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Chronic Care Diabetes GLP-1 Mounjaro®
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Weight loss and Mounjaro®

Medications that affect appetite and food choices can provide a way to help you get and stay healthier. Mounjaro® is among the drugs that may reduce hunger and promote weight loss. However, it is not an FDA-approved weight-loss drug. If you are trying to lose weight and considering Mounjaro®, here’s information that can help. 

PlushCare Content Team
Written by PlushCare Content Team
Stephen Vogel
Medically reviewed by Stephen Vogel, MD
Am I a Candidate?
Patient-speaking-to-Dr

*Mounjaro® is not a weight loss drug. Please note that due to the Mounjaro® shortage, specific dose strengths, particularly starter doses, may be unavailable. If Mounjaro® is commercially unavailable and listed on the FDA shortage list, our doctors may prescribe compounded tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro®, if deemed appropriate. These compounded medications are prepared by our preferred state-licensed sterile compounding pharmacy partner that complies with all federal and state laws and FDA regulations. However, compounded tirzepatide, like all compounded drugs, is not FDA-approved and does not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. Compounded tirzepatide prescriptions are limited to residents in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, Washington D.C., WY. Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. 

Key Takeaways:

  1. Mounjaro® and weight loss: Mounjaro® is primarily FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes and lowering A1C levels in adults. It is not officially approved as a weight-loss drug, but it can offer additional benefits that may include weight loss1. 
  2. Mechanism of Action: The active ingredient in Mounjaro®, tirzepatide, increases the activity of hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which promote sensations of fullness, reduce cravings, and slow digestion. This can help individuals eat less and lose weight more easily2. 
  3. Comparison with other drugs: Mounjaro® works differently from Wegovy® and Ozempic®, although all three can cause weight loss. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® work on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, enhancing the effects of fullness and craving reduction3. 
  4. FDA approval for weight loss: While Mounjaro® is not FDA-approved for weight loss, Zepbound®, which contains the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, is FDA-approved for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight individuals with weight-related health conditions4. 
  5. Safety and side effects: Mounjaro® can be effective and safe in promoting weight loss while treating type 2 diabetes, but it has some risks and side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and more serious but rare side effects like thyroid tumors and cancer5. 
  6. Off-label use: Doctors may prescribe Mounjaro® off-label for weight loss at their discretion. Off-label use means using a medication in a way that is different from what the FDA approved6. 
  7. Insurance considerations: It is important to receive weight-loss indicated brands if you are not diabetic, as insurance companies may not cover diabetes medications for non-diabetic patients7. 
  8. Online prescriptions: Meeting with an online doctor can help determine if Mounjaro® is the right treatment for you and discuss possible alternatives8. 

Does Mounjaro® cause weight loss?

Mounjaro® is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and lower A1C levels in adults. It is not a weight-loss drug. However, it can offer additional benefits that may include weight loss. 

How does Mounjaro® work for weight loss?

The active ingredient in the brand name Mounjaro® is called tirzepatide.1 Tirzepatide increases the activity of hormones that everyone has, called GLP-1 and GIP. When you eat, these hormones help promote sensations of fullness, reduced cravings, and slowing of digestion. With those hormones on overdrive, as a result, you may eat less and lose weight more easily.  

  

Mounjaro® is a once-weekly injection3 used with diet and exercise.  

Will Mounjaro® be approved for weight loss?

Currently, Mounjaro® is approved solely for treating type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA has approved Zepbound®, which contains the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, specifically for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight individuals with weight-related health conditions. 

Can I take Mounjaro® just for weight loss?

Mounjaro® is only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Your doctor may prescribe Mounjaro® off-label at their discretion to help you lose weight. Off-label is when a healthcare professional uses a medication in a way that is different from what the FDA approved. 

 

Your doctor will more likely recommend Zepbound® or another weight loss medication. For example, Wegovy® has also been found to be extremely effective for weight loss. Wegovy® is a weight-loss brand containing the same chemical, semaglutide, as the diabetes drug Ozempic®. 

 

It’s important to receive weight-loss indicated brands if you are not diabetic primarily because your insurance company will not pay for the brands that treat diabetes if you are not a type 2 diabetic. Reserving those brands for patients who have the proper indication, diabetes, can help maintain supply for those patients. 

 

In cases where Mounjaro® is in shortage, compounded tirzepatide can be considered as an alternative. However, it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider before opting for compounded medications, as they will ensure it is a safe and appropriate choice for your specific health needs. 

Is Mounjaro® safe for weight loss?

While Mounjaro® can be effective & safe in promoting weight loss while treating your type 2 diabetes, it does have some risks and side effects. Some common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach (abdominal) pain. Typically, these side effects are mild. Mounjaro® also may cause tumors in the thyroid and thyroid cancer, as well as other serious side effects, but these are considered very rare. 

