What you’ll learn:
- Mounjaro is FDA-approved to manage type 2 diabetes. However, it can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, mimics two hormones that help reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and promote weight loss.
- Mounjaro can be very effective, but it does come with some side effects you should discuss with your doctor.
- Combining Mounjaro with Noom can help you develop healthy habits that lead to sustainable weight loss.
If diet and exercise haven’t led to the weight loss results you’re hoping for, you might feel like it’s time to consider additional options. You’ve probably heard of Ozempic, a medication that’s been highly effective for weight loss, but you might be unfamiliar with Mounjaro.
Mounjaro is similar to Ozempic. Like Ozempic, Mounjaro is a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication that is approved to treat diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Unlike Ozempic, Mounjaro has a unique dual action that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. We’ll get into what this means, but the important thing to know is this might make it even more effective for weight loss compared to Ozempic. Sounds great, right?
Read on for the lowdown on how Mounjaro works, its safety, side effects, and typical cost. We’ll break down everything you need to know about this medication and its potential benefits.
Of course, any decision about weight loss medication, Mounjaro or otherwise, should be discussed with a healthcare professional. If you’re unsure of who to speak to or where to start, check out Noom Med. Our personalized healthcare program connects you with a qualified clinician who can answer all your questions and determine if Mounjaro or a similar medication is right for you.
What is Mounjaro and how does it work for weight loss?
Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which acts like two hormones in your body: GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones play a role in controlling your appetite and how your body uses sugar.
Mounjaro’s “one-two punch” works by targeting two key aspects:
- Appetite control: It curbs your cravings and makes you feel satisfied with smaller portions, reducing the urge to overeat.
- Slower digestion: It slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods.
This dynamic duo of appetite control and slower digestion can lead to significant weight loss, especially when combined with Noom’s personalized weight program, which helps you develop healthy eating and exercise habits.
How is Mounjaro taken?
Mounjaro is a medicine that you inject under your skin once a week. You can do this at home using a special pen that already has the right amount of medicine in it. Most people inject it into their belly, thigh, or upper arm. Don’t worry if you haven’t done this before. Your doctor will show you how to do it and tell you how much to use. Also, be sure to store Mounjaro in your fridge and to take it on the same day each week.
How effective is Mounjaro for weight loss?
Very. Plus, research has shown that Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, can lead to greater weight loss as the dosage is increased. In the studies, people started by taking a lower dose (2.5mg) of tirzepatide. It was gradually increased every four weeks until they reached their target dose of 5mg, 10mg, or 15mg. This mimics how the dose is generally increased with common use.
Here’s a summary of the weight loss results for each dose:
- 5 mg dose: People lost an average of 16% of body weight.
- 10 mg dose: People lost an average of 21% of body weight.
- 15 mg dose: People lost the most weight, with an average of 23% of their body weight. This came out to an average of 52 pounds in the sample group.
If you’re considering Mounjaro, your doctor will typically start you on a lower dose and then gradually increase it if needed to reach your goals.
What distinguishes Mounjaro from other weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy?
Mounjaro belongs to the same class of medications as Ozempic, called GLP-1 receptor agonists, but it works somewhat differently. Its action on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors has been shown to be more effective in reducing body weight compared to medications that only target GLP-1.
Mounjaro also has a sibling with the same active ingredient called Zepbound. Unlike Mounjaro, Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. This means that Zepbound might be more likely to be covered by insurance for weight loss.
If all that is still a little confusing, here’s a chart that breaks it all down:
| Brand name | Mounjaro | Zepbound | Ozempic | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Tirzepatide | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| FDA-approved use(s) | Type 2 diabetes management | Chronic weight management | Type 2 diabetes management | Chronic weight management |
| Administration | Injection, once weekly | Same | Same | Same |
| How it Works | Mimics hormones GLP-1 and GIP | Same as Mounjaro | Mimics hormone GLP-1 | Same as Ozempic |
How can Noom enhance the effectiveness of Mounjaro?
Noom has a couple of programs to help you maximize the weight loss effects for Mounjaro. If you need a prescription, Noom Med will connect you with qualified clinicians who can determine your eligibility. They will then coordinate access and see what kind of insurance or discounts you can get.
If you’ve already been prescribed Mounjaro, Noom’s GLP-1 Companion program will provide personalized support to help you make the most of your treatment.
By combining the medication’s appetite-regulating effects with Noom’s proven behavior change techniques, you’ll develop sustainable habits that support long-term weight loss. Noom’s expert coaches and supportive community can help you navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and stay motivated.
