What is Mounjaro?

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a relatively new medicine that is increasingly being mentioned in the context of medical weight management. The medicine combines two mechanisms of action which, together, provide a more effective approach to weight management than previously available medication. 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 programme 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 glucagon release and slows gastric emptying, helping you feel full for longer. GIP has an additional effect on glucose metabolism and adipose tissue metabolism. Because tirzepatide activates both receptors simultaneously, the effect on satiety and weight is greater than with drugs that act solely on GLP-1.

What is Mounjaro used for?

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

How does Mounjaro help with weight loss?

Mounjaro aids weight loss by targeting multiple mechanisms simultaneously. It slows down gastric emptying, keeping you feeling fuller for longer after a meal. It also acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite, reducing the urge to eat. At the same time, the GIP action influences fat storage and burning. The combination of GLP-1 and GIP action explains the stronger effect on weight loss compared to previous medication. The SURMOUNT-1 phase 3 study shows that participants taking Mounjaro lost an average of 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 has been approved by the EMA and may be prescribed by doctors for weight management. However, supply is currently limited; availability may vary by pharmacy and region. If you are considering using Mounjaro, it is advisable 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 medication?

The main difference between Mounjaro and other weight-loss drugs lies in the mechanism of action. Medicines such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) are single GLP-1 agonists. Tirzepatide adds GIP activation to this. Compared to semaglutide, tirzepatide has shown greater weight loss in various clinical studies. A systematic analysis of all available clinical studies 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 regimens. If you’d like to know more about what the alternative to Ozempic is, Goodweigh also 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 higher, or with a BMI of 27 or higher 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 those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Whether you are eligible for GLP-1 medication depends on several factors that a doctor will assess together with you.

Is Mounjaro safe to use?

Mounjaro has been approved by the EMA following extensive clinical evaluation and may be considered safe within the registered indications and when used correctly. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and reduced appetite, particularly in the early stages and when the dose is increased. These side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication. 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 management where tirzepatide can be used as part of a personalised treatment plan. This means that a doctor assesses your situation, determines whether Mounjaro is suitable for you, establishes the correct dosing schedule and supports you throughout the entire process. How much weight you can lose with Mounjaro depends on personal factors, but with medical support through Goodweigh, you work systematically towards sustainable results.

Want to know more about Mounjaro? Start with an initial consultation at Goodweigh

Mounjaro is an effective, scientifically proven treatment for people seeking medical support with weight loss. Whether it is right for you depends on your medical history, weight and treatment goals. Goodweigh helps you answer these questions through a medical consultation, so that you can make an informed decision.

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