“Before, my focus was solely on the food, rather than embracing the essence of the holiday,” Rathenberger shared with “Good Morning America.” Reflecting on the impact of the medication, she added, “Since starting Mounjaro, I’ve shifted that anxiety into enjoyment, ensuring that I savor the foods I love while moderating my portions.”
As Kate Rathenberger prepares for Thanksgiving this year, her perspective on the feast has undergone a significant shift. She no longer anticipates stress over the meal but envisions relishing the occasion.
This transformation, according to Rathenberger, is credited to Mounjaro, a medication that has facilitated her remarkable weight loss of over 200 pounds.
Previously, during holidays like Thanksgiving, Kate found herself preoccupied with making “good choices” concerning food, especially during the centerpiece meal.
Similarly, Mark Johnson, who has shed over 100 pounds with the help of Mounjaro, shared with “GMA” that occasions like Thanksgiving have evolved to prioritize the company he keeps rather than solely focusing on the food.
He expressed, “My pleasure hasn’t diminished. It’s about cherishing time with loved ones just as much as savoring the meals.”
Over the past year, medications such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy have surged in popularity due to their effectiveness in altering eating behaviors and aiding weight loss in individuals struggling with overweight and obesity.
Clinical studies show users of the medications can lose between 5% and 20% of their body weight on the medications over time.
Tirzepatide, the key component of Mounjaro, functions by stimulating two naturally occurring hormones in the body: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This combination is designed to prolong the feeling of fullness by reducing the speed at which the stomach empties and to diminish appetite by decelerating hunger signals in the brain.
Mounjaro — made by Eli Lilly and Co. — is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Type 2 diabetes. Earlier this month, the FDA approved the drug Zepbound to treat obesity, which contains the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, as Mounjaro.
This medication resembles semaglutide, found in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk. However, its mode of action differs slightly as it focuses on two hormones related to regulating blood sugar, as opposed to just one.
What does the doctor say?
Dr. Katherine Saunders, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, said people who are taking medications used for weight loss should be prepared to manage their expectations when it comes to big holiday meals, like Thanksgiving.
Saunders shared with “GMA,” “It doesn’t entirely diminish the joy of eating. Instead, it empowers individuals to savor a few bites and recognize, ‘I don’t require a large serving of this. That sufficed.'”
She also highlighted the adjustment period individuals might experience in terms of consuming varied portions and types of food while on medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
“Adapting to a different eating pattern and food choices can indeed take time,” she mentioned. “If one doesn’t alter their eating habits or the types of food they consume while taking these medications, that’s when challenges might arise.”
Get access to Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic & Zepbound
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