is another suitable injection site because it has enough fat for subcutaneous injections.
Medically reviewed by
Superintendent Pharmacist
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