Scott Weaver
Updated at: December 19, 2024 · 11 min read
A Beginner’s Guide to Mounjaro for Weight Loss
In this beginner's guide to Mounjaro for weight loss, we will explore everything you need to know about this revolutionary new medication. We will look at what the medication is, who it is typically used by, how you use it, the dosage that you will need to use, how effective it is at aiding weight loss, and how you can go about buying it.
Key Takeaways
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a weekly self-injectable medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. It works by mimicking hormones that reduce hunger, regulate blood sugar, and make you feel full, helping you eat less and manage weight effectively.
Who Can Use Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or above (obesity) or a BMI of 27+ with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure. It’s not suitable for children, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions, such as thyroid cancers.
How to Access Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a prescription-only medication available online through providers like UK Meds, where you can complete an online consultation to assess your eligibility. It’s not available over-the-counter, and it must be taken under medical supervision.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a groundbreaking weekly self-injectable pen designed specifically for weight loss. This innovative injection is deemed safe and effective for adults aiming to manage weight, address type 2 diabetes concerns, and enhance overall well-being. According to Eli Lilly and Company, the company that developed Mounjaro, the medication works best when it is used alongside a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.
What is the active ingredient in Mounjaro?
The active ingredient in Mounjaro is a medication called tirzepatide. This medication is known as a GLP-1 medication and it is used to help aid weight loss and treat type 2 diabetes (EMA, 2024).
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro. It is a type of medication that targets hormones involved in controlling blood sugar and appetite. Tirzepatide is primarily used for treating type 2 diabetes but has also been shown to help with significant weight loss in those struggling with obesity or overweight conditions.
How Does Tirzepatide Work?
Tirzepatide mimics two natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which regulate appetite and insulin levels. By activating these hormones, tirzepatide helps lower blood sugar, reduce hunger and promote a feeling of fullness, making it easier to eat less and lose weight.
What form does Mounjaro come in?
The actual medication in Mounjaro is a liquid that is taken as an injection. The liquid is in a pre-filled pen that contains the required dosage. To use the medication you inject it into yourself (Bruce & Eisenstein, 2023).
Who is Mounjaro typically used by?
Mounjaro is typically recommended for individuals under the guidance and prescription of a healthcare professional. Generally, it is prescribed for adults who meet certain criteria. To be prescribed Mounjaro you need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, this falls under the category of being obese. People with a BMI over 27 who have at least one health condition linked to their weight such as high blood pressure may also be prescribed Mounjaro (Bruce & Watson, 2023).
Is Mounjaro Approved by the MHRA?
Yes, Mounjaro is approved by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it is not yet licensed in the UK specifically for weight loss, though studies and clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in supporting significant weight reduction. Always consult a healthcare professional to understand how this may apply to your situation.
Who is Mounjaro Suitable For? Understanding the Eligibility Criteria in the UK
Mounjaro is typically prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes who need additional support with blood sugar control. It may also be considered for people with a high body mass index (BMI) who struggle with obesity, especially when other weight loss methods have not worked.
Eligibility Criteria
In the UK, Mounjaro’s suitability is assessed during a consultation with a healthcare professional. Factors such as BMI, existing medical conditions and treatment history are considered before a prescription is issued.
Is Mounjaro right for you?
If you’re looking for a treatment that can help with both weight loss and type 2 diabetes management, Mounjaro could be a promising option. Speak to a healthcare provider to learn more about whether it’s suitable for your health needs and goals.
Can adults use Mounjaro?
Yes, Eli Lilly and Company state that Mounjaro is formulated for use by adults. It is designed to be used by adults who meet the required criteria of a BMI of 30 or over or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition.
Can children use Mounjaro?
No, this medication should not be given to anyone under the age of 18 years old. This information is provided in the customer information leaflet provided with the medication.
Can pregnant women use Mounjaro?
No, it's not recommended for pregnant women to use Mounjaro. Due to the lack of data on its safety during pregnancy and the potential risks indicated by animal studies, healthcare providers typically advise against its use in pregnant individuals. If you're pregnant or planning to conceive, it's crucial to discuss alternative options with your doctor to manage any health conditions effectively while prioritising the safety of both you and your baby (Watson & Weiser, 2023).
How do you use Mounjaro?
At UK Meds, we have put together a guide on how to take Mounjaro. In this guide, there are 8 steps to properly use Mounjaro. These steps are as follows:
Check your pen is undamaged and matches your prescription.
Wash your hands using soap and water.
Choose your injection site be it the stomach, thigh or upper arm.
Prepare the pen using a new needle.
Prime the pen by turning the dose knob until you hear two clicks indicating a 0 in the dose window. Tap the holder to remove air bubbles.
Inject the medicine, counting slowly to 5.
Remove the needle, ensuring the 0 icon is displayed before you do so. If there is still some medication left, reinsert the needle without adjusting the dose.
Dispose of the needle in a sharps bin.
When should Mounjaro be used?
Mounjaro is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as well as weight loss. According to Diabetes UK, it is typically used as an alternative treatment to other diabetes medications, or as a frontline treatment for weight loss when it is used alongside a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise.
