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How does Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 12, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Mounjaro helps weight loss by reducing your appetite and making you feel fuller for longer which decreases how much food you eat. Mounjaro works like two natural hormones in our bodies that help control appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion, they are called GLP-1 and GIP. When Mounjaro binds to GIP and the GLP-1 receptors you feel less hungry, it slows the rate food passes through your body, causes the pancreas to release more insulin and lowers the amount of sugar your liver makes, which helps you loss weight and help controls blood sugar levels.

Mounjaro is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mounjaro works (mechanism of action) by activating both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors.

Mounjaro is a prescription medication that is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneously) using an autoinjector pen.

Does Mounjaro work for weight loss?

Yes, Mounjaro does work for weight loss. The average Mounjaro weight loss was 16.1 kg (35.5 lb) after 72 weeks on a 5mg weekly dose, 22.2 kg (48.9 lb) on Mounjaro 10mg weekly dose, 23.6 kg (52.0 lb) on 15mg weekly dose, compared to patients who used a placebo lost 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) over the 72 weeks. These results are from the 72-week clinical trial (SURMOUNT-1, NCT04184622) using tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with obesity. Individual results may vary.

Is Mounjaro (tirzepatide) approved for weight loss?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not approved for weight loss by the FDA, it is approved for type 2 diabetes is adults when used together with diet and exercise. The tirzepatide brand FDA approved for weight loss is Zepbound.

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved for weight loss in adults with obesity or who are overweight and have weight-related medical problems.

Mounjaro vs Zepbound

Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide and are both made by Eli Lilly and Company.

They are both available as single-dose pens in the same strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg per 0.5 mL, and Zepbound is also available as single-dose vials 2.5 mg/0.5 ml and 5 mg/0.5 ml.

Does Mounjaro cause stomach side effects?

The most common Mounjaro side effects are stomach related such as nausea, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.

Side effects reported in at least 5% of patients include:

While these side effects may be temporary in some patients, they may also affect your appetite.

Related questions

Does Insurance or Medicare cover Mounjaro?

Yes, some insurance companies may cover your prescription for Mounjaro, but this will vary based on your insurance plan and drug benefits. Your insurance company may cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, but may not cover Mounjaro for weight loss. To find out if your drug plan will pay for Mounjaro, contact your drug benefit company and ask if Mounjaro is on their formulary, and which conditions it covers.

Mounjaro $25 Coupon

Eli Lilly the manufacturer of Mounjaro offers a $25 Savings Card that can lower the cost to $25 for up to a 3-month supply, if you have commercial prescription insurance and a documented diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Patients covered under government insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid do not qualify for the $25 savings card. To check If you're eligible for the savings program click the link below.

Click here: Mounjaro Price Guide and Savings Coupons

This is not all the information you need to know about Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full Mounjaro information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

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Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?

Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are prescription medicines used with diet and exercise to treat people with type 2 diabetes or to help people lose and maintain weight loss. Tirzepatide is also approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity, while semaglutide is approved to reduce the risk of serious heart problems and to help reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease.

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How much is Zepbound with or without insurance?

Zepbound may cost $25 if you have insurance, or without insurance, Zepbound can cost $349 for a 2.5mg vial and $499 for a 5mg vial Continue reading

Can you get tirzepatide from a compounding pharmacy?

Some pharmacies or clinics may supply compounded versions of medicines like tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) to patients, but the FDA has issued safety warnings about this practice. Concerns have risen over active ingredients, side effects and labeling of these compounded products. Continue reading

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