Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is the latest weight loss medication on the market, and it has soared in popularity recently, but what type of drug is Mounjaro? It follows in the footsteps of Saxenda and Wegovy, making a name for itself when it comes to weight loss.
Developed by manufacturer Eli Lilly, it was initially a type 2 diabetes medication. However, after being approved for weight loss in the UK, Mounjaro is now available on prescription.
What is tirzepatide?
The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide, which is a dual agonist. Tirzepatide is an anti-diabetic that can also be used for weight loss.
It helps patients manage their blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and working with other hormones that affect the digestive system. When used for weight loss, Mounjaro is self-injected by patients once a week.
Mounjaro is similar to treatments like Wegovy and Saxenda, which are also administered by self-injection.
Is tirzepatide a GLP-1 receptor agonist?
Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonists, or incretin mimetics, promote insulin release in response to glucose. They also slow down the emptying of your stomach contents.
The way that GLP-1 receptor agonists work helps to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics and helps overweight patients reduce food intake.
These two actions help reduce your appetite and keep you fuller for longer.
Other GLP-1 receptor agonists include semaglutide and liraglutide, better known as the weight loss treatments Wegovy and Saxenda.
Is tirzepatide a GIP receptor agonist?
As well as being a GLP-1 receptor agonist, tirzepatide is also a GIP receptor agonist. This means it works on your GIP receptors and GLP-1 receptors to regulate your digestive system.
GIP agonists work in a few different ways. They increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which is ideal for patients with type 2 diabetes whose insulin needs a little help.
They also help reduce your stomach acid production, meaning that your food will be broken down more slowly in your stomach.
Currently, tirzepatide is the only GIP receptor agonist available on the market. However, we may find that more become available as research into type 2 diabetes and obesity continues.
What is a dual agonist?
A dual agonist works as both a GLP-1 receptor agonist and a GIP receptor agonist. Dual agonists combine the benefits of both types of treatments, working as a complete package for blood sugar and weight management.
One of the ways that GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP receptor agonists compete against one another is that GLP-1s stimulate insulin production in your pancreas. In contrast, GIPs increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Is Mounjaro available in the UK?
Mounjaro was approved by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a weight loss treatment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on September 4th, 2023.
However, you can’t buy Mounjaro over-the-counter (OTC). You will need a prescription from a licenced healthcare professional to be able to purchase it.
In December 2024, it was approved for treating obesity on the NHS and is expected to be rolled out in April 2025. [1]
How can I get a Mounjaro prescription in the UK?
Currently, the only way to get a Mounjaro prescription in the UK is through private prescriptions. Services like myBMI offer you an online consultation, where one of our prescribers will decide if it’s the right option for you.
Now that Mounjaro has been approved by the NHS for treating obesity, we will soon see a gradual rollout of the drug over the next three years. It will only be available to patients who meet the eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for the initial rollout of Mounjaro, patients must have a body mass index of over 40 and a minimum of 3 weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnoea or high cholesterol.
After the first phase, it’s then expected to be offered out to patients with a BMI above 40 and two weight-related health conditions, then to patients with a BMI of 40 and one weight-related health condition. [2]
It is important to remember that Mounjaro is a highly effective weight loss medication. However, it must be used alongside a healthy diet and active lifestyle for the best results.
Since its approval in the UK, more and more people have been choosing Mounjaro as a weight loss treatment. If you are considering Mounjaro, please get in touch with our team for a consultation.
MyBMI sources
1) Diabetes UK (2024), What is Mounjaro?: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/treatments/tablets-and-medication/glp-1/mounjaro
2) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2024), Consultation on NHS England proposals for a phased launch of obesity injection: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/consultation-on-nhs-england-proposals-for-a-phased-launch-of-obesity-injection
