Mounjaro is a new weight management medication that launched in the UK in February 2024. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, it’s now being explored more widely as a treatment option for weight loss in adults living with obesity or related health risks. Studies show that patients can lose up to 22.5% of their body weight using mounjaro over a period of 72 weeks, and it is 6x more effective at helping patients lose weight than diet and exercise alone.
As it is becoming more and more common, naturally, many people are now asking: ‘Is Mounjaro safe?’ ‘Are there any side effects?’ ‘Do the benefits outweigh the risks?‘ The short answer is yes. Mounjaro is considered safe when prescribed appropriately and monitored by a healthcare professional. Like any medication, it does come with potential side effects, and it’s important to weigh these up before starting treatment.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through the key benefits and risks to help you make an informed decision. If you’re considering medical weight loss, our team at Longridge Travel Health Clinic is here to support you, starting with a Patient Access Evaluation to assess your eligibility and needs.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a prescription medication originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which helps lower blood sugar levels. In recent years, it has also shown promising results in supporting weight loss and is now prescribed by private clinics in the UK for weight management, following a clinical assessment.
Tirzepatide works by activating two hormone receptors in the body — GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones help regulate appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and slow down digestion. As a result, you feel fuller for longer after meals, which can help reduce your overall food intake. Mounjaro is typically taken as a once-weekly injection, starting with a low dose of 2.5 mg. The dose can be gradually increased based on your response and the advice of a healthcare professional. For optimal outcomes, combining Mounjaro injections with dietary improvements and regular physical activity is highly recommended.
How Does Mounjaro Work?
Mounjaro works through a dual-action mechanism that sets it apart from other weight loss treatments. Its active ingredient, tirzepatide, simultaneously activates two important hormone receptors in your body:
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1): Helps reduce appetite and slow digestion
- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide): Improves insulin sensitivity and enhances GLP-1’s effects
This dual-targeting approach creates powerful effects on your body’s weight regulation systems:
- Reduced hunger signals: You’ll experience less hunger between meals
- Increased satiety: You’ll feel fuller faster and for longer periods
- Slowed gastric emptying: Food stays in your stomach longer, extending feelings of fullness
- Improved blood sugar regulation: Reduces cravings and energy crashes that often lead to overeating
Mounjaro is administered as a weekly injection, usually starting with a lower dose of 2.5mg that may be gradually increased based on your response and your healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Benefits of Mounjaro
Mounjaro offers several advantages, particularly for those seeking support with weight loss or managing type 2 diabetes
1. Supports Significant Weight Loss
One of the most widely recognised benefits of Mounjaro is its ability to aid in substantial weight loss. It works by regulating appetite, reducing cravings, and slowing digestion, which helps you feel fuller for longer and lowers overall food intake.
2. Helps Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Mounjaro was originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. It helps lower high blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity, making it particularly useful for those with both obesity and diabetes.
3. Convenient Weekly Injections
The once-weekly injection schedule makes Mounjaro easier to integrate into your routine compared to daily medications or multiple daily diet injections. The pre-filled pens are designed for simple self-administration.
At Longridge Travel Health Clinic, we offer comprehensive consultations to determine if Mounjaro aligns with your health needs and weight loss goals. Our Patient Access Evaluation examines your medical history, current health status, and weight management challenges to develop a personalised approach.
Potential Long-term Success
Unlike quick-fix diet injections or fat-dissolving injections that offer temporary results, Mounjaro addresses the hormonal aspects of weight regulation, potentially offering more sustainable outcomes when used as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management.
Many traditional weight loss medications provide only temporary results because they work through limited mechanisms such as appetite suppression, fat blocking, or temporary metabolic boosts. Once discontinued, the body typically returns to its previous hormonal patterns.
In contrast, Mounjaro works by mimicking two key hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that regulate blood sugar, appetite, and metabolism. This dual-action approach not only helps control hunger but may also improve insulin sensitivity and promote healthier eating patterns that can persist beyond treatment. Clinical follow-up studies suggest that when combined with lifestyle changes, these metabolic improvements can lead to more durable weight management compared to conventional treatments.
