Who Should Not Take Mounjaro For Weight Loss

Mounjaro, a medication proven through clinical studies to be an effective and transformative weight loss solution for many, has gained attention for its impressive results. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, all weekly doses of tirzepatide (primary active ingredient in Mounjaro) resulted in significant and consistent reductions in body weight. (1)

Many patients have transformed their health and achieved lasting results with Mounjaro. While it has emerged as one of the most effective obesity medication options available, there are specific eligibility criteria to keep in mind. Factors such as a family history of specific medical conditions, a minimum BMI requirement, and other exclusion criteria are taken into consideration when determining who can safely benefit from Mounjaro, which we’ll delve into in this article.  This comprehensive guide is designed to provide a clear understanding, ensuring you can make an informed decision about whether Mounjaro could be suitable for your health management plan.

What Is Mounjaro and How Does It Work?

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a novel compound functioning as both a GIP receptor and a GLP-1 receptor agonist (2). Its dual mechanism is designed to enhance insulin secretion, reduce glucagon levels, and delay gastric emptying, significantly improving glycemic control and weight reduction. (1-3) Here’s how Mounjaro is making a difference:

• Enhances Insulin Secretion: By stimulating insulin release in response to increased blood sugar levels, Mounjaro ensures efficient glucose uptake by cells, reducing hyperglycemia. (3)
• Reduces Glucagon Levels: GLP-1 medications inhibit glucagon secretion from the pancreas, further aiding in blood sugar regulation. (4)
• Delays Gastric Emptying: This controls appetite by prolonging feelings of fullness, triggering satiety hormones, and slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream,which together reduces hunger and overall food intake. (4) t

Clinical trials, including the SURPASS-5 trial, have shown Mounjaro to reduce hemoglobin A1c (blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels of 3 months) significantly and lead to noticeable weight loss in participants, making it a promising option for individuals managing diabetes and obesity. (1,5) 

Contraindications for Using Mounjaro

Although Mounjaro can be an effective treatment for many, it's not suitable for everyone. Specific individuals should avoid or use caution while using this medication, including those with:

• Personal or Family History of Thyroid Tumors: Tirzepatide has been shown to cause thyroid tumors in rodents. However, it’s unknown whether Mounjaro causes thyroid tumors or cancer in humans. (6) For this reason, those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) are advised against starting Mounjaro.
• History of Pancreatitis: Due to reports of pancreatitis in clinical trials, those with a history of pancreatitis should talk with their doctor to see if starting Mounjaro is safe for them. For those who have experienced pancreatitis while on Mounjaro, discontinuation of the medication is recommended.
• History of Gallstones: Due to reports of gallstones in clinical trials, those who are experiencing symptoms of gallstones, including right-sided upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing skin, or fever, should follow up with their doctor right away for further studies and treatment.
• History of Diabetic Retinopathy: Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects type 2 diabetics, should be regularly monitored if starting on Mounjaro. 
• History of Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions: Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to Mounjaro, or any other GLP-1 medications, should disclose this information to their doctor and avoid these medications in the future. (6)

Before starting Mounjaro, it's imperative to discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider to determine if it's suitable for you.

Recognizing and Managing the Side Effects of Mounjaro

While Mounjaro presents a significant step forward in diabetes and weight management, potential side effects warrant attention. These include:

• Gastrointestinal Disturbances: These include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,  constipation, and stomach upset which are common but usually subside over time. (1,6)
• Hypoglycemia: Dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be a concern if Mounjaro is used alongside other diabetes medications. (6) If you are a type 2 diabetic, you’ll want to talk with your doctor about how to safely manage your blood sugar while on multiple medications.
• Acute Gallbladder Disease: Monitoring is advised for individuals, especially those with a history of gallbladder problems. (6)
• Pancreatitis: Prompt medical attention is advised for those experiencing symptoms of pancreatitis, which can include severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, and vomiting worse with food. (6) Seek medical attention promptly if you’re experiencing any severe abdominal symptoms.
• Kidney Injury: Monitoring kidney function is essential in patients with a history of renal impairment or for those experiencing severe diarrhea or vomiting, which can induce stress on the kidneys and lead to dehydration (6).

