What is Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
Tirzepatide is a medication developed by Eli Lilly and is the active ingredient found in Mounjaro. Clinical trials have shown that Tirzepatide can lead to significant weight loss.
Mounjaro, initially recognised for its role in managing type 2 diabetes, has now been authorised by the MHRA for weight management in adults, and will be available in the UK before the end of the month.
If you are familiar with Ozempic and Wegovy, then it works similarly to these products in that it makes you feel fuller for longer, curbs cravings and allows you to reduce your calorie intake, which, when used with other lifestyle changes, may lead to weight loss.
The weight loss effect of Tirzepatide is believed to be due to its dual mechanism of action, which involves both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonism. These mechanisms work to increase insulin secretion, decrease glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite, ultimately leading to weight loss.
In phase 3 clinical trials, Tirzepatide demonstrated substantial weight loss in participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes. For example, in the SURPASS clinical trial program, participants receiving Tirzepatide experienced weight loss ranging from around 11% to 17% of their body weight over a period of 52 weeks. This weight loss was significantly greater than what was observed in participants receiving placebo or other comparators.
It’s important to note that individual responses to Tirzepatide may vary, and not everyone will experience the same degree of weight loss.
