Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) was originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, due to its efficiency in weight reduction, which was supported by various research, doctors may prescribe it to patients. If you want to know more about Mounjaro or other weight loss injections, take a look at our website or book a consultation with us at Hormone Replacement Therapy LA.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injection approved by the FDA for treating patients with type 2 diabetes. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonist is a medicine that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an intestinal hormone. It is used to improve blood sugar, i.e., glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, with the right kind of exercise and diet.

Is Mounjaro approved for weight loss?

Although Mounjaro is not yet approved by the FDA as a weight loss drug, it is likely that it can cause weight loss. The FDA may approve this drug for weight loss in the future.

Although Mounjaro hasn’t been approved by the FDA yet, another drug called Zepbound (Tirzepatide) from the same family has recently been approved for weight management.

How effective is Mounjaro for weight loss?

Clinical trials suggest that Mounjaro is somewhat effective in causing weight loss in people who take it. A study conducted by Eli Lilly amongst participants achieved a total average weight loss of 26.6% over 84 weeks.

Another study showed that 2500 obese adults taking 5 mg of Mounjaro for 72 weeks lost 15% of body weight [1].

Mounjaro side effects

Serious Side Effects:

Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In animal studies, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) caused dose-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors. While it’s unclear if this risk extends to humans, the drug is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Patients should be informed about symptoms of thyroid tumors (such as a neck mass, difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarseness).
Pancreatitis: Although rare, Mounjaro may lead to inflammation of the pancreas.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: These can occur, so it’s essential to be vigilant.

Common Side Effects:

Digestive Issues: These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and reduced appetite.
Injection Site Reactions: Mild discomfort at the injection site.
Allergic Reactions: Rare but possible.

Less Common Side Effects:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Skin Rash

Mounjaro vs. Ozempic for weight loss

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are primarily approved to treat type 2 diabetes. However, one study compared the effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic for weight loss when used to treat type 2 diabetes. The study shows that people using Mounjaro lost more weight than Ozempic [2].

According to an article published by Healthline, the latest clinical trials show patients achieving 26.6% weight loss over 84 weeks with Mounjaro.

Mounjaro vs. Wegovy for weight loss

Mounjaro and Wegovy are both injected once every week for weight loss. Mounjaro is an FDA-approved injection for type 2 diabetes and not specifically for weight loss. Clinical trials for a 10mg dosage suggested weight loss in patients. The patients lost an average of 13.4% of their body weight compared to 30% for placebo in 72 weeks.

Whereas Wegovy has been approved by the FDA as a weight loss medication. It is recommended for adults and adolescents aged 12 and older.

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Mounjaro vs. Zepbound weight loss

Mounjaro and Zepbound are both the same drug, Tirzepatide, with different brand names. They work the same way as they share the same active ingredient. While Zepbound is approved for the treatment of weight problems, Mounjaro is approved for treating type 2 diabetes.

One month’s supply of Zepbound can cost up to $1,059.87, and Mounjaro costs $ 1,023.04.

Mounjaro vs. Saxenda for weight loss

Both Mounjaro and Saxenda can help in weight loss. While Saxenda contains Liraglutide, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone, Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide, a dual agonist which impacts both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors.

Mounjaro is proven to be much more effective for weight loss than Saxenda.

What does Mounjaro cost?

The cost of Mounjaro varies depending on the pharmacy and insurance coverage. According to GoodRx, the price can be $1,023 per fill. One fill is four pre-filled pens, and one fill lasts for a month.

This means that a 3-month supply will cost around $3,070 and $12,000 for a year’s supply. You can also get discounts from various outlets and stores. Also, if you have insurance, you could pay $25 or less for a month’s supply.

Is treatment with Mounjaro for weight loss long-term?

According to a recent study, taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) for a long time with dietary and lifestyle changes can help in weight loss. Researchers reported that Mounjaro can significantly help in weight reduction in obese people. In a study where more than 2,500 adults with obesity were tested by giving them 5 mg of Mounjaro for 72 weeks. The report shows that 15% of their body weight was lost on average [3].

In terms of long-term use of Mounjaro for weight loss, another study found that extended treatment with Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) can help people lose even more weight [4]. People who keep taking tirzepatide experience better results both with losing weight and keeping it off compared to those who take it for a limited amount of time.

How quickly can you lose weight with Mounjaro?

A study suggested that people who kept taking tirzepatide for 72 weeks (a year and a half) lost 15% of their body weight on average. The duration depends on various pointers like age, gender, diet, lifestyle choice, etc.