Does Mounjaro Cause Body Aches? Understanding Side Effects

In recent years, the conversation around weight loss medications has seen the introduction of Mounjaro, a drug that has been the subject of much discussion within the healthcare community. Patients and healthcare providers alike are keen to understand the full scope of potential side effects, particularly whether Mounjaro can lead to body aches.

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Mounjaro Explained

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Mounjaro, formulated from the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a relatively new player in the field of diabetes management and weight loss. Mounjaro was initially approved by the FDA in 2022 for treating type 2 diabetes though is commonly used off-label to help people achieve drastic weight loss. The manufacturer also produces the same tirzepatide medication under the label Zepbound, which is FDA-approved for weight loss and sold at a higher price point (1).

Mounjaro works on both the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and  glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors  to help lower blood sugar levels, slow stomach emptying, and target various hormonal pathways to promote weight loss (1). 

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Can Mounjaro Lead to Body Aches?

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Like any medication, Mounjaro can have side effects, though these are chiefly gastrointestinal and include things like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn and stomach pain (1). Body aches are not a known side effect of Mounjaro. Though you may have experienced body aches while on Mounjaro or seen reports of this from some users on the internet, no clinical trials have shown a correlation. That being said, it's important to note that:

• While body aches may not be a direct side effect of Mounjaro itself, they may be related to its impact on the body's system or a symptom of an unrelated condition, such as infection.
• Reports of body aches while on Mounjaro are very low (and not shown to be correlated in large-scale studies) when compared to the drug's known benefits in aiding weight loss.

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What Causes Body Aches When Using Mounjaro?

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Body aches may be a sign of an underlying issue if you are experiencing them during your treatment.

GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro function by slowing digestion and increasing satiety. While this decreased appetite is generally safe if the diet is adequately managed, patients with a severe food or water deficit can experience dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and low blood sugar. These all can lead to general fatigue, muscle pain, and cramps (2).

If pain or severe tenderness occurs specifically around the abdomen, this could be a sign of gallstones or pancreatitis for those with a history of these conditions.

Since body aches are relatively nonspecific and can be attributed to many things, it is important to alert your healthcare provider if you experience it so they can help identify the root cause and how to treat it.

One small study in Sweden showed that while significant weight loss generally leads to less pain in weight-bearing joints, the opposite can be true for a small subset of patients (3). This study found an association between patients with hypermobility and increased joint pain after dramatic weight loss. While this study has not been replicated, it does suggest that those with hypermobility may have a tendency to experience increased joint pain (aches) after significant weight loss. 

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Do Other Weight Loss Medications Cause Body Aches?

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Body aches are not a known side effect of other GLP-1 medications used for weight loss. 

Other weight loss medications, such as phentermine and topiramate, do list arthralgias (joint pain) as known side effects (4).

If you’re concerned about the possibility of developing body aches or joint pain while on a weight-loss medication, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Understanding all potential side effects with a healthcare provider ensures you're focused on weight loss and maintaining your overall health and well-being. 

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How To Get Started On GLP-1 Medications Like Mounjaro

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Take the first step towards achieving your health goals with Mochi Health. With our dedicated team of experts and access to cutting-edge treatments like GLP-1 medications, we're ready to support your weight-loss journey. Our $79 monthly membership includes virtual visits with a Mochi provider, unlimited appointments with a registered dietitian, access to genetic/sleep apnea testing, and labs and scans. Brand-name medication pricing depends on your insurance coverage. We also offer compounded medication as a safe and cost-effective alternative! Delivered straight to your door, you can get compounded semaglutide for $175/month and tirzepatide for $325/month, regardless of dose! See if you qualify for our program now. 

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Sources: 

1. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. Epub 2022 Jun 4. PMID: 35658024.
2. Filippatos, T. D., Panagiotopoulou, T. V., & Elisaf, M. S. (2014). Adverse Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. The review of diabetic studies : RDS, 11(3-4), 202–230. https://doi.org/10.1900/RDS.2014.11.202
3. Fagevik Olsén, M., Brunnegård, S., Sjöström, S., Biörserud, C., & Kjellby-Wendt, G. (2017). Increased joint pain after massive weight loss: is there an association with joint hypermobility?. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 13(5), 877–881. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2017.01.018
4. Gadde, K. M., Allison, D. B., Ryan, D. H., Peterson, C. A., Troupin, B., Schwiers, M. L., & Day, W. W. (2011). Effects of low-dose, controlled-release, phentermine plus topiramate combination on weight and associated comorbidities in overweight and obese adults (CONQUER): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet (London, England), 377(9774), 1341–1352. https://doi-org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60205-5

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