Is Mounjaro ‘The New Ozempic’? A Brief Overview of This Breakthrough Weight Loss Treatment
In recent years, Ozempic has dominated headlines as the ‘celebrity secret’ for weight loss, gaining widespread attention for its ability to deliver dramatic results quickly and effectively. However, its rise in popularity has also sparked debates about safety, accessibility, and the ethics of using diabetes medications for off-label purposes. Now, with the rise of next-generation treatments, Mounjaro is sparking new interest for its superior weight-loss and metabolic health benefits. But is Mounjaro the improved version of Ozempic and more importantly, is it safe? To separate fact from fiction, we spoke to Dr. Kaywaan Khan, Private GP and Aesthetics Practitioner at Hannah London Clinic who explains whether Mounjaro is truly a breakthrough in weight loss solutions and what you need to know before considering it as an option.
What is Mounjaro and is it ‘The New Ozempic’?
Mounjaro, also known as Tirzepatide, is a medication primarily developed to manage Type 2 diabetes. However, clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro not only helps with blood sugar control, but also delivers more pronounced weight loss benefits compared to Ozempic. Its active ingredient works by mimicking two key hormones: GLP-1 and GIP.
This dual-action approach means that Mounjaro addresses both metabolic health and weight management more effectively than single-hormone treatments like Ozempic. Mounjaro is becoming increasingly recognised as the next-generation medication, ideal for those looking for a comprehensive approach to improve their overall health. Due to its ability to manage weight-related conditions, Mounjaro has become popular for off-label use, particularly amongst those struggling with obesity or seeking significant lifestyle changes.
How Mounjaro Works: The Dual-Action Approach
Building on its ability to manage Type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro’s unique dual-action approach offers a more comprehensive solution for both metabolic health and weight management. Unlike single-hormone treatments like Ozempic, Mounjaro combines the power of two hormones: GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar, and GIP, which helps suppress appetite. This combination not only helps to better control blood sugar levels but also targets hunger, making it easier for patients to feel full and reduce their overall calorie intake.
The result is a more effective approach to weight loss, addressing both the physiological and metabolic factors that contribute to obesity. This dual mechanism is one of the key reasons Mounjaro has garnered attention as a next-generation treatment for those seeking significant weight loss and improved metabolic health.
Is Mounjaro safe and effective?
Similar to other weight loss injectables, Mounjaro can cause side effects in certain individuals. The most common side effects can include nausea, diarrhoea, and appetite suppression, especially during the initial stages of treatment. With the rise of celebrity endorsements and influencers promoting weight loss medications, it’s easy for people to underestimate the seriousness of these treatments, and there can be oversight surrounding the safety and risks of Mounjaro.
Currently, getting Mounjaro through online pharmacies is as simple as submitting a photo. Any adult with a BMI of 35kg or more can be prescribed Mounjaro and while this process is convenient, it highlights a medical oversight, as medications like Mounjaro come with risks that need to be managed carefully. As well as this, counterfeit medications are on the rise, and not only can they be ineffective, but they can also pose serious health risks. That’s why I recommend purchasing Mounjaro through a reputable, licensed practitioner and advise all my patients to have a GP consultation beforehand to assess their individual needs. This will ensure health screening and blood tests are carried out prior to prescription, to avoid any side effects.
