Mounjaro For Weight Loss Reviews - Mounjaro Tirzepatide Injection Results For Losing Weight, Cost And Side Effects

Mounjaro is a prescription drug class medication FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Doctors also prescribe off-label as a medication to help overweight adults reduce body fat and daily calorie intake despite not having FDA approval to lose weight.

This article reviews Mounjaro for weight loss results, dosage and side effects. We also look at the costs of the drug (Tirzepatide) with and without insurance. Latest evidence suggests that when you stop using Mounjaro for weight reduction many regain the lost pounds and they are back to square one - for this reason there are natural, cheaper alternatives available online and over the counter.

Natural Over the Counter Diet Pills

Taking diabetes medications (such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy) for losing body weight has been championed by the media in recent months. There is evidence to suggest that it can help people lose weight as the injectable drug suppresses appetite and reduces food cravings. 

The issues that are now coming to the forefront is that there are some serious side effects that could arise. Costs of Mounjaro can also run into high hundreds if not thousands of dollars a month. 

#1 - PhenQ - Natural Fat Burner and Appetite Suppressant

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PhenQ is a natural alternative to prescription weight loss drugs. It is a natural fat burner and appetite suppressant, it also contains ingredients to block new fat cells creation.

It contains natural  ingredients like capsicum, caffeine, and chromium picolinate which aids fat burning and appetite suppression without serious side effects. 
As a supplement, PhenQ is cheaper, more convenient and less risky  than prescription drugs like Mounjaro. It offers flexibility in dosing to suit individuals needs and in the main the lost weight is permanent.

#2 - Altai Balance - Improve Blood Sugar Control

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Altai Balance is a dietary supplement that claims to help control blood glucose levels and reduce body fat. 

It contains a blend of 19 natural ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts, which are believed to work synergistically to improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy blood sugar balance.

Altai Balance can control blood glucose levels and reduce body fat at a fraction of the cost of diabetic injections.

Must read: Wegovy Vs Mounjaro - Which is better for losing weight with

Mounjaro for Weight Loss Overview

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also currently being studied as a potential weight loss drug to help overweight or obese individuals lose weight and improve health. 

Mounjaro tirzepatide does not have FDA approval for weight loss yet but is often prescribed off-label by doctors and healthcare professionals to help patients lose weight if they are obese or have a comorbidity such as high cholesterol, heart disease or high blood pressure.

The injection works by activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the body to control blood sugar levels, reduce appetite and aid weight loss. In clinical trials, people using Mounjaro as a weight management treatment lost an average of 12-22% of their body weight, which could equate to 25 to 45 pounds for those initially weighing 200 to 300 pounds. However, weight loss varies between individuals based on factors like changes to diet and exercise in addition to the medication.

Mounjaro is not a “miracle drug” and substantial lifestyle changes remain essential to significant or lasting weight reductions.

By improving the body’s sensitivity to its own insulin and other blood sugar controlling hormones, Mounjaro can help treat obesity, lose excess weight and prevent weight gain when combined with proper nutrition and activity. 

For those already diagnosed with diabetes, Mounjaro also aims to lower blood sugar and improve long term blood sugar control. It may allow certain patients to reduce or eliminate the need for other diabetes medications under medical supervision. 

Possible side effects of Mounjaro include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, hypoglycemia and abdominal pain. A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 may increase risks with this class of drugs, so patients should discuss their medical background with their doctor before using Mounjaro. Rare but serious side effects may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, joint pain, and hypersensitivity reactions. Patients with thyroid C-cell tumors should not use Mounjaro.

Mounjaro provides a potential option for losing weight, controlling blood sugar and reducing health risks associated with excess weight or insulin resistance through its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP pathways. However, it is not a substitute for lifestyle and may not be suitable or effective for all individuals based on underlying conditions or needs. Discussing the pros, cons, side effects and costs of Mounjaro with your healthcare provider helps determine if it may benefit you as part of a comprehensive program to treat obesity or diabetes based on your priorities and unique situation.

Latest: What is the best diabetes drug for weight loss?

