Mounjaro A Controlled Drug, Not ‘Magic Pill’ For Weight Loss

A few years ago, bariatric surgery was widely regarded as one of the preferred options for people seeking to lose weight. These days, however, they are turning to injectable medications, which are seen as helping them achieve their ideal weight and body shape while also being more affordable than bariatric surgery.

The popularity of injectable weight loss drugs such as Ozempic – and now Mounjaro – is particularly evident among women, as these treatments are perceived to support weight loss without the need for strict dietary control or extreme exercise routines.

Readily available at private clinics, these medications help suppress appetite, thereby supporting efforts to shed excess weight within a relatively short period.

LOSING EIGHT KG IN A MONTH

Sharing her experience with Bernama, a private-sector employee, who only wanted to be identified as Nurul Wahida, said she began taking weight-loss injections in January last year.

“With a weight of 85.4 kilogrammes and height of 158 centimetres, I was in the obese category. My weight left me easily fatigued when walking or climbing stairs,” she said, adding that she decided to start Ozempic injections in January 2025 on the recommendation of a friend who had also taken the same treatment

Nurul Wahida, 45, said although she was on Ozempic for nine weeks, she managed to shed only seven kilogrammes and still struggled to control her appetite.

“In December last year, my doctor suggested I try Mounjaro, and within just one month, I lost eight kilogrammes,” she said.

She added that Mounjaro helped her curb her appetite more effectively, and she experienced only mild side effects such as nausea and difficulty sleeping.

“For me, Mounjaro is not a ‘magic drug’ for slimming. Anyone considering it should do so under medical supervision as its side effects vary from person to person. Although I do not have diabetes, the medication has helped me control my blood sugar levels to avoid pre-diabetes. I also feel more energetic and find it easier to move around,” she said.

REGULATE BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL

Commenting on the matter, Klinik Pusrawi general practitioner Dr Siti Asiah Zaidi said that like Ozempic, Mounjaro was originally developed to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes.

She said when administered at the recommended dosage, the drug helps diabetic patients regulate their blood sugar levels.

“Although the primary focus of these injectable medications is blood sugar control, they have also demonstrated the ability to support weight loss. This is because an effect of the medications on individuals who use them is a reduction in appetite,” she explained.

Dr Siti Asiah said Ozempic remains effective in helping some patients lose weight, but its impact is somewhat less compared with Mounjaro. This is because Mounjaro contains the active ingredient called tirzepatide, which mimics two hormones – GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).

Through the action of these two hormones, Mounjaro helps patients feel full for longer periods, making it more effective in supporting weight-loss efforts.

Mounjaro also stimulates insulin release and lowers blood sugar levels more effectively, the doctor added.

“We acknowledge that Mounjaro injections are very popular at the moment. I believe this trend is in line with growing public awareness of complications linked to excess weight,” she said, adding that Mounjaro remains a primary medication approved by the Ministry of Health for treating diabetes. It is also recommended for individuals who are overweight and approaching or already in the pre-diabetes phase.

NOT A COSMETIC TREATMENT

 Dr Siti Asiah, however, cautioned that although it is popularly referred to as a “slimming injection”, Mounjaro cannot be used for cosmetic or beauty purposes.

The medication, she stressed, should only be taken under the advice and supervision of a doctor or healthcare professional.

Asked about social media influencers promoting the “weight-loss injections” across various platforms, she said it could send misleading messages to the public as proper health assessments are required before use.

“Many assume that Mounjaro is solely for weight loss. In reality, it is a controlled medication and its use for weight management must be prescribed and supervised by a doctor,” she reiterated.

“Before receiving the injection, individuals must undergo a physical examination and blood test to minimise potential side effects or health risks, including severe nausea and vomiting, dehydration, pancreatitis and possible thyroid effects.”

According to Dr Siti Asiah, Mounjaro is administered in stages, starting with a low dose to allow the body to adapt.

The dosage is then gradually increased depending on the individual’s response until the targeted blood sugar level or ideal body weight is achieved.

“The injection is given once a week. The lowest dose is 2.5 mg and the maximum is 15 mg. Each person is prescribed a different dosage based on their needs and how their body responds.

“At our clinic, those who receive the injection are usually overweight, obese or pre-diabetic. However, if someone is only about five kilogrammes above their ideal weight, we would first advise them to lose weight naturally through dietary control and exercise, without medication,” she said.

Throughout the course of treatment, doctors monitor patients’ health through regular check-ups, including blood sugar measurements, weight and blood pressure assessments, as well as observation for side effects.

She added that the effects of the medication can usually be seen within one to four weeks after the first injection, particularly in terms of reduced appetite and lower blood sugar levels.

“Mounjaro has been proven effective in controlling blood sugar, with HbA1c reductions of around 1.6 to 2.4 percent, as well as significant weight loss averaging between 20 and 26 percent, depending on dosage and treatment duration.

“This effectiveness makes Mounjaro one of the most potent injectable medications currently available, not only for diabetes patients but also for those struggling with excess weight,” she said.

DIET STILL MATTERS

Dr Siti Asiah also emphasised the need for Mounjaro users to maintain a balanced diet and engage in consistent, appropriate exercise to sustain their ideal weight.

This includes consuming low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods; controlling portion sizes; and engaging in physical activities such as walking, jogging or cardiovascular exercise.

She warned that if the injections are discontinued, one’s weight may return to its previous level if no lifestyle changes are made.

“Mounjaro injections are costly. Without a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, using the medication would be wasteful as the weight-loss effects are difficult to sustain. If these aspects (diet and lifestyle) are not properly managed, weight can increase again and in some cases, exceed the original weight before treatment,” she said.

-- BERNAMA