Is Mounjaro Safe? Understanding the Risk Profile
Extensive clinical research supports the safety and effectiveness of Mounjaro. Numerous rigorous clinical trials conducted by reputable medical research bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), have carefully evaluated the medication.
These studies involved thousands of participants, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of both efficacy and safety profiles. Trials consistently demonstrated significant weight loss and improvements in insulin sensitivity, while carefully monitoring and documenting potential side effects and adverse reactions.
When prescribed appropriately and monitored by healthcare professionals, Mounjaro is generally considered safe for most eligible patients. Clinical trials have established its safety profile, but like all medications, it comes with potential side effects and considerations.
Common Side Effects
Most Mounjaro users experience mild to moderate side effects that typically improve as the body adjusts to the medication:
- Nausea (most common)
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Injection site reactions
At Longridge Travel Health Clinic, our healthcare team provides guidance on managing these side effects, which often diminish after the first few weeks of treatment.
Less Common but More Serious Considerations
Though less common, some people may develop more serious side effects. These can include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – This occurs in fewer than 1% of patients and typically presents with severe abdominal pain. The risk is slightly higher in people with a history of pancreatitis.
- Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones – Studies show approximately 2.5% of patients develop gallbladder issues, often related to rapid weight loss rather than the medication itself.
- Allergic reactions, including swelling around the eyes, lips or mouth – including swelling around the eyes, or mouth – These are rare (affecting less than 0.1% of users) but require immediate medical attention if they occur.
This is why proper medical screening before starting Mounjaro is essential. At Longridge Travel Health Clinic, our comprehensive Patient Access Evaluation assesses your medical history, current health status, and any existing health conditions or chronic diseases.
This allows us to carefully weigh the potential benefits of Mounjaro against any risks and identify contraindications that make Mounjaro unsuitable for you. If Mounjaro isn’t right for you, our clinic offers various alternative weight-loss options. We encourage you to contact us for personalised advice, so we can discuss suitable alternatives tailored specifically to your health needs and goals.
Other Considerations for Mounjaro treatment
Mounjaro is most effective when used alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity. While it can be a powerful aid for weight loss, it’s not intended to replace healthy lifestyle choices. Patients tend to see the best outcomes when the medication is part of a broader, long-term approach to improving overall health and well-being. At Longridge Travel Health Clinic, we’ll also support you with personalised advice on nutrition and maintaining healthy habits, so you can get the most out of your treatment in a safe and sustainable way.
Mounjaro can be costly, particularly if prescribed off-label for weight loss rather than type 2 diabetes. It’s not yet widely available on the NHS for non-diabetic use, and private prescriptions can be expensive. However, choosing private care offers several distinct benefits, including quicker access to treatment, personalised one-to-one care, and more flexibility in appointments and dosing schedules. Additionally, private clinics like Longridge Travel Health Clinic provide ongoing, dedicated support and monitoring, ensuring you receive tailored advice and prompt responses to your health concerns throughout your weight-loss journey.
Is Mounjaro Right For You?
Mounjaro may be worth considering if:
- You have obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related health conditions
- You’ve tried diet and exercise without achieving sustainable results
- You’re committed to making lifestyle changes alongside medication
At Longridge Travel Health Clinic, we offer Mounjaro privately to help hundreds achieve their weight loss goals. Our Patient Access Evaluation examines your medical history, current health status, and weight management challenges to develop a personalised approach. Check your eligibility for Mounjaro today!
Conclusion
Mounjaro represents a significant advancement in weight management, offering meaningful benefits for many individuals. So, is Mounjaro safe? For most people, the answer is yes when it is used appropriately and monitored by a healthcare professional.
As with any medical treatment, there are considerations and potential side effects that should be weighed carefully against the benefits. The most successful outcomes come when Mounjaro is seen not as a quick fix, but as one part of a broader, personalised approach to improving overall health.
If you’re considering Mounjaro for weight management, we encourage you to book a consultation at Longridge Travel Health Clinic. Our team will assess your health, discuss your goals, and help you decide whether Mounjaro is a suitable option for you.
Remember, sustainable weight loss is about more than any one medication – it’s about finding the right combination of tools, habits, and support tailored to your unique needs.