What is Mounjaro?

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a relatively new medicine that is increasingly being mentioned in connection with medical weight management. The medicine combines two mechanisms of action which, together, provide a more effective treatment for obesity than previously available medicines. In this blog, you can read about 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 treatment 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 the secretion of glucagon and delays gastric emptying, which makes you feel full for longer. GIP has a complementary effect on glucose metabolism and adipose tissue metabolism. As tirzepatide activates both receptors simultaneously, the effect on satiety and weight is greater than that of medicines that act solely on GLP-1.

What was Mounjaro developed for?

Mounjaro was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The medicine helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and inhibiting glucagon secretion, depending on the current blood sugar level. This action has been shown to be safe and effective. As patients in clinical trials also lost a significant amount of weight, tirzepatide has subsequently been 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 helps with weight loss by affecting several mechanisms simultaneously. It delays gastric emptying, which makes you feel fuller for longer after a meal. It also affects the parts of the brain that regulate appetite, reducing the need for food. At the same time, the GIP effect influences the storage and burning of fat. The combination of GLP-1 and GIP effects explains the stronger effect on weight loss compared with previous medicines. This is evident from the SURMOUNT-1 Phase 3 study, in which participants who received Mounjaro lost an average of 15 to 22 per cent of their body weight after 72 weeks, with approximately half of the participants in the highest dose group losing more than 20 per cent.

Is Mounjaro already available in the Netherlands?

Mounjaro is available in the Netherlands via registered healthcare providers. The medicine is authorised by the EMA and may be prescribed by doctors as part of weight management treatment. However, supply remains limited; availability may vary between pharmacies and regions. 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 medicines?

The main difference between Mounjaro and other weight-loss drugs lies in the mechanism of action. Drugs such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) are simple GLP-1 agonists. Tirzepatide adds GIP activation. Compared to semaglutide, tirzepatide shows greater weight loss in several clinical studies. A systematic review of all available clinical studies also showed that tirzepatide is consistently more effective than most other available alternatives. 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 alternatives to Ozempic, Goodweigh 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 people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Whether you are eligible for GLP-1 medicines depends on several factors that a doctor will assess with you.

Is Mounjaro safe to use?

Mounjaro has been approved by the EMA following extensive clinical evaluation and can be considered safe within the approved indications and when used correctly. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and reduced appetite, particularly at the start of treatment and when the dose is increased. These side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medicine. Serious side effects such as acute pancreatitis or gallstones are rare but require immediate attention. Always use only under medical supervision 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, sets the correct dosing schedule and monitors you throughout the process. How much weight you can lose with Mounjaro depends on personal factors, but with medical guidance via Goodweigh, you work in a structured way towards sustainable results.

Would you like to know more about Mounjaro? Start with an assessment at Goodweigh

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

‍

‍

‍