  

Some people should not take Mounjaro®. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your risks and if Mounjaro® is an option for you. 

How quickly does Mounjaro® work for weight loss?

Each diabetic patient may experience different weight-loss benefits of Mounjaro®. One study shows that weight loss can begin in the first few weeks of taking Mounjaro®.6 Certain factors may affect how quickly you may see a reduction in your weight. For example, how active someone is with a healthy diet and getting regular exercise play a role. 

 

Also, your dose of Mounjaro® can impact your results. Typically, you can expect to start out at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose until you and your doctor find what’s right for you. 

What is the average weight-loss on Mounjaro® in 3 months?

The amount of weight you can expect to lose in three months on Mounjaro® may vary. One study that examined the effect of Mounjaro® in adults who are overweight or obesity found that patients lost an average of 5.9% of their body weight after three months. After six months, they lost an average of 10.1% of their body weight with Mounjaro®. At 12 months they lost 15.3% of their body weight.6

Are Mounjaro® and Zepbound® the same?

Zepbound®contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro® (tirzepatide). However, Zepbound® is FDA-approved to help adults lose weight and keep it off. 1 It may be prescribed for adults with obesity, or adults with excess weight (overweight) who also have weight-related medical problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.  

  

While Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are the same drug, the main difference involves the conditions they treat. Mounjaro® is prescribed for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound® is for weight management alone. Both Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are injectable prescription medicines. Also, it is important to note that these medications are to be used along with diet and exercise to achieve health goals.  

Does Mounjaro® work the same as Wegovy® and Ozempic® for weight loss?

Mounjaro® works differently from Wegovy® and Ozempic®, although all three can cause weight-loss.  

 

  • Wegovy® and Ozempic® work on a GLP-1 receptor. GLP-1 drugs mimic the “glucagon-like peptide 1” hormone, which targets the areas of the brain regulating appetite and food intake.  
  •  Mounjaro® and Zepbound™ both work on a GLP-1 receptor (like Wegovy® and Ozempic®) – plus, they also work on another receptor called a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). The GIP can enhance the release of insulin after a meal and help lower blood sugar in people without type 2 diabetes and enhance the effects of fullness and craving reduction.

Is Mounjaro® or Ozempic® better for weight loss?

Even though Mounjaro® is not FDA-approved for weight-loss alone, it has been found to cause significant benefits.3 In clinical studies, people taking once-weekly Mounjaro® lost more weight than those taking Ozempic®.4 

Online prescriptions for Mounjaro®

Meeting with one of our professional online doctors can help you determine the best treatment for you and if you qualify for an online prescription of Mounjaro®. They may also talk with you about possible Mounjaro® alternatives, depending on your health and your weight-loss goals. 

  

Along with weight-loss medications, we offer additional services that may help you achieve improved long-term health and weight management. For example, this may include services to help you with your diet, exercise, sleep, and mental wellbeing.  

3 simple steps to discuss your online Mounjaro® prescription

Plus Size
Step 1

Book a visit with a doctor to discuss Mounjaro®

During your first visit, your PlushCare doctor will review your medical history and health goals.
Doctors Note
Step 2

Talk to a physician regarding your Mounjaro® prescription and weight loss goals.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Often, lab work is required, and they’ll send an order to your preferred lab. Once your results are available, your doctor will review them with you and discuss treatment options.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Follow up with your doctor to discuss prescription, if you qualify.

Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. If medication is prescribed, it will be sent to your pharmacy of choice. Learn more about the cost of medication and whether a prior authorization is needed on our weight loss page.

Mounjaro® prescription pricing details

Join our monthly membership to speak with a physician about starting or refilling a Mounjaro® prescription and enjoy discounted visits*

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

$19.99

First month free

+

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less! We accept these insurance plans and many more:
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Paying without insurance

$19.99

First month free

+

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Am I a Candidate?

*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

Other Mounjaro® Resources:

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

  1.  Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) is Now Available in U.S. Pharmacies for Adults Living with Obesity. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://zepbound.lilly.com https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/zepboundtm-tirzepatide-now-available-us-pharmacies-adults-living 
  2. fda.gov, FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014 
  3. Once weekly Mounjaro®. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://assets.ctfassets.net/srys4ukjcerm/4BLIwZ9ImrAHEGCEbwEhIt/c300b83f0313392bf7d7eb9206fa2470/PP-TR-US-0822-Mounjaro®_One_Pager__1_.pdf 
  4. Mounjaro® weight results. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://Mounjaro®.lilly.com/what-is-Mounjaro®/t2d-competitors 
  5. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity: How do health care professionals use prescription medications “off-label” to treat overweight and obesity? Accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity#off-label 
  6. Tirzepatide Once-Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. Accessed October 13, 2024.  https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038 


PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.