Mounjaro vs. Other Weight Loss Medications
Mounjaro is often compared to other weight loss treatments like Wegovy and Saxenda. While all three medications aim to aid in weight management, their mechanisms and benefits vary.
Key Differences
Mounjaro: Dual-action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering benefits for both weight loss and type 2 diabetes management.
Wegovy: Focuses solely on GLP-1 receptors, primarily for appetite control and weight loss.
Saxenda: Uses a GLP-1 analogue but requires daily injections, compared to Mounjaro’s weekly dosing.
Each medication has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on individual health needs and preferences.
How Mounjaro Works in Weight Management and Diabetes
Mounjaro stands out because of its dual-action effects on two hormone receptors: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These hormones play crucial roles in controlling hunger and insulin response.
Dual Benefits of Mounjaro
For Weight Loss: Mounjaro reduces appetite, helps control cravings and makes you feel full sooner, aiding in consistent weight management.
For Diabetes Management: Mounjaro improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels, reducing the need for additional diabetes medications in some cases.
This dual action makes Mounjaro a versatile option for people managing both type 2 diabetes and obesity.
How long does Mounjaro take to work?
For type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro will begin to lower blood sugar levels immediately. For weight loss, significant results will be observed as early as 28 weeks into treatment. Over a period of 40-52 weeks, studies have found that adults will lose just under 2 stone (11.4kg) (Anderson, 2023).
Does how often you take Mounjaro affect how well it works?
Yes, the frequency of Mounjaro administration can impact its effectiveness. Consistency in taking Mounjaro on the same day each week helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body, enhancing its efficacy. If you need to adjust the day of the week on which you administer Mounjaro, it's recommended to wait at least 3 days (equivalent to 72 hours) between doses to maintain the appropriate dosing interval and ensure the medication continues to work effectively (Watson & Weiser, 2023).
What are the correct dosages of Mounjaro?
The recommended starting dosage for Mounjaro is 2.5mg of medication injected once weekly for 4 weeks. After the initial 4 weeks are complete your dose typically increases to 5mg injected once weekly. This approach allows your body to gradually adjust to the medication, reducing the risk of side effects (Bruce & Eisenstein, 2023).
What to do if you miss a dose of Mounjaro?
The official advice provided by Eli Lilly and Company regarding missed Mounjaro dosage is to take the missed dose as soon as you remember if it is within 4 days of your missed dose. If more than 4 days have elapsed since the missed dose then you skip this dose and resume your regular dosing schedule the next day you had planned your next dose. You should avoid taking two doses of Mounjaro within a span of 3 days to prevent potential side effects and complications.
Does the severity of obesity affect how much Mounjaro to take?
No, the severity of obesity does not usually influence the dosage taken. Mounjaro should not be used by anyone who is a healthy weight or is underweight. This can lead to malnutrition or muscle loss. Healthcare providers will not provide a prescription for Mounjaro to anyone who does not need it (Borst & Acosta, 2024).
How effective is Mounjaro in treating weight loss?
Mounjaro has shown significant effectiveness in promoting weight loss. In a recent study, patients taking Mounjaro were found to be 76% more likely to lose at least 5% of their body weight. Additionally, they were more than twice as likely to lose at least 10% of their body weight and more than three times as likely to lose at least 15% compared to patients taking other weight loss medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide.
How can the effectiveness of Mounjaro be improved?
To enhance the effectiveness of Mounjaro to promote weight loss you should use it alongside a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise. A study conducted over 19 months found that individuals who added Mounjaro to their lifestyle changes experienced greater weight loss than those who did not (Ries & Wyatt, 2023).
Does Mounjaro interact with other drugs?
Yes, Mounjaro can interact with certain other drugs, potentially altering their effects. Examples of medications that may interact with Mounjaro include certain diabetes medications and oral contraceptives (Watson & Weiser, 2023). Drug interactions can occur when one substance affects the way another substance functions in the body, leading to unexpected effects or changes in efficacy.
Can you buy Mounjaro over the counter?
No, Mounjaro is not available to purchase over-the-counter. It is classified as a prescription-only medication which means that it can only be obtained with a valid prescription (Walton & Davenport, 2024).
Is it more convenient to buy Mounjaro online?
Yes, it is more convenient for the majority of people to purchase Mounjaro online from providers such as UK Meds. Buying your medications online from UK Meds offers unparalleled convenience and speed compared to traditional means (Walton & Davenport, 2023).
Where can I buy Mounjaro online in the UK?
If you are looking to purchase Mounjaro online and you live in the United Kingdom, look no further than UK Meds. At UK Meds, we offer Mounjaro as well as other weight loss medications that you can purchase online.
How does the process to order Mounjaro work at UK Meds?
The process of ordering Mounjaro online from UK Meds is quick and easy. Simply select your medication, complete our online consultation that deems whether you are suitable for the medication or not and if accepted, you will be provided with a free private prescription you can use to complete your purchase.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before starting any new medication.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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