Eli Lilly has introduced Injection Mounjaro in India for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. The active ingredient in this injection is Tirzepatide.

In the United States, this molecule is marketed under two different brand names:

– Zepbound – for weight loss

– Mounjaro – for diabetes management

However, in India, Tirzepatide is available only under the brand name Mounjaro, regardless of whether it is used for weight loss or diabetes treatment.

So, how does Mounjaro work? Who is eligible to use it? What are the possible side effects? Let’s explore.

Individuals with morbid obesity may require bariatric surgery for significant and long-term weight loss—this is often the only option for them.

– If a person is only 5 to 10 kg overweight, lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise are usually sufficient.

– However, most people fall somewhere in between—they struggle to lose weight with lifestyle changes alone, yet their condition does not warrant bariatric surgery.

– For this middle group, weight loss medications like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide can be beneficial.

1. Individuals suffering from mild obesity with the body mass index is ≥ 27 kg/m² with co-morbid medical conditions such as uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

2. Individuals suffering from severe obesity with the body mass index is ≥ 30 kg/m² even without any co-morbid medical conditions.

– People who struggle to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone may consider using Mounjaro to initiate weight loss.

– Once the target weight is achieved, they can maintain their progress through diet and exercise.

– However, some individuals may need a maintenance dose to prevent weight regain.

The human body regulates energy balance and fat storage through more than 200 different hormones. Many of these are produced in the stomach and intestines, and among them, incretin hormones play a crucial role. The key incretin hormones include:

– GLP1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)

– PYY (Peptide YY)

– GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Peptide / Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)

– GLP1 and PYY are primarily produced in the ileum (the last part of the small intestine).

– GIP is produced in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

Mounjaro mimics the effects of both GLP1 and GIP, giving it a dual hormonal action.

– It acts on the brain to reduce appetite, boost metabolism, and reset fat storage levels to a lower value.

– It also acts on the pancreas, increasing insulin production to help regulate blood sugar levels.

– Mounjaro is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin).

– The treatment starts with a low dose of 2.5 mg, which is gradually increased based on the patient’s response and tolerance to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and eventually 15 mg.

1 – 4 Weeks – 2.5 mg

5 – 8 Weeks – 5 mg

9 – 12 Weeks – 7.5 mg

13 – 16 Weeks – 10 mg

17 – 20 Weeks – 12.5 mg

21 – 24 Weeks – 15 mg

– Dose increment depends on the weight loss and side effects.

– Your doctor may decide whether to increase the dose or continue the same dose.

– Maintenance dose can be at 5, 10 or 15 mg once weight loss plateau is reached or once desired weight loss is achieved

Mounjaro is considered a very safe medication, with relatively mild side effects.

🔹 Common side effects include:

– Reduced appetite

– Abdominal bloating and pain

– Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation

– Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) in those taking other antidiabetic medications

⚠️ Rare but serious side effects may include:

– Blurred vision (especially in individuals with diabetic retinopathy)

– Increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer (People with a family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma or MEN Type 2 should not use Mounjaro)

– Gallstones due to rapid weight loss

– Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

– Severe dehydration (Vomiting and diarrhea can cause kidney failure, especially in patients with existing kidney disease)

– Delayed stomach emptying, which may increase the risk of aspiration during surgery (Patients should stop Mounjaro before undergoing any major surgery)

– Severe allergic reactions (extremely rare)

– Many fake versions of Mounjaro are being sold illegally—avoid these at all costs.

– Only use this medication under medical supervision.

– Just because Mounjaro is available does not mean everyone should use it.

– Always consult a doctor to check your eligibility before starting this medication.