Mounjaro is a medication traditionally prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. In 2023 it was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) here in the UK as a treatment for weight loss too. A synthetic peptide, Mounjaro is also known by the name of its active ingredient Tirzepatide, and is a once-weekly injection administered using a pre-filled pen. (1)
Tirzepatide is different to many other weight loss treatments on the market because it’s classified as both a glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonist and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. (2) Yes, that sounds complicated, but let us explain.
The body naturally produces a hormone called Insulin. It allows the body’s cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream when we eat. As we digest food, the body’s GLP-1 receptors send a signal to the pancreas, telling it to release insulin. This helps your cells absorb and use glucose for energy, bringing your blood sugar levels back to a normal level. Scientists have developed a synthetic version of GLP-1s called GLP-1 agonists. These drugs mimic the action of natural GLP-1, helping to manage blood sugar levels and make you feel full when you’ve eaten. They’re often used for blood sugar regulation for people with health conditions like diabetes, but they’re also effective as a medical weight loss treatment.
Mounjaro is unique because it works in two different ways. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist it triggers production of insulin which helps regulate and reduce blood sugar after meals, as mentioned above. As well as behaving like a messenger for insulin release, GLP-1s also slow down stomach emptying, which makes you feel full faster and for longer.
Mounjaro is also a (GIP) receptor agonist. By targeting specific brain receptors it increases levels of Adiponectin, a protein known to regulate and suppress appetite, reducing your calorie intake and increasing fat loss. (3)
Clinical trials – including this 72-week study – have shown sizable and sustained reductions in body weight from taking Tirzepatide (in 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg doses) once weekly. With some participants losing up to 20% of their body weight after a year. (4) At Levity, we know that over the long term, medication alone won’t keep your weight off – and maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine is key to achieving your weight loss goals.
Similar to other GLP-1 weight loss injections, some people might experience adverse effects while using Mounjaro. Though for most the side effects will be mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation – which usually reduce over time. (1) You might find getting fresh air, sipping cold drinks and consuming smaller, more frequent meals helps combat these symptoms.
Other common side effects include feeling weak, tired or dizzy, difficulty sleeping and bruising, pain, or a rash around the injection site.
Around 1 in 100 people may experience an increased pulse rate, general feeling of being unwell, dehydration and gallbladder inflammation. Rare side effects can include Pancreatitis, which may present as severe abdominal pain radiating to the back and multiple episodes of vomiting. If you’re worried about any side effects, you can contact our UK-based clinical team who are always on hand to help.
Everyone starting weight loss injections like Mounjaro must begin on the lowest possible dose, which is 2.5mg. This low dose helps your body adjust to the medication and minimises the risk of potential side effects.
Your once-weekly injections are self administered in pre-filled pens. Over time your doctor or Levity clinician will increase your dose incrementally as your weight loss journey progresses.
At Levity, Mounjaro is available ranging from £129 to £195 per month, which includes your initial consultation, prescription, clinical support and medication delivered to your door each month. Our clinical experts will recommend the right treatment for you following your online consultation.
See if you’re eligible here.
1. Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056
2. Gettman L. New Drug: Tirzepatide (MounjaroTM). The Senior Care Pharmacist [Internet]. 2023 Feb 1;38(2):50–62. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36751934
3. Nguyen TMD. Adiponectin: Role in Physiology and Pathophysiology. International Journal of Preventive Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Sep 3;11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7554603
4. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jun 4;387(3). Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Before starting any medication, it’s important to understand the potential side effects. Our Levity experts share the range of side effects that may be experienced when taking Wegovy.
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Managing your diet on a new weight loss journey can be complex. Take a look at our expert guide on what to eat when you’re using a GLP-1.
Our Levity experts created this guide to help you understand how to use the Wegovy pen so you can carry out your treatment plan with confidence.
