The REAL Clinic Talks Guide to Medication for Weight Loss
Mounjaro
At The REAL Clinic, we prescribe Mounjaro though our doctor led weight loss and wellness service. For the right patient, coupled with lifestyle changes, it can be extremely useful.
Mounjaro: A Breakthrough in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Management
Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, is a groundbreaking medication in the management of obesity and type two diabetes. It is a once weekly injectable drug that has demonstrated incredible results with remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, offering new hope for patients struggling with these chronic conditions.
Mechanism of Action
Mounjaro works on two different hormone receptors. They are called gastric inhibitory polypeptide or GIP and glucagon like peptide-1 or GLP-1. GLP-1 is a hormone that increases insulin release, suppresses glucagon release and slows gastric emptying, leading to reduced appetite. GIP stimulates insulin secretion and has been shown to improve glucose metabolism. By targeting both receptors, Mounjaro offers a dual approach to controlling blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.
Clinical Efficacy
In a pivotal study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Mounjaro demonstrated significant weight loss and improved glycaemic control in patients who had obesity and prediabetes. At 176 weeks, patients who had Mounjaro experienced average weight reductions of 12.3%, 18.7%, and 19.7% for the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg doses, respectively, compared to a 1.3% reduction in the control group. You can read more about this study here. Further, in another study in the same journal, people who were taking Mounjaro lost about 20% of their body weight compared to people taking semaglutide, otherwise known as Wegovy, who lost approximately 14% of their body weight. More information about this trial can be found here.
Safety Profile
The safety profile of Moujaro has generally been favourable. Up to one third of patients will experience gastrointestinal side effects. These include nausea, diarrhoea and acid reflux. They are typically mild to moderate in severity and often reduce over time. That is why Mounjaro is started at a low doses and increased on a monthly basis. Notably, there have been no new safety concerns identified during extended and prolonged use. There can occasionally be more severe side effects, but these have been shown to occur in less than 1% of people.
Regulatory Approval and Availability
In the United Kingdom, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Mounjaro for weight loss in June 2023. However, due to cost considerations and need for comprehensive weight management services, the NHS plans to gradually roll out access over a 12 year period, starting with individuals who have the most clinical need.
Stopping Mounjaro
Another study, this time in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that people who stopped the medication tended to put about 14% of their body weight back on. That is why The REAL Clinic believe and emphasise that people need to substantially alter their lifestyle, dietary and exercise habits in order to achieve longer term and sustainable weight loss as part of our mantra.
Conclusion
Mounjaro represents a significant advancement in the management and treatment of obesity, type two diabetes and weight loss. Its dual action mechanism provides enhanced glycaemic control and substantial weight loss, addressing two critical aspects of these interconnected conditions. While the NHS's phased rollout may limit immediate access, the long term benefits of Mounjaro offer a promising outlook for patients and health care providers alike.
For more information about the our doctor led weight loss and wellness service at The REAL Clinic, please click weight loss and wellness service.
