Mounjaro
Patient information - Weight Loss
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a novel medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Here's a summary:
Medical Purpose
Tirzepatide is currently used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is designed to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with this condition. Mounjaro is not yet approved for weight loss by the FDA, but it is expected to be approved in another month. It is currently being used off label for weight loss. Tirzepatide has been clinically shown to help people lose 15% to over 26% of their body weight, depending on the dosage.
Mechanism of Action
It works by mimicking the action of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). GLP-1 helps the body regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release and reducing the production of glucagon, another hormone that raises blood sugar.
Efficacy
Tirzepatide has shown promising results in clinical trials. It is known for its ability to significantly reduce blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, and, in some cases, lower blood pressure.
The SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4 trials conducted by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, found that when taking tirzepatide, patients with obesity experienced 26.6% weight loss over the course of 84 weeks. Patients on the SURMOUNT-3 trial also underwent an intensive lifestyle intervention that included a low calorie diet, exercise, and weekly counseling sessions.
In another major study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, tirzepatide was evaluated in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related comorbidity, excluding diabetes. The trial included more than 2,500 adults with a mean body weight of 230 pounds who were randomly assigned to receive either a weekly subcutaneous injection of 5, 10 or 15 milligrams of tirzepatide or placebo for 72 weeks. Participants were provided counseling to reduce caloric intake by 500 calories a day and were directed to exercise 150 minutes per week.
At the end of the study, the average decrease in weight was 15% for those taking a 5 milligram dose, 19.5% for those taking a 10 milligram dose and 20.9% for those taking a 15 milligram dose. Comparatively, the average decrease in weight in the placebo group was 3.1%. There were also improved cardiovascular and metabolic measures found in those taking tirzepatide.
Dosage
The dosage of tirzepatide can vary depending on individual patient needs and the recommendations of healthcare professionals. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Side Effects
Like all medications, tirzepatide can have side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It's important for patients to discuss these potential side effects with their healthcare provider. It’s a low percentage of people who have side effects. The majority of people tolerate this medication very well.
