Obesity Problems and the Role of Mounjaro

Obesity happens when the body stores too much fat, harming your health. A body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30 means you are overweight, and a BMI over 30 means you are obese1. In 2021, about 1.0 billion men and 1.1 billion women worldwide were living with overweight or obesity with India contributing to around 180 million. If this trend continues, by 2050, more than 3.8 billion adults, that means over half of all adults in the world, could be living with overweight or obesity2.

The main reason for obesity is an imbalance between the calories we eat and the calories we burn. When we take in more energy than we use over a long time, the extra is stored as fat. But obesity is not caused by just one thing. It happens because of a mix of lifestyle, environment, and body biology.

Modern living makes it easy to gain weight, for example, more access to high-calorie foods and less daily movement. At the same time, our body’s internal systems, especially the brain, play a big role. The brain controls hunger, metabolism, and how much energy we use. If the brain’s signals to the body (to organs like fat tissue, liver, gut, and pancreas) do not work correctly, it can lead to overeating and reduced energy burning. Over time, this imbalance causes fat to build up and results in obesity3.

Here are some of the main ways obesity can affect health:

                                      Figure 1: Effects of Obesity on health4

Still, not all individuals with obesity go on to develop these health problems.

Mounjaro Injection: What it is and How it Works

“Mounjaro” is a brand name for the drug tirzepatide. It is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Its development and use have been studied in people with T2D, obesity, or both. 

• Tirzepatide acts on two hormone systems in your body: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). 

• These hormones help:

• Increase insulin secretion after meals (helps lower blood sugar) 

• Slow down the emptying of your stomach, which makes you feel fuller longer 

• Reduce appetite via signals to the brain, so you may eat less without feeling constantly hungry5.

Mounjaro Injection Uses: What It Is Approved For

• In many countries (including the U.S.6 and India7), Mounjaro is approved for treating T2D along with diet and exercise. 

• It is showing strong results for weight loss in people with obesity (even those without diabetes). In fact, clinical trials (like SURMOUNT-1) have demonstrated significant reductions in body weight when tirzepatide is used once‐weekly along with lifestyle changes8.

• However, depending on the country and regulatory agency, it may or may not yet be officially approved for obesity/weight management under the Mounjaro brand. 

Benefits of Mounjaro Injection: Who It May Help the Most

• People with T2D who need help with both blood sugar control and weight management.

• People who are overweight or obese, especially if they also have related conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or risk factors for heart disease.

• Those who have tried diet and exercise alone but need additional help to reach health goals.

What to Be Careful About: Side Effects and Precautions

While the benefits are significant, there are also risks and side effects to know about. As with all medications, it must be used under medical supervision. 

Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, indigestion, and stomach pain.

Some less common but more serious warnings:

• Possible effects on thyroid: it is not to be used in people with certain types of thyroid cancer or a family history of thyroid cancer. 

• Also, monitoring kidney function, pancreatic risks, and any allergic reactions9. 

Practical Information for Patients

• Delivery: Mounjaro is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous). Skin sites include abdomen, thigh, or upper arm10. 

• Dose options: Several doses are available (e.g., 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg), so your doctor can adjust based on the effect and side effects6. 

• Lifestyle still matters: Even with medicine, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are essential. The best results are achieved when medications are combined with healthy eating, physical activity, behavior changes11. 

Summary: What Patients Should Know

• Obesity affects many body systems, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, and reducing the quality and length of life.

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a new kind of injectable drug that helps blood sugar control and weight loss, by mimicking natural hormones that reduce appetite and improve metabolism.

• It has been very effective in trials, but it’s not without side effects, especially at higher doses, and should be prescribed and monitored by medical professionals.

• Medicines like Mounjaro are tools, not magic bullets. Healthy diet, regular activity, good sleep, stress management, and medical follow-ups are still part of a successful long-term plan.