A promising treatment
Do you know tirzepatide? It is the active ingredient in Mounjaro, Eli Lilly’s new anti-obesity drug, recently approved by Hong Kong.
This treatment is specifically intended for adults under 65 years of age suffering from obesity, defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more, as well as those who are overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m²). m² or more) and who have related health problems, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. It is recommended for those who have exhausted other options, such as dietary changes and exercise.
The treatment is administered by subcutaneous injection once a week, using a convenient device called a KwikPen, a type of syringe pen, which makes it easier for patients to use.
Its particularity lies in its dual therapeutic action, targeting both the hormonal receptor GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), and the hormonal receptor GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).
Concretely, by acting on the central nervous system through these two hormonal receptors, Mounjaro helps reduce appetite and reinforce the feeling of satiety. At the same time, it improves blood sugar management by stimulating insulin production while decreasing the release of glucose from the liver. All of this contributes to significant weight loss.
Mounjaro or Ozempic, who will be the winner?
This medical feat scares Eli Lilly’s main competitor, who is none other than the Danish leader Novo Nordisk.
Indeed, in an already saturated pharmaceutical landscape, Mounjaro stands out through its unique mechanism of action. While competing drugs like Ozempic and Saxenda (both developed by Novo Nordisk) have gained popularity, Mounjaro stands out by targeting two hormone receptors simultaneously, not just GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).
And in practice, clinical trials show that patients using Mounjaro, in addition to a balanced diet and increased physical activity, can achieve impressive weight losses. At the maximum dose, clinical trial participants lost an average of approximately 22 kg over a 72-week period.
This result arouses the interest of both health professionals and patients looking for effective solutions for managing their weight and improving their health problems associated with obesity, such as hypertension and high cholesterol.
A public greedy for these slimming drugs
The meteoric rise of weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro is largely fueled by celebrity influence. Iconic figures such as Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey have openly shared their positive experiences with these treatments, propelling them to the rank of glamorous solutions to achieving dream bodies.
This trend is particularly marked in Asia, where beauty standards are often unattainable and social pressure to achieve an ideal weight is omnipresent. In a society where physical appearance is of crucial importance, the quest for quick and effective solutions becomes an obsession. Weight loss medications therefore offer an attractive promise: that of transforming your body without having to submit to restrictive diets or intensive exercise programs.
Prowess or trap?
However, behind this promise lie significant risks. Although Mounjaro can deliver impressive results, it is not free from potentially serious side effects. Users frequently report nausea, vomiting, and various gastrointestinal upsets, which can become particularly intense when increasing the dose.
Additionally, the use of Mounjaro without adequate medical monitoring raises concerns, particularly for those who do not have weight problems. The lure of slimness may cause healthy people to resort to this medication, putting their health at risk and increasing the risk of complications such as loss of muscle mass.
Thus, it is imperative to approach this treatment with caution and to consult a health professional before embarking on this path, reminding everyone that health must always take precedence over aesthetic standards.
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