The Hype About Mounjaro: Why Is It Making the News? What's the Drug All About?

“Mounjaro? What’s a Mounjaro?”

That was the question my friend asked while dunking a teabag into her oversized mug (talk about maximalist) like it held the secrets of the universe. I blinked, unsure if she was talking about a new indie band or some mountain-themed escape room…. Honestly, it even sounds like Mohenjo-Daro to me (one of the great civilisations).

“It’s that new weight loss shot. Celebs are using it. Doctors too. It’s everywhere!”

And just like that, I fell into the internet rabbit hole, scrolling past before-and-after pictures, Reddit threads full of love-and-hate testimonials for it, and medical jargon that made me have invisible stars circling my head (Looney Tunes, much?)

But underneath the buzz, I found something pretty fascinating. Let’s break it down together.

Mounjaro, a tripeptide injection, is nicknamed the “King Kong” of weight loss drugs. It is self-administered in once-a-week injections developed by Eli Lilly.

It was initially approved to help manage type-2 diabetes with a good diet and regular exercise to keep the blood glucose level normal. But here’s the twist: patients using it started reporting a significant weight loss, so much so that now it’s being explored for obesity and weight loss management. And mind you, this is nothing like the Ozempic shot.

It has been used as an off-label drug but what sets it apart is its dual-action formula. It activates two hormones - GLP 1 and GIP which regulate blood sugar level and play a role in appetite control.

Think of it as sending double signals to the brain and body to feel full and manage glucose levels better. Compared to other GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro seems to have a stronger punch when it comes to losing weight.

COVID-19 hit us like a truck, and living in a house 24/7 made us dull and bored out of our minds. We came up with very creative hobbies to keep us entertained... such as Dalgona coffee…. And oh my god, what a hit it was.

Similarly, Mounjaro is slowly climbing the ladder of success to be unforgettable. It hasn’t been promoted as a quick fix, but has been trending lately for its performance.

And what is the performance, you may ask?

Well, it's a medical breakthrough for people with type 2 diabetes. Its side effect, the most prominent one, has been weight loss. So, who wouldn't turn their heads and incite interest?

Recently, I came across a video circulating on Instagram where Amy Schumer shared that after struggling with severe side effects from Ozempic, including nausea and fatigue, she turned to Mounjaro and found it to be a better fit for her.

She also addressed her perimenopause symptoms, noting that a combination of hormone therapy and Mounjaro led to improvements in her energy levels, skin, hair, and overall well-being.

Other reasons why it could be blowing up

• Rumours have it that some big names are using it, of course, the name isn’t out in public yet (other than Schumer) but we are aware of how Hollywood has never declined a skinny trend.

• Pop culture news is flooded with users sharing incredible results, giving Mounjaro the title of an ultimate glow drug.

• Although it hasn’t been given the green light yet for weight loss, Mounjaro is being used for weight loss by many doctors legally, but as an off-label drug.

• Mounjaro isn’t a crash diet to lose weight but rather it has opened an understanding of obesity and weight gain as a complex chronic disease and how more research can be done.

Not quite, I mean I know it’s promising, but it’s not for everyone. While many reported a great weight loss journey, Mounjaro does come with side effects, from minor to extreme.

Minor symptoms -

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Stomach (abdominal) pain.
• Fever/ ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash

Extreme side effects -

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Low blood sugar
• Thyroid tumors
• Kidney failure/ damage
• Stomach issues
• Gallbladder problems
• The chances of food or liquid entering your lungs after the procedure
• Impaired vision
• Allergic reactions
• Breathing problems

Lifestyle changes are key, and they work best as part of a broader treatment plan supervised by healthcare providers.

Additionally, there are also supply issues, affordability concerns, and questions about long-term effects, especially for those who are using it for weight loss without diabetes.

In the end, Mounjaro isn’t just hyped, it’s a well-researched drug that is medically backed and has the potential to change how we understand and treat weight and metabolic health.

Whether you’re someone managing diabetes, struggling with weight, or just wildly curious like me, Mounjaro is worth keeping an eye on. But maybe don't just rush to the clinic because your favorite influencer or celebrity said so.

Talk to your healthcare provider to learn about the drug and the potential harm it could cause and see if it suits you.

Q. What is Mounjaro used for?

A. Mounjaro is primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It has also been approved for weight loss in some cases, as it helps reduce appetite and promotes weight reduction.

Q. How do I take Mounjaro?

A. Mounjaro is injected (under the skin). It is typically given once a week. Your doctor will guide you on how to inject it properly, and it can be administered in areas such as the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.

Q. Is Mounjaro safe for everyone?

A. Mounjaro is not suitable for people with a history of certain medical conditions, such as a history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or severe gastrointestinal diseases. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider to determine if Mounjaro is safe for you.

Q. Can Mounjaro be used in people with type 1 diabetes?

A. No, Mounjaro is not approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes.

Q. Are there any long-term risks of taking Mounjaro?

A. Long-term studies on Mounjaro are still ongoing. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential risk of thyroid tumours (as seen in animal studies), pancreatitis, or kidney problems. Your healthcare provider will monitor your health regularly to mitigate any risks.