Mounjaro
What is Mounjaro?
At Manchester Weight Loss, we prioritise patient safety, informed choices, and evidence-based treatment options. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is one such treatment, offered as part of our comprehensive weight management service. This page provides in-depth information about Mounjaro, including its mechanism of action, clinical use, safety profile, and regulatory status in the UK. Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a once-weekly injectable medication developed by Eli Lilly. It is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is currently licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, with emerging evidence supporting its efficacy in weight management.
Please note that this medication may only be prescribed following a full medical consultation by a qualified prescriber, in line with UK legislation and professional standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
How Does Mounjaro Work?
Tirzepatide targets two incretin hormone receptors: GIP and GLP-1. These hormones play a crucial role in metabolic regulation. By mimicking their action, tirzepatide exerts the following effects:
- Reduces appetite and food intake by acting on areas of the brain involved in hunger signalling.
- Slows gastric emptying, prolonging satiety after meals.
- Improves insulin sensitivity and enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.
- Suppresses glucagon secretion, reducing hepatic glucose production.
The combination of these mechanisms helps regulate blood glucose levels in diabetic patients and promotes significant weight loss in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals in clinical studies.
Clinical Efficacy
Type 2 Diabetes
Tirzepatide was approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes based on multiple clinical trials under the SURPASS programme. In SURPASS-2, for example, tirzepatide led to:
- HbA1c reductions of up to 2.46%
- Mean body weight reductions of 11.2 kg (compared to 5.7 kg with semaglutide 1 mg)
Weight Management
Tirzepatide has shown substantial weight reduction in non-diabetic adults in the SURMOUNT trials.
- In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, individuals taking the highest dose (15 mg) experienced mean weight loss of up to 22.5% of baseline body weight over 72 weeks.
- Weight loss was progressive and maintained with ongoing treatment.
These results suggest that tirzepatide may be an effective tool for weight management, particularly in individuals with obesity or weight-related comorbidities.
Access and Pricing
Mounjaro may be offered as part of our clinically supervised weight management programme. Pricing varies based on dose and duration of treatment, with tailored plans developed following an initial medical assessment.
Please note that this medication is not currently available through the NHS for weight management alone. Access is via private prescription only at our clinic.