One study found that those taking GLP-1 meds along with Noom reported losing up to 40% more weight than those on meds alone. Pretty impressive, right?
What is the cost of Mounjaro?
What Mounjaro will cost for you will vary based on your insurance coverage and location. Without insurance, you can expect to pay about $1,170 for a 28-day supply of Mounjaro. We know, that’s steep. Since Mounjaro is only FDA-approved for diabetes management, your insurance may not cover it for weight loss.
If that is the case, you could consider Zepbound. Since it’s approved for weight management, insurance companies are more likely to cover it. If you qualify for Noom Med, our clinicians will connect you with the best medicine for you at the best price.
How can I get Mounjaro at a reduced price?
If insurance doesn’t cover Mounjaro, you still have options. Eli Lilly, the company that makes Mounjaro, can help reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Always refer to the official resources for the latest details and eligibility requirements.
You can also check whether pharmacies offer a discount for Mounjaro. Some pharmacies, like CVS, have a discount search online.
Again, the clinicians at Noom Med can get into the nitty gritty of insurance coverage and discounts, so don’t let cost be the deciding factor.
Mounjaro side effects and safety considerations
While Mounjaro is a powerful tool for weight loss and diabetes management, it has some potential side effects you need to consider.
What are the most common side effects of using Mounjaro?
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were the most frequent side effects reported by people who used the medication. They were typically worse when beginning the medication and when the dosage was increased but decreased over time. Other side effects included constipation, indigestion, and stomach pain.
How can Noom help manage any side effects?
Noom offers personalized support to help users manage the potential side effects of Mounjaro. Noom can provide guidance on lifestyle adjustments, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals or staying hydrated, to help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. The supportive Noom community also allows users to share experiences and strategies for coping with side effects.
In addition, Noom’s GLP-1 Companion offers some impressive features to support weight loss alongside GLP-1 medications, including:
- Focus on protein: We’ll rack your protein intake and give you a daily goal to aim for. This will maximize nutrition and help you preserve muscle mass as you lose weight.
- Exercise videos and tips: You’ll get access to targeted exercise videos to minimize muscle loss and build strength.
- Education: You’ll learn how to eat better, of course, but you’ll also gradually change your behavior. This will lead to long-lasting weight loss and a healthier you!
Are there any serious side effects associated with Mounjaro?
While rare, Mounjaro can cause more serious side effects. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately:
| Side Effect | What to watch out for | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Pancreatitis | Symptoms include severe abdominal or stomach area pain, and vomiting. | Rare |
| Gallbladder problems | Pain in your upper stomach, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes, and clay-colored stools. | Rare |
| Hypoglycemia | Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion or drowsiness, and blurred vision. | Rare |
| Kidney problems | Symptoms may include decreased urination, swelling in the ankles or legs, fatigue, and shortness of breath. | Rare |
| Allergic reactions | Swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing. | Rare |
| Thyroid Cancer Risk | Unusual lumps or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. | Very Rare |
Are there any health issues that might make Mounjaro unsuitable for me?
While Mounjaro is effective for many, if you have certain pre-existing conditions you make sure to talk with your doctor about whether you should still consider taking it. Always discuss your entire health history with your doctor.
- Type 1 diabetes: Mounjaro is specifically designed for type 2 diabetes and is not FDA-approved for type 1 diabetes. In fact, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) has not been thoroughly studied in people with type 1 diabetes, so its safety and effectiveness in this population are unknown.
- History of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems: Mounjaro can increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and gallbladder issues. If you have a history of these conditions, Mounjaro may not be the best choice.
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2): Mounjaro carries a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer, particularly MTC, in people with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so it’s generally not recommended in these situations.
- Trying to conceive: If you are considering becoming pregnant, you should not use Mounjaro or stop using it at least two months before trying to conceive.
- Allergy to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in Mounjaro: If you have a known allergy to tirzepatide (the active ingredient) or any other component of Mounjaro, you should not use it.
How Noom can help maximize success
If you’re tired of struggling with weight loss, combining Noom with a medication like Mounjaro can be a powerful solution. With personalized care plans, expert coaches, and a supportive community, Noom helps you create lasting lifestyle changes that go hand-in-hand with appetite-regulating medications. Together, they form a dynamic duo that can help you achieve lasting weight loss and improve your overall health. Join Noom today and unlock a healthier, happier you. Your dream of sustainable weight loss is within reach.
Note: Mounjaro and Ozempic are not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.
