Move over Ozempic. Mounjaro is the new weight loss drug in the market

Mounjaro is currently prescribed for individuals with Type 2 diabetes who struggle with blood sugar control.

The future of weight management is here. Packaged as an injection, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been gaining attention as a revolutionary treatment for diabetes and weight loss. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for type 2 diabetes, its effectiveness in managing weight has sparked discussions worldwide, with some claiming it is superior than Ozempic—the popular weight loss drug.

We talked to doctors to break down how Mounjaro works, its benefits, and the potential risks involved.

How does Mounjaro work

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable medication developed by Eli Lilly—a pharmaceutical company—for managing type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a new class of drugs called dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

"Unlike conventional diabetes treatments, Mounjaro activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors—offering improved glucose regulation and enhanced metabolic effects," Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health expert, tells moneycontrol.com.

The dual action mechanism sets Mounjaro apart from older GLP-1 receptors like Ozempic (semaglutide)—potentially making it more effective for both blood sugar control and weight loss.

"By mimicking natural gut hormones, Mounjaro stimulates insulin secretion, lowers blood glucose levels and prevents glucose overproduction by the liver," says Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, adding, "Clinical trials such as the SURMOUNT-1 study, demonstrated significant weight loss in people taking tirzepatide, with some losing up to 20 percent of they body weight over time."

The SURMOUNT-1 trial found that patients receiving 15 mg of Mounjaro lose 22.5 percent of their body weight over 72 weeks, while lower doses (5 mg or 10 mg) also resulted in substantial weight loss compared to placebo groups. "These findings suggest that Mounjaro could soon be approved specifically for obesity treatment," Dr Tayal explains.

Also Read | Does Ozempic help in weight loss? Control blood sugar level, reduce hunger to stick to your fitness goals

What are the side-effects?

Like all medications, Mounjaro comes with potential side-effects, including:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): If combined with insulin or sulfonylureas, blood sugar can drop too low.
• Pancreatitis risk: GLP-1 receptor agonists have been linked to inflammation of the pancreas in rare cases.
• Gallbladder disease: Rapid weight loss from Mounjaro may increase the risk of gallstones or cholecystitis.
• Thyroid tumour concerns: Studies in rodents raised concerns about medullary thyroid cancer, but human data is still inconclusive.
• Fatigue and dizziness: Some users report energy fluctuations while adjusting to the medication.

The drug's dual action mechanism, combined with minimal lifestyle changes, makes it an attractive option for those struggling with obesity or metabolic conditions.

"Like Ozempic, Mounjaro has gained traction through TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube as a weight loss breakthrough. Reports suggest that public figures are using it for fast, effortless weight loss. Many doctors are prescribing Mounjaro off-label for patients without diabetes," Dr Hiremath says.

With obesity on the rise, more people are seeking medical solutions beyond traditional diet and exercise, however, Dr Hiremath says ethical concerns exist, particularly regarding the availability of Mounjaro for diabetic patients as demand surges among non-diabetic users.

Its long-term safety remains under study and individuals considering Mounjaro should weigh the benefits against the risks.

Also Read | Ozempic: A miracle weight-loss drug or dangerous trend? We examine

As research continues, Mounjaro may redefine medical weight loss strategies, but its ethical implications and long-term effects must be carefully monitored. "Consulting a healthcare professional before use is crucial especially for non-diabetic individuals using it solely for weight loss," Dr Hiremath concludes.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.