The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recently given the green light to Mounjaro, hailed the “King Kong” of weight loss injections.
Mounjaro operates by enhancing the feeling of fullness, leading to a natural reduction in food intake.
Initially developed for type 2 diabetes management, its ability to support weight loss has garnered widespread attention.
Clinical trials have shown participants lose up to a fifth of their body weight. These results have led the MHRA to endorse its safety and effectiveness, paving the way for its prescription and sale across the UK.
While Mounjaro is not currently recommended for obesity treatment under the NHS, it is accessible for managing type 2 diabetes.
The UK’s drug regulator has approved its use for adults who are either obese or overweight with associated health complications, such as high blood pressure.
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- Tirzepatide helps people lose almost 20% of their weight
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is diligently reviewing Mounjaro’s application for obesity treatment, with findings expected by March 2024.
Comparsion: Mounjaro and Wegovy
Developed by Eli Lilly and Company, Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, represents a new class of diabetes medication.
In contrast, Wegovy, containing semaglutide and developed by Novo Nordisk, falls under the GLP-1 medication category.
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy share similarities in the way they are used. Both come as pre-filled injection pens, designed for self-administration, typically injected under the skin in the stomach area or thigh.
While both treatments have shown promising results in weight loss, it’s important to acknowledge potential side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation.
Some individuals may experience weight gain after stopping the treatment.
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Going beyond injections
Weight loss injections are not standalone solutions to obesity. A healthy diet, consisting of real foods and low in ultra-processed foods, coupled with regular physical activity, remains vital in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Particularly with Mounjaro, there’s a noted interaction with contraceptive pills. Women are advised to use additional or alternative contraception methods during and for four weeks following each dose increase.
Looking ahead, the NHS is optimistic about the potential benefits these treatments could bring to thousands in England, with Mounjaro possibly joining NHS treatment options in the future.
Currently, Wegovy is available through select NHS specialist weight-loss services and private clinics, with some High Street chains also offering it, albeit with limited stocks.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay has expressed hope regarding Mounjaro’s potential. He emphasizes that, pending further NHS approvals, Mounjaro could be a game-changer for those battling obesity and related health issues, particularly when used alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