Mounjaro Weight Loss Results (Before and After)

Clinical trials studying Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss found the following results:
• Participants lost an average of 12-22% of their body weight over about 68 weeks when using the highest doses of Mounjaro (10-15 mg) along with diet and exercise. For someone weighing 200-300 lbs, this could equate to 25 to 45 lbs of weight loss.
• 58-74% of those using Mounjaro achieved at least 5% weight loss, compared to only 6% of the placebo group. 37-57% lost at least 10% of body weight vs only 3% of placebo.
• Weight loss tended to plateau after about 20 weeks of treatment without further dose increases or lifestyle changes. Continued progress required ongoing adherence to changes in diet and physical activity in addition to the medication.
• Mounjaro doses were increased gradually from 2.5 mg up to 15 mg per week to achieve weight loss while reducing risks of side effects. Slower titration and time between dose increases was needed for some based on tolerance and response. 
• Participants regained some weight after stopping Mounjaro in a "washout" period, indicating effects dependent on continued use and lifestyle factors. However, certain biological changes may persist. Long term studies on maintenance and sustainability are still needed.

While these results are promising, weight loss varies significantly between individuals based on health status, genetics, environment, diet, activity levels and adherence to changes required. Mounjaro aids weight reduction through effects on appetite and metabolism, but substantial lifestyle adjustment remains the foundation for meaningful or lasting success. Quick fixes tend to be short-lived.

Mounjaro Dosage for Losing Weight

The dosage of Mounjaro depends on individual response and is gradually increased under medical supervision to the level that provides maximum benefit with minimal side effects for each person. Typical maintenance doses for weight loss range from 10 to 15 mg per week, but lower doses of 5 or 7.5 mg may be sufficient or better tolerated for some. Close monitoring, especially when first starting treatment or increasing dosage, helps ensure proper use, progress and safety based on needs.

Mounjaro Weight Loss Results Summary

Mounjaro can produce average weight loss of 12-22% or more over about 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes, but results depend on many individual factors. A dose of 10-15 mg per week is often needed for major weight reduction, but lower amounts may work for some and higher doses do not always translate to greater or more weight loss. Ongoing effort and clinical support remain essential to both initial progress and long term success.

Mounjaro Side Effects When Using for Weight Management

These are the most common side effects when using as a medication for weight loss and appetite suppression.
●    Nausea and vomiting
●    Diarrhea
●    Decreased appetite
●    Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
●    Headache
●    Fatigue
●    Dizziness
●    Abdominal pain
●    Constipation
●    Gastrointestinal discomfort

Like other drugs in this class, Mounjaro can cause gastrointestinal side effects by slowing stomach emptying and digestion. This may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal discomfort especially when first starting treatment or increasing the dose. These effects are often temporary but can persist in some patients, requiring dose adjustments or discontinuation. Taking Mounjaro with food and staying hydrated may help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort for certain individuals.  

Due to its influence on blood sugar levels and appetite, Mounjaro also carries risks of both hypoglycemia and decreased appetite which can subsequently impact calorie and nutrient and food intake, if not properly managed. Patients need to follow their healthcare provider’s guidance on diet, medication and blood sugar testing or monitoring especially when using Mounjaro for weight loss in order to avoid potential short and long term complications from malnutrition, severe blood glucose fluctuations or other issues.

Other side effects some may experience include headache, dizziness, fatigue and injection site reactions. While Mounjaro aims to activate GLP-1 receptors to aid weight reduction and glycemic control, adjustments to lifestyle and health habits remain essential cofactors to success and safety with this or any such prescription drug for chronic disease management. Frequent follow up and evaluation of benefits versus risks based on individual presentation and response helps optimize outcomes over time through collaborative decisions around options, dosing and needs

Mounjaro Cost for Weight Loss

The cost of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can vary depending on the following factors:

Insurance coverage

For those with private insurance, a Mounjaro prescription typically costs between $25 to $150 per month depending on your specific plan and pharmacy. Medicare also provides coverage for qualified individuals, often with a lower copay. However, Mounjaro may still cost $500/month or more for some high deductible plans. Medicaid coverage also varies by state guidelines.

Savings or discount programs

Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, offers a savings card for their medication that can reduce the cost by up to $150 per month for commercially insured patients. They also provide patient assistance for lower income, uninsured patients who qualify based on household size and income. Some third-party organizations may offer additional discounts and resources.

Dosage required

Higher doses of Mounjaro generally cost more, such as the maximum 15 mg dose. Lower doses may be adequate with other medications or require titration for certain patients, which could lower overall expense. But dosing is dependent on individual needs and response based on factors like severity of diabetes or weight loss required.

