What is Mounjaro?

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a relatively new medicine that is increasingly being mentioned in connection with medical weight management. The medicine combines two mechanisms of action which, together, ensure a more effective treatment for obesity than previously available medicines. In this blog, you can read exactly what Mounjaro is, what it has been developed for, who it is suitable for, and what role Goodweigh plays if you want to know whether this treatment is right for you.

What is the active ingredient in Mounjaro?

The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide. It is a so-called dual agonist: it simultaneously activates two hormone receptors in the body, namely the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP receptor. GLP-1 is a hormone that stimulates insulin production, inhibits the release of glucagon and delays gastric emptying, resulting in a prolonged feeling of fullness. GIP has an additional effect on glucose metabolism and the metabolism of adipose tissue. As tirzepatide activates both receptors simultaneously, the effect on satiety and weight is greater than with agents that act only on GLP-1.

What is Mounjaro developed for?

Mounjaro was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The medicine helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and inhibiting glucagon release, depending on the current blood sugar level. This effect has been proven to be safe and effective. As patients in clinical trials also lost a significant amount of weight, tirzepatide was subsequently investigated as a treatment for obesity in people without diabetes. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has now approved the medicine for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or with a BMI of 27 or above in combination with a weight-related condition.

How does Mounjaro help with weight loss?

Mounjaro aids weight loss by influencing several mechanisms simultaneously. It slows down gastric emptying, so you feel fuller for longer after a meal. It also acts on the areas of the brain that regulate appetite, reducing the urge to eat. At the same time, the GIP effect influences the storage and burning of fat. The combination of GLP-1 and GIP effects explains the stronger effect on weight loss compared with previous medicines. The SURMOUNT-1 phase 3 study shows that participants who received Mounjaro lost, on average, 15 to 22 per cent of their body weight after 72 weeks, with approximately half of the participants on the highest dose losing more than 20 per cent.

Is Mounjaro already available in the Netherlands?

Mounjaro is available in the Netherlands through registered healthcare providers. The medicine is authorised by the EMA and may be prescribed by doctors for weight management. However, supply is currently limited; availability may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy and from region to region. If you are considering using Mounjaro, it is wise to seek medical advice first. Where you can buy Mounjaro and how to do so safely depends on your personal situation and a prior medical assessment.

What is the difference compared to other weight-loss drugs?

The main difference between Mounjaro and other weight-loss drugs lies in the mechanism of action. Drugs such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) are simple GLP-1 agonists. Tirzepatide adds GIP activation to this. Compared with semaglutide, tirzepatide demonstrates greater weight loss in various clinical trials. A systematic review of all available clinical trials also showed that tirzepatide is consistently more effective than most other available options. You can read more about the difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic in a separate blog post, including a comparison of side effects and dosing schedules. Also, if you want to know more about what the alternative to Ozempic is, Goodweigh offers a comprehensive comparison.

Who is Mounjaro suitable for?

Mounjaro is intended for adults aged between 18 and 75 with a BMI of 30 or above, or with a BMI of 27 or above in combination with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, sleep apnoea or prediabetes. The medicine is not suitable for people with a history of pancreatitis, medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome, or for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. When you are eligible for GLP-1 medication depends on several factors, which a doctor will assess with you.

Is Mounjaro safe to use?

Mounjaro has been approved by the EMA following a comprehensive clinical evaluation and can be considered safe within the approved indications and when used correctly. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and loss of appetite, particularly at the start of treatment and when the dose is increased. These side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medicine. Serious side effects such as acute pancreatitis or gallstones are rare but require immediate attention. Always use under medical supervision only, and report any side effects to your treating doctor.

What does Goodweigh do with Mounjaro?

Goodweigh offers medically supervised weight loss treatment, where tirzepatide can form part of a personalised treatment plan. This means that a doctor assesses your situation, determines whether Mounjaro is suitable for you, establishes the correct dosage schedule and guides you through the entire process. How much weight you can lose with Mounjaro depends on personal factors, but with medical guidance via Goodweigh, you work systematically towards a lasting result.

Would you like to know more about Mounjaro? Start with an initial consultation at Goodweigh

Mounjaro is an effective, scientifically proven treatment for people seeking medical support for weight loss. Whether it is right for you depends on your medical history, weight and treatment goals. Goodweigh helps you find the answer to this through an initial medical consultation, so you can make an informed decision.