What is the efficacy of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss in Australia?

From the Guidelines

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a highly effective treatment option for weight loss in Australia, with a recommended starting dose of 2.5mg once weekly by subcutaneous injection, gradually increasing to a maintenance dose of 5mg, 10mg, or 15mg weekly depending on response and tolerability, as supported by the latest evidence from the SURMOUNT-1 trial 1. The treatment should be combined with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results. Mounjaro works by mimicking two hormones—GLP-1 and GIP—which help regulate blood sugar, slow stomach emptying, and reduce appetite, leading to significant weight loss. Some key points to consider when using Mounjaro for weight loss include:

• The importance of a healthy diet and regular physical activity in achieving and maintaining weight loss
• The potential side effects of Mounjaro, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation, which often improve over time
• The need for regular medical follow-ups to monitor progress and manage any side effects
• The potential cost of Mounjaro, which may require private payment for weight management, potentially costing $300-$400 per month, as noted in recent reviews 1. It is also worth noting that Mounjaro has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipids and blood pressure, and has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in persons with obesity, as reported in recent studies 1. Overall, Mounjaro is a valuable treatment option for weight loss in Australia, and its use should be considered in conjunction with lifestyle modifications and regular medical follow-ups.

From the FDA Drug Label

In adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, treatment with MOUNJARO produced a statistically significant reduction from baseline in HbA1c compared to placebo Body Weight (kg) Baseline (mean) 84.5 87.0 86.2 85.5 Change at Week 40b-1.0 -6.3 -7.0 -7. 8 Difference from placebob (95% CI) -- -5.3c (-6.8, -3.9) -6.0c (-7.4, -4.6) -6.8c (-8.3, -5.4)

MOUNJARO results in weight loss in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• The mean change in body weight at Week 40 was -6.3 kg, -7.0 kg, and -7.8 kg for MOUNJARO 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg, respectively.
• The difference from placebo in body weight change at Week 40 was statistically significant for all MOUNJARO doses [-5.3 kg (-6.8, -3.9) for 5 mg, -6.0 kg (-7.4, -4.6) for 10 mg, and -6.8 kg (-8.3, -5.4) for 15 mg] 2.

From the Research

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Weight Loss in Australia

• Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is a medication that has been shown to be effective in weight loss, as demonstrated in several studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The medication works by functioning as a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and GLP-1 receptor agonist, leading to significant weight loss and improvements in glycemic control 3, 4, 6, 7.
• Studies have shown that tirzepatide can reduce body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body weight, with a significant advantage over placebo and other medications 4, 6.
• The medication has also been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and improving health status in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity 5.
• In terms of safety, tirzepatide has been associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, but a lower risk of hypoglycemia and serious adverse events compared to other medications 4, 6.

Efficacy of Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that tirzepatide significantly reduced BMI, waist circumference, and body weight compared to placebo and other medications 4.
• Another study found that tirzepatide resulted in a significant loss of body weight, with a mean change of -9.81 kg compared to placebo 6.
• A real-world cohort study in the United States found that patients with type 2 diabetes who initiated tirzepatide experienced significant reductions in HbA1c and weight, with a mean change in weight of -6.3 kg at 6-month follow-up 7.

Safety and Tolerability of Tirzepatide

• Tirzepatide has been associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite 4, 6.
• However, the medication has also been shown to have a lower risk of hypoglycemia and serious adverse events compared to other medications 4, 6.
• Overall, the safety and efficacy profile of tirzepatide makes it a potential therapeutic option for weight loss and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.