We've all heard of Ozempic which was a medication called Semaglutide that was licensed for diabetes but used off label for weight management. Then the manufacturers released Wegovy which was Semaglutide that was finally licensed for weight loss but now with a higher dose range (up to 2.4mg).
The USA has been using Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for the past few years and now this has been released in the UK. Let me tell you all about the science behind it and my personal experience.
GLP1 medication is known as:
- Saxenda (Liraglutide)
- Ozempic/Wegovy (Semaglutide)
- Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
When used long term for people with long standing issues with over eating the results with Tirzepatide are close to bariatric surgery results and there are even more GLP1 medications in development.
Mounjaro contains two hormones - GLP1 and GIP and the GIP is said to help reduce the common side effects (such as nausea)
Things to be aware of:
- Clinical trials have shown an average 8% more weight loss using Mounjaro compared to Ozempic/Wegovy.
- 2.5mg is not a therapeutic effect but is necessary for the first 4 weeks. It will take a few weeks to start noticing big differences in your appetite but there will be some changes and you should be implementing a calorie controlled diet immediately.
- There is much less nausea and if you are used to this with Ozempic/Wegovy to "put you off" food, you will find that you will eat on top of feeling full. This is a sign that you have an emotional aspect (as well as biological) to your eating and this needs addressing with behaviour pattern changes e.g. limiting food in the house, incorporating activity in the evenings etc.
- If you are rapidly losing weight, use supplements, drink plenty of water to avoid constipation, increase protein in foods to reduce muscle wastage and be aware that quick weight loss can result in gallstones.
- There are no needles included and you have to twist the applicator in a different way than you are used to with Ozempic/Wegovy because it is a different manufacturer.
- Pens can be kept in fridge or room temperature once opened.
- It cannot be used for people with Type 1 Diabetes (unless from specialist endocrinology).
Side effects are inevitable following any medication (including paracetamol) but side effects often settle in a few weeks' time and look how many people on placebo reported side effects - so don't preoccupy yourself with thoughts about them, you are more likely to them experience them.