Is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) combined with Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) as effective for weight loss as the manufacturer Eli Lilly claims?

From the Guidelines

No, NAD mixed with the Mounjaro peptide (tirzepatide) would not be as effective for weight loss as the manufacturer Eli Lilly's FDA-approved formulation. Mounjaro is a precisely formulated medication containing tirzepatide, which works as a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, as seen in a recent study published in JAMA 1. Adding NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) to tirzepatide has not been studied or approved, and could potentially alter the medication's effectiveness, stability, or safety profile. The FDA-approved Mounjaro undergoes strict quality control to ensure proper dosing and delivery of the active ingredient. Compounded or modified versions may have unpredictable absorption, efficacy, and side effect profiles. Additionally, mixing substances could introduce contaminants or create chemical interactions that might be harmful. For safe and effective weight loss results, patients should only use Mounjaro as prescribed by a healthcare provider in its original, FDA-approved formulation from Eli Lilly, as recommended by the standards of care in diabetes-2025 1. It is also important to consider the potential benefits and risks of weight management pharmacotherapy, as well as the importance of prioritizing medications with beneficial effects on weight, such as tirzepatide, as suggested by the AGA clinical practice guideline on pharmacological interventions for adults with obesity 1.

Some key points to consider when using Mounjaro for weight loss include:

• The medication should be used as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes lifestyle changes, such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Patients should be closely monitored for potential side effects and adjustments to the medication should be made as needed.
• The use of Mounjaro should be prioritized based on its beneficial effect on weight, as well as its potential to improve other health outcomes, such as glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Patients who have had suboptimal results with other weight loss treatments, such as bariatric surgery, may still benefit from the use of Mounjaro, but should be closely monitored and adjusted as needed.

Overall, the use of Mounjaro for weight loss should be guided by the latest clinical evidence and guidelines, and patients should only use the medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider in its original, FDA-approved formulation.

From the Research

Efficacy of Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

• Tirzepatide has been shown to be effective for weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, with significant reductions in body weight compared to placebo and other treatments 2, 3, 4, 5.
• The weight loss efficacy of tirzepatide has been demonstrated in several clinical trials, including the SURPASS and SURMOUNT programs, with reductions in body weight of up to 15% in patients with T2DM and up to 21% in patients without T2D 4, 5.
• Tirzepatide has been shown to be well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists, although gastrointestinal adverse events such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are common 2, 3, 4, 5.

Comparison to Manufacturer Claims

• The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, claims that tirzepatide is effective for weight loss, which is supported by the evidence from clinical trials 2, 3, 4, 5.
• However, the efficacy of tirzepatide for weight loss may vary depending on the individual and the specific treatment regimen, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects 6.

Combination with Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD)

• There is no direct evidence to suggest that combining tirzepatide with NAD is more effective for weight loss than tirzepatide alone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• More research is needed to investigate the potential benefits and risks of combining tirzepatide with NAD for weight loss.

Adverse Effects and Safety

• Tirzepatide has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse events, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, as well as other adverse effects such as generalized bloating and flatulence, carbohydrate-specific temporary weight gain and bloating, intestinal rapid emptying, and profound thirst 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The safety profile of tirzepatide is similar to that of GLP-1 receptor agonists, although the incidence of adverse events may vary depending on the individual and the specific treatment regimen 2, 3, 4, 5.