Injectable medications like Mounjaro are revolutionizing weight loss strategies. Although primarily designed to enhance blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, these medications, according to Jihad Kudsi, MD, who specializes in obesity medicine and bariatric surgery, can also aid in significant weight reduction. Mounjaro operates by curbing appetite and amplifying feelings of fullness, resulting in improved blood sugar management and subsequent weight loss. While it shares similarities with Ozempic in its function, it interacts with the body differently.
Despite being a long-term remedy for managing type 2 diabetes, the query arises: What happens when you stop taking Mounjaro? Obesity medicine specialists offer insights into this matter.
What sets Mounjaro apart from Ozempic?
According to Katherine Saunders, MD, an obesity medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is an FDA-approved once-weekly injectable medication for type 2 diabetes treatment. Although not officially FDA-approved for weight loss, it’s frequently prescribed “off-label” due to its remarkable effectiveness in this area, with doses typically starting at 2.5 mg as per information on the Mounjaro website.
Dr. Saunders elucidates that Mounjaro taps into the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, naturally occurring hormones in the gut that signal fullness to the brain. Dr. Kudsi adds that this prompts increased insulin release, reducing blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite, thereby curbing food intake. A study in Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity highlights the synergistic action of activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, leading to enhanced weight loss.
Moreover, Dr. Saunders notes that Mounjaro targets appetite-controlling brain regions, potentially bolstering weight loss efforts. The medication’s impact on digestion slows down the process, fostering feelings of fullness for longer periods, aiding hunger management and portion control.
Regarding differences between Mounjaro and Ozempic, Dr. Kudsi explains that Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics the GLP-1 hormone, reducing hunger by triggering insulin release. In contrast, Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, potentially providing an added advantage for weight loss, he elaborates. Despite their similar effects on the body, Mounjaro tends to exhibit fewer side effects, according to Dr. Saunders, distinguishing it from Ozempic.
What happens when you stop taking Mounjaro?
Your blood sugar may increase.
Discontinuing Mounjaro can lead to a resurgence of blood sugar levels to the levels experienced before using the medication, as Mounjaro is designed to lower blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Your appetite may increase.
When Mounjaro diminishes appetite, discontinuing the medication can result in heightened hunger, potentially leading to increased food intake, as highlighted by Dr. Kudsi. This escalation in eating habits could further elevate blood sugar levels. Particularly, beverages high in sugar, processed snacks, and simple carbohydrates such as white rice, bread, and pasta are notorious for rapidly and significantly raising blood sugar levels.
You may regain weight.
Dr. Kudsi notes that Mounjaro’s effect on slowing digestion decreases appetite and boosts feelings of fullness. Therefore, discontinuing the medication might result in the return of hunger, as explained by Dr. Kudsi. Dr. Saunders adds that a key element contributing to the medication’s weight loss efficacy is its appetite reduction, which aids in regulating portion sizes and reducing overall calorie intake.
You may have digestive issues.
“To sustain weight loss post-Mounjaro cessation, it’s crucial to follow a balanced diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats,” he advises. Additionally, maintaining adequate sleep, managing stress effectively, and adhering to a consistent exercise regimen are pivotal aspects of weight management, he emphasizes.
Get access to Mounjaro for weight loss
When it comes to achieving sustainable weight loss and overall well-being, a medically directed weight loss program stands out as a superior option. Unlike fad diets or quick-fix solutions, a medically supervised program takes a holistic and evidence-based approach to address individual health needs.
These programs are tailored to the specific requirements of each participant, considering factors like age, medical history, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. The guidance of trained healthcare professionals ensures that weight loss is achieved safely and with a focus on long-term results. Medical supervision also provides a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic and physiological aspects of weight management, making it possible to create a customized plan that promotes not only weight loss but also improved health, reduced risks of obesity-related conditions, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
In this way, a medically directed weight loss program offers a well-rounded, scientifically grounded, and effective approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
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