1. What is Mounjaro?

• Mounjaro is a prescription medication developed by Eli Lilly for weight management in adults.
• It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist.

2. How Does Mounjaro Work?

• Mounjaro works by targeting two key hormones involved in regulating appetite, food intake, and glucose control: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide).
• GLP-1 helps control hunger and satiety, while GIP is involved in insulin secretion and fat metabolism.
• By stimulating these hormones, Mounjaro helps reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and improve metabolic health, leading to significant weight loss.

3. Who Can Use Mounjaro?

• Mounjaro is approved for adults who are overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related health condition, or those with obesity (BMI ≥ 30), regardless of comorbidities.
• It is typically prescribed to people struggling to achieve weight loss through diet and exercise alone.
• It is not recommended for people with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), or those with a history of pancreatitis.

4. Administration

• Mounjaro is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin) using a pre-filled pen.
• The dosage starts low and is gradually increased over several weeks to minimize side effects.
• It is typically used alongside a healthy diet and physical activity program to maximize results.

5. Effectiveness

• Clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro can help individuals lose 15% to 22% of their body weight, depending on the dose and adherence to lifestyle changes.
• Mounjaro has shown impressive results compared to other weight-loss medications and is considered one of the most effective options for weight loss.

6. Side Effects

• Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.
• Most side effects are mild and often decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
• Serious side effects (though rare) can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney issues.

7. Safety Considerations

• Mounjaro should be used in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise program to achieve the best results.
• It's important to monitor for any gastrointestinal symptoms (like nausea or vomiting) and speak to a healthcare provider if any concerns arise.
• Mounjaro is not recommended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and should not be used in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as severe gastrointestinal disorders.

8. Long-Term Use

• Mounjaro is intended for long-term use as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.
• Stopping the medication may result in weight regain, so it is important to continue with healthy lifestyle practices even after achieving significant weight loss.

9. Availability

• Mounjaro is available by prescription in many countries, including the United States and the UK (pending approval).
• It can be prescribed by a healthcare provider who will assess whether it is appropriate based on an individual’s health status and weight loss goals.

10. Additional Benefits

• In addition to its weight-loss benefits, Mounjaro has shown promise in improving blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• It has been associated with improved cardiovascular health and may lower the risk of heart disease by improving metabolic markers such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

11. Convenience

• Mounjaro is taken once a week, which makes it easier to incorporate into a routine compared to other weight-loss treatments that require more frequent dosing.
• The convenience of a weekly injection and the growing availability through online pharmacies are making Mounjaro more accessible to those seeking effective weight loss solutions.

Mounjaro offers a powerful option for weight loss, particularly for individuals struggling with obesity or weight-related health conditions. It provides a clinically proven solution to support significant, sustained weight loss when used alongside a healthy lifestyle. However, as with any medication, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Full information can be found within the patient fact sheet here.