It’s the age of the weight loss jab. Everyone knows someone who has been on one, whether that be Mounjaro, Ozempic or Wegovy, but what actually are they? In this article, I’m going to focus on Mounjaro – what is it? How does it work? Are there any known side effects?
Let’s find out.
Where can you get Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, can be bought privately (with the go-ahead from your doctor) or for those who qualify, prescribed by the NHS. The NHS is only prescribing Mounjaro to those who have a BMI of 40 and above if they have four of the below health conditions:
- Dyslipidaemia (abnormal fat levels in the blood)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep)
- Cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel disease)
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
This ‘phased rollout’ is set to last until March 2028 where NICE will review its effectiveness and potentially change the requirements. Until then though, if you don’t qualify, you’ll have to pay for it privately. Expect to shell out between £130 and £330, depending on the dosage you choose.
When I was taking Mounjaro, I paid £180 for a 4-week course of the 2.5mg solution. And while the prices have changed a bit since then, it also depends on which pharmacy you order it through.
What is Mounjaro and how does it work?
Mounjaro is its brand name – the actual drug is tirzepatide. It works by activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
What are those, I hear you ask.
Well, GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 and GIP for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Both are hormones. Tirzepatide contains 39 amino acids that mimic the very things that activate those receptors, it also increases the body’s levels of adiponectin. In doing so, the pancreas is stimulated to release insulin.
GLP-1 and GIP hormones also tell some receptors in your brain when you’re full, so by mimicking these hormones, Mounjaro tricks your brain into thinking you’re full.
This is the bit that matters: if you don’t feel the need to eat? You lose weight. Like most things, the degree of hunger suppression will vary person-to-person. If your overeating is triggered by emotional events, the hunger suppression may not be enough to tempt you away from snacking when the going gets rough. Finding an alternative outlet will make your weightloss journey far smoother. But as always, that’s easier said than done.
Helpfully, losing weight can lead to lifestyle changes: for example, while I was taking Mounjaro, I found being lighter made exercising less scary – I didn’t feel as judged going to the gym or getting sweaty on a power walk. The confidence boost and easier movement made my life far more active than before, and, as a result of being out and about more, I didn’t find myself sitting and snacking as much. A double win if you ask me.
Are there any side effects of Mounjaro?
Unfortunately, yes. Often overlooked, but arguably the most important, is the fact that these jabs are new. We have no idea what the long term effects are five, 10 or 30 years down the line. There could be a serious consequence or there could only be long-term positives, we just don’t know.
But what about the short term side effects we do know about?
The most noticeable issue of suppressing hunger is not eating a balanced diet. You still need to eat and you still need to get the recommended amount of each vitamin and mineral, otherwise you could end up suffering with the side effects of various deficiencies.
Many people I’ve spoken to report low B12 to be a common problem. I needed B12 booster injections after I finished my course. 2/10 would not recommend – those bastards hurt. Continue to eat vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, proteins, fats, and fish. Just in smaller GLP-1 friendly portion sizes.
While taking the jabs, you might experience dizziness, nausea, or constipation/diarrhoea. Other side effects include:
- Bloating
- More wind
- Heartburn
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
Eating quickly and large portions may exacerbate these side effects – eating little and often is the best way to go. And of course, if your side effects don’t go away or become severe, go to the doctor.
Do your homework before signing up for a course of Mounjaro. You might find it’s not for you after all, or one of the other weight loss jabs might suit you better. Spending some time researching, consider all of the pros and cons, and talk to your doctor before ordering anything.
