From Ozempic to Wegovy, the weight loss injections taking TikTok by storm. Weight loss injection Wegovy will soon be available on the NHS for people living with obesity, while Ozempic has become the darling of dieters in the US - despite being designed as a diabetes treatment.
Wegovy is one of several new “miracle” drugs that promise to revolutionize the weight-loss industry. Praised by celebrities and social media influencers, Wegovy was approved for use in the U.S., as well as in the U.K.'s free healthcare system, where it will be available to patients in spring 2023.
To get Mounjaro for weight loss, a person should speak with a doctor in person or online via a telehealth company. The doctor will decide whether Mounjaro is appropriate for the person's health goals.
Mounjaro acts on GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which helps your body manage glucose more efficiently. Since it works to lower blood sugar, stopping Mounjaro carries the risk of glucose levels spiking back to their original levels. Mounjaro also reduces appetite.
In head-to-head studies, Mounjaro lowered hemoglobin A1C levels more than Ozempic. That's your average blood glucose (sugar) levels over 3 months. People taking Mounjaro also lost more weight. If you're taking Ozempic, it's possible to switch to Mounjaro (or vice versa).
The median time to reach at least a 5% weight loss was 16 weeks with Mounjaro 5 mg, 12 weeks with Mounjaro 10 and 15 mg, and 24 weeks with injectable semaglutide 1 mg.
Steer clear of meals that are rich in sugar, processed, fried, and carbohydrates. Instead, choose foods like lean proteins, grains that are whole, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and water.
The biggest benefit of Mounjaro is that it seems to work well for patients with diabetes, and it triggers major weight loss for patients. The cons are similar to those of Ozempic and Wegovy. They include high drug costs, unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, poor insurance coverage and drug shortages.
The list price for Mounjaro is $1,023.04 per fill, according to Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro. That breaks down to $255.76 per week, or $13,299.52 per year. Each fill contains four pre-filled pens of Mounjaro, or a 28-day supply.
This special type of intra-abdominal fat is almost impossible to lose and it does not come off with weight loss, which is why people with T2D who lose weight on drugs like Trulicity, Ozempic, and Mounjaro reduce their subcutaneous fat.
In the latest investigational studies for patients using Mounjaro, a 21% weight-loss (up to 52 lb) using the highest dose (15 mg) was demonstrated in patients without type 2 diabetes. The FDA is expected to review the investigational use for weight loss with Mounjaro in 2023.
“Some people achieve significant weight loss with low doses (2.5 milligrams or 5 milligrams) Mounjaro, while others require mid (7.5 milligrams/10 milligrams) or higher doses (12.5 milligrams or 15 milligrams) to see meaningful results,” she says.
How long does it take to work? Mounjaro starts working after you have your first dose. However, it may take several weeks or months until you see the drug's full impact on your blood sugar levels.
What is the most important information I should know about Mounjaro (Subcutaneous)? You should not use tirzepatide if you are allergic to it, or if you have: a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer); or. multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands).
Wait about 30 minutes after a meal to drink anything and avoid drinking 30 minutes before a meal. To avoid indigestion, nausea or other GI symptoms, eat smaller meals. Try 1/2 the usual serving – Mounjaro typically reduces your appetite so you may find this to be filling (try not to eat until you are full.)
The gastrointestinal side effects of Mounjaro — namely nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea — can cause dehydration. If the dehydration is severe enough, it may lead to kidney damage, both in people with pre-existing renal failure and those without kidney issues before.
While not approved for weight loss, participants treated with Mounjaro in studies lost between 5.5 kg (12 lbs) to 11 kg (25 lbs) on average. Mounjaro injection is approved to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The most common Mounjaro side effects are temporary. As long as things like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are mild, you'll likely be able to manage them at home. Dietary changes and some OTC medications may help. If any side effects seem excessive or don't improve, let your healthcare provider know.
While no foods are “off-limits” when taking Mounjaro, some types of food can produce gastrointestinal symptoms similar to Mounjaro's side effects or make glycemic control or weight loss more challenging.
Regardless of the root cause, you should be aware that some people have experienced significant hair loss after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, though it is not a common side effect.