Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, though originally approved for the treatment of diabetes, is becoming increasing popular for the treatment of weight loss. It has set itself apart from competition by acting on more receptors, often resulting in significantly more weight lost.

Approval and How it Works:

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a medication that was initially approved for medical use in the United states in May of 2022. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Like other popular medications Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, Mounjaro works by mimicking GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors, receptors in the gut responsible for feelings of fullness. Unlike these other medications, however, Mounjaro is a dual-acting medication, so it also activates GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. This dual-action is what truly sets Mounjaro apart from the competition, and is part of the reason it is so much more effective than traditional options.

Dosage and How to Use:

Much like any other medication, when it comes to Mounjaro, doctors prescribe different dosages depending on what they’re treating and who they’re treating. Dosages can vary, but a typical starting dose for the purpose of weight loss is 2.5mg weekly, injected under the skin. The medication comes in a pre-filled pen to make it easy to inject. It's important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely to get the best results.

Weight Loss as a Side Effect:

As mentioned, while Mounjaro's main job is tackling blood sugar and diabetes, many folks have noticed significant weight loss while taking it. It's like a bonus effect! Mounjaro works by mimicking two different hormones in the digestive system that are responsible for feelings of fullness. Most people lose weight simply by eating less, without even trying to! Though Mounjaro is suggested with changes to diet and exercise, often times people find themselves dieting naturally from the effects of the medication.

Research Findings: Exceptional Outcomes

A 2023 clinical trial titled SURMOUNT found that the average person lost 26.6% of their weight over the treatment period of 84 weeks. If you read this article about Ozempic or any of the other articles about semaglutide, you may remember that the average person lost around 15% of their body weight. That’s a huge difference! As with any medication, results vary person by person, but as a whole Mounjaro is incredibly effective at treating obesity.

Ongoing Research: Seeking Answers

As interest grows in Mounjaro's potential for weight loss, researchers are hard at work to find out more. They want to understand how it works, how well it works, and who it works for. While the current research is incredibly promising, there is much more to learn and prove to the medical community. In fact, recent research has convinced the FDA to approve a version of Mounjaro specifically for weight loss, rather than as an obesity treatment. This new drug is called Zepbound, which you can read about here.

Thinking About Patients:

Before jumping into using Mounjaro for weight loss, it's crucial to talk to your healthcare provider – maybe even at a place like MD Exam! We have a simple questionnaire where you share your medical history and we set you up with a personalized weight loss plan. Ozempic and Mounjaro have seen the most success with the fewest side effects, so the medical team at MD Exam prefers these treatments over less effective options. Healthcare professionals, like the MD Exam team, play a big role in understanding overall health, creating personalized treatment plans, and explaining the possible risks and benefits.

Navigating Mounjaro's Role in Weight Loss

Mounjaro might have started as a helper for diabetes, but it has quickly taken its crown in the context of weight loss. While not everyone might see the same results, it's clear that Mounjaro can be a helpful tool. Talking to healthcare providers, like those at MD Exam, ensures that you get the right guidance and make informed decisions about using Mounjaro for weight loss. As we continue to learn more about Mounjaro's role in weight management, it opens up new possibilities for those on the journey to a healthier weight.

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