5 COMMON QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE TAKING MOUNJARO® (TIRZEPATIDE) FOR WEIGHT LOSS

5 COMMON QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE TAKING MOUNJARO® (TIRZEPATIDE) FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Medically reviewed by: Kristin Baier, MD - VP of Clinical Development

In the realm of weight loss medications, Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) has been making headlines for its potential to revolutionize the landscape. But before you jump on the bandwagon, it's crucial to ask the right questions and make an informed decision about whether Mounjaro®, or GLP-1 medications more broadly, are the right choice for you. 

Here are five key questions to discuss with your healthcare provider before you begin a new prescription.

1. How does Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) work for weight loss?

Understanding the mechanism of action of Mounjaro® is essential. This medication belongs to a class of drugs broadly called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). 

GLP-1 helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, making it easier to enact metabolic changes that promote weight loss. 

Mounjaro® works similarly to the other drugs in the GLP-1 family—such as semaglutide (brand names including Ozempic® and Wegovy®)—but it also stimulates a second hormone called Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) opposed to just GLP-1. This dual-action design, mimicking the action of two incretin hormones, is unique and makes it the first-in-class medicine that acts on both of these receptors. 

2. What are some of the risks and benefits of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) for weight loss?

While Mounjaro® is FDA approved for type 2 diabetes, clinical studies also show the active molecule, tirzepatide, is effective in aiding weight loss in patients without diabetes (Source: New England Journal of Medicine, Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity). As with any medication, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. 

In addition to weight loss, clinical trials have demonstrated significant weight loss among participants taking tirzepatide along with improvements in other metabolic markers such as blood sugar levels and cholesterol. 

In the widely-publicized SURMOUNT-1 trial, for example, tirzepatide was examined specifically for weight loss and the treatment of obesity. At week 72, average weight loss was 15.0% for those on a 5 mg dose, 19.5% for those on a 10 mg dose, and 20.9% for those on a 15 mg dose. This was compared to weight loss of only 3.1% in participants taking a placebo.

However, like any medication, Mounjaro® comes with potential side effects, with the most common being nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. In most cases, these side effects are mild and well-tolerated. Understanding both the benefits and risks can help you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with treatment.

3. Is Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) suitable for me, considering my preexisting health condition(s)?

Before starting Mounjaro®, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to assess whether the medication is suitable for your specific health history. 

Per the manufacturer, Mounjaro® is FDA-approved for individuals with type-2 diabetes. It may be prescribed off-label for weight loss, and must be used in combination with lifestyle changes including food and exercise. 

Individuals with a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, or kidney issues may not be ideal candidates for Mounjaro®. Additionally, certain medications or medical conditions may interact with Mounjaro®, necessitating careful evaluation by a healthcare provider. Mounjaro® is not FDA-approved for individuals with type-1 diabetes. 

When you join Calibrate, your clinical team and Calibrate clinician will review your bloodwork and medical history and use these details to select the best medication for your unique needs. 

4. What lifestyle changes are necessary when taking Mounjaro® (tirzepatde) for weight loss?

While Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) can aid weight loss, it's not a magic shot. To achieve sustainable results, lifestyle modifications are essential. This includes making improvements to your food, exercise, sleep, and emotional health habits—or what we at Calibrate call the Four Pillars of Metabolic Health. 

Mounjaro® should complement these lifestyle changes rather than replace them entirely. Discussing a comprehensive weight loss plan with your healthcare provider can optimize your chances of success with Mounjaro®. 

With Calibrate, you’ll receive both 1:1 accountability coaching and medical team support as you work through our science-backed curriculum, making improvements to each of the four pillars that are sustainable for your unique schedule and circumstances. 

5. How will I be supported while taking Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)?

Embarking on a weight loss journey can be challenging, and having support systems in place can make a significant difference. 

Before starting Mounjaro®, consider what resources are available to help you stay on track. This may include working with a health coach, joining a support group, or enrolling in a comprehensive program like Calibrate’s Metabolic Reset. 

Building a robust support network can enhance your adherence to treatment and improve your overall outcomes.

Mounjaro® FAQs: Key takeaways

In conclusion, while Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) holds promise as a weight loss medication, it's essential to approach its use thoughtfully and with careful consideration. 

By asking these five questions and discussing them with your healthcare provider, you can make an informed decision about whether Mounjaro® is the right choice for you. 

Remember: weight loss is a journey. Finding the approach that aligns best with your health goals and lifestyle is key to long-term success and weight loss that isn’t just temporary, but sustained. 

Why trust Calibrate?

At Calibrate, we design our curriculum to enact profound, lasting changes for our members on their path to metabolic health. Regardless of the medication you are prescribed as a part of your membership, we hold ourselves responsible for your outcomes. 

Throughout the Calibrate program, our members make small, sustainable changes to help alter their set point, meet their weight loss goals, and improve their metabolic health. 

Research shows that programs like ours can actually change your biology to reinforce metabolic changes, helping people lose 10% or more of their body weight—and keep it off. 

With our new pricing model, pay for Calibrate monthly with the option to sign up for automatic payments. Our commitment to you stands: if you have not reached 10% weight loss at 12 months, get 50% of your program cost refunded as part of our Results Money Back Promise (see terms).

Losing 10% of your body weight is clinically significant, as it lowers several risk factors for cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, while also reducing symptoms of depression, arthritis, and sleep apnea. 

Interested in a whole-body metabolic reset? Learn more.