By being aware of these possible adverse effects and working closely with a healthcare provider, users can manage side effects effectively and ensure they gain the most benefit from Mounjaro.

Alternatives and Recommendations for Those Unable to Use Mounjaro

Alternative treatments are available for individuals who cannot use Mounjaro due to contraindications or side effects. These involve other classes of diabetes medications, lifestyle modifications, and, in specific cases, other GLP-1 receptor agonists that might be more suitable. Mochi Health, a comprehensive obesity medicine practice, offers personalized treatment plans that include science-backed medications, providing another pathway to managing obesity safely and effectively.

Dietary advice, physical activity, and ongoing support are crucial in building a treatment plan to achieve and sustain long-term health goals. It's essential to engage in open, honest discussions with healthcare providers to identify the most appropriate and effective treatment options for individual health needs.

Explore other medication here: https://joinmochi.com/medications 

‍

Who Can Take Mounjaro For Weight Loss

For those considering treatment with Mounjaro, Body Mass Index (BMI) plays a pivotal role in determining eligibility.

The eligibility criteria for tirzepatide-based medications are as follows:

• Patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater (obese)
• Patients with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes may benefit from these medications. (1,6)

It’s important to note that these medications are most effective as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral adjustments. (1,6) Individuals committed to adopting a healthier lifestyle in combination with medication will see the most beneficial outcomes.

Before initiating treatment, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential to assess overall health, potential benefits, and any risks associated with the use of these medications. Personalized care and monitoring will ensure that patients receive the maximum benefit while minimizing potential risks, making this a customer-centric and reassuring approach to weight loss and diabetes management.

Key Considerations Before Starting Mounjaro

It’s important for patients and healthcare providers to understand Mounjaro’s role in aiding in weight loss and its potential benefits and limitations. If you're considering Mounjaro as part of your weight loss plan, work with your health provider to craft a suitable treatment plan for your health history and individual needs. For those exploring alternatives or seeking additional support managing weight loss, Mochi Health offers a personalized approach to obesity medicine. Learn more about Mochi Health today to discover if you’re eligible for our weight loss program, 1-on-1 provider support, and medications delivered directly to your door, ensuring you receive the comprehensive care you deserve.

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. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
2. Willard, F. S., Douros, J. D., Gabe, M. B., Showalter, A. D., Wainscott, D. B., Suter, T. M., Capozzi, M. E., van der Velden, W. J., Stutsman, C., Cardona, G. R., Urva, S., Emmerson, P. J., Holst, J. J., D'Alessio, D. A., Coghlan, M. P., Rosenkilde, M. M., Campbell, J. E., & Sloop, K. W. (2020). Tirzepatide is an imbalanced and biased dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. JCI insight, 5(17), e140532. https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc7526454
3. Karrar HR, Nouh MI, Nouh YI, Nouh MI, Khan Alhindi AS, Hemeq YH, Aljameeli AM, Aljuaid JA, Alzahrani SJ, Alsatami AA, Alkredees MA, Almuqati AO, Abanmi SN, Alshehri AM. Tirzepatide-Induced Gastrointestinal Manifestations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2023 Sep 27;15(9):e46091. https://www.cureus.com/articles/170540#!/
4. Müller, T. D., Finan, B., Bloom, S. R., D'Alessio, D., Drucker, D. J., Flatt, P. R., Fritsche, A., Gribble, F., Grill, H. J., Habener, J. F., Holst, J. J., Langhans, W., Meier, J. J., Nauck, M. A., Perez-Tilve, D., Pocai, A., Reimann, F., Sandoval, D. A., Schwartz, T. W., Seeley, R. J., … Tschöp, M. H. (2019). Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Molecular metabolism, 30, 72–130. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212877819309135?via%3Dihub
5. Dahl, D., Onishi, Y., Norwood, P., Huh, R., Bray, R., Patel, H., & Rodríguez, Á. (2022). Effect of Subcutaneous Tirzepatide vs Placebo Added to Titrated Insulin Glargine on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The SURPASS-5 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 327(6), 534–545. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2788781
6. Food and Drug Administrator. (n.d.-b). MOUNJAROTM (tirzepatide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Access Data FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf

This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health.