Generic version

A generic form of Mounjaro is not currently available and likely not expected for several years until after their initial patents expire. Once generic tirzepatide becomes accessible, costs may decrease substantially to a fraction of brand name pricing through competition and availability of this lower-cost alternative.

Ways to Buy Mounjaro for Weight Loss

1. Private or public health insurance plans like Medicare, Medicaid and commercial policies. These provide the lowest out-of-pocket costs for those who qualify and have coverage.
2. Eli Lilly savings card ($150/month max savings) and patient assistance programs for uninsured patients meeting income requirements.
3. Shopping from discounted mail-order pharmacies instead of retail pharmacies. Some mail order services offer lower prices for certain brand name drugs.
4. Paying full price without insurance or discounts would cost between $500 to $900+ per month depending on dosage, but this is usually not cost-effective or sustainable long-term for most patients.
5. Waiting until the generic tirzepatide becomes available in a few years may provide opportunity for substantially lower costs, though timing depends on when competitors are able to release their versions which can vary.

Pharmacies Selling Mounjaro Over the Counter for Weight Loss

Mounjaro is only available by prescription from authorized retail or mail order pharmacies. It is not currently sold over-the-counter (OTC) or without a valid prescription.

• Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, has agreements with many large pharmacy retailers and services to dispense their medication, including:
› CVS Pharmacy
› Walgreens
› Kroger Pharmacy
› Walmart Pharmacy
› Rite Aid Pharmacy
› Express Scripts Mail Order Pharmacy
› CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy
› OptumRx Home Delivery
› Humana Pharmacy Solutions
› PrimeMail from Walgreens
› And other local and regional pharmacy retailers based on location

Can You get Mounjaro on Insurance Coverage for Losing Weight

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is primarily FDA approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, so insurance coverage tends to depend on using it specifically for diabetes management rather than weight loss alone. However, some insurance plans may provide coverage for Mounjaro's off-label use in weight reduction programs under certain circumstances.

The options for obtaining insurance coverage for Mounjaro include:

Using it to treat diabetes (on-label indication)

For patients with an existing diabetes diagnosis, most insurance companies will cover Mounjaro when prescribed appropriately to help control blood sugar levels. Weight loss in this context would be considered an additional benefit.

Step therapy for obesity (off-label)

Some insurance plans require trying and failing other obesity treatments like diet and exercise or certain medications before approving Mounjaro. A doctor must document medical necessity to support step therapy coverage.

Prior authorization based on comorbidities (off-label)

For patients with obesity and related health risks like heart disease or sleep apnea, Mounjaro may receive coverage through a prior authorization process where the physician provides evidence of need due to their weight related comorbidities or conditions that would benefit from weight loss. Approval still depends on individual insurance policies.

Paying out-of-pocket

For patients without coverage options, paying full retail price for Mounjaro could cost $500-$900 per month or more depending on dosage, but manufacturer discounts or patient assistance programs may help reduce cost for those who qualify based on financial hardship.

Medicare Advantage or Medicaid

Government plans may cover Mounjaro for some diabetic or higher risk patients, often with lower out-of-pocket costs. Coverage and eligibility depends on state guidelines and types of plans selected.

Private commercial or ACA marketplace plans

A range of Mounjaro coverage could be available based on factors like condition, dosage and specific benefits or wellness programs offered. Many plans do provide coverage for weight loss counseling and certain medications with physician recommendation, but copays and limits apply. Comparing Marketplace options helps determine best fit based on needs and budget.

Getting Mounjaro for Weight Loss On Insurance Bottom Line

The likelihood of insurance coverage for Mounjaro depends on using it specifically to treat a medical condition, meeting coverage criteria based on policies and providing evidence of medical necessity from your doctor. Off-label use requires going through additional approval steps like prior authorization to gain coverage based primarily on weight loss. Government plans typically provide better coverage for approved indications like diabetes. Without insurance, significant discounts and patient assistance programs may make Mounjaro more affordable for those who qualify.

Mounjaro Weight Loss Reviews Summary

Tirzapetide is FDA approved for diabetes medications and not as an obesity medication. This doesn't stop doctors prescribing off-label to lose weight though.

Mounjaro results for weight loss are impressive and can produce average body weight reduction of 12-22% or more over about 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.

The big concerns though are that the weight lost is not permanent, the cost is very expensive and there are a number of side effects documented that suggest that Mounjaro is not ideal for weight loss.

Disclaimer : The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.