The growing epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes in India has created an urgent need for effective treatments. About 135 million Indians suffer from weight-related health issues, and more than 77 million adults have diabetes. As a result, medical professionals are increasingly turning to drugs like tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide, created by Eli Lilly and sold under the brand name Mounjaro, has attracted a lot of attention from the medical community due to its capacity to treat both weight management and glycemic control at the same time.
Many are using this medication as a possible substitute for or addition to conventional methods, as obesity rates in Indian cities continue to rise. For those considering weight management solutions in India, understanding how this medication works, its bioavailability, and potential side effects is crucial before making treatment decisions. This is particularly relevant for patients consulting with weight loss surgeons in Ahmedabad and other metropolitan areas, where both medical and surgical options might be considered.
How Does Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) Work?
Tirzepatide’s unique dual-action mechanism marks a substantial breakthrough in metabolic medicine. Tirzepatide activates two key hormone receptors involved in blood sugar regulation and appetite control, in contrast to other drugs that target only one pathway.
The drug mainly works by imitating two hormones that the body naturally produces:
In order to control appetite, slow stomach emptying, and improve insulin secretion when blood sugar levels rise, it first activates GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptors. This is comparable to the way semaglutide and other weight loss drugs function.
Tirzepatide’s additional activation of GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) receptors, which enhances insulin production and adds to the metabolic advantages already obtained through GLP-1 activation, is what really makes it revolutionary.
The body benefits from this dual-receptor approach in a number of ways:
- Optimum insulin synthesis that reacts suitably to food consumption.
- Decreased appetite and heightened post-meal feelings of fullness.
- Decreased hunger between meals and increased satiety due to slowed stomach emptying.
- Possible changes in metabolism that favor burning fat for energy
- Improved insulin sensitivity, which enables cells to use blood glucose more effectively.
Tirzepatide is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and is available in dosages of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg. To reduce side effects, treatment usually starts with the lowest dose possible, with possible increases based on tolerability and individual response.
Is Tirzepatide Safe? Common & Rare Side Effects of Mounjaro
Before beginning treatment, patients should carefully consider the possible side effects of tirzepatide, as is the case with all medications. Researchers recorded both frequent and uncommon side effects during clinical trials, which gives crucial background information for people comparing this option to alternative treatments.
The digestive system is the site of the most commonly reported adverse effects. Nausea is common in patients, particularly when starting treatment or increasing dosage. As the body gets used to the medication, this usually gets better with time. Other typical gastrointestinal side effects consist of:
- 15-20% of patients report having diarrhea.
- Vomiting (especially when the dosage is increased)
- Mild abdominal pain or discomfort in the stomach
- Some people experience constipation.
Tirzepatide follows a meticulous dose titration schedule, beginning at lower doses before possibly increasing them, which is explained by these digestive side effects. Although the majority of side effects of Mounjaro are temporary and manageable, some patients find them to be so bothersome that they stop taking their medication.
The uncommon but potentially dangerous side effects that need to be watched:
- Pancreatitis (pancreatic inflammation) risk
- Possible thyroid problems, such as the potential risk of thyroid cancer (based on findings in animal studies)
- Incidents of low blood sugar, especially in those who are also taking diabetes medicine
- Potential alterations in kidney function necessitate observation of injection site reactions in certain people
Furthermore, there are certain contraindications for tirzepatide; people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 should not take it. Additionally, pregnant women should not take this medication.
Although these side effects are worth taking into account, it’s crucial to weigh them against the health risks associated with untreated diabetes and obesity, which include stroke, cardiovascular disease, and other serious illnesses. In contrast, bariatric surgery usually entails a single procedure as opposed to weekly injections with cumulative side effect exposure. With proven long-term safety profiles, surgical techniques also provide more thorough metabolic benefits that address several facets of metabolic syndrome.
Mounjaro for Weight Loss and Diabetes: What’s Approved in India?
For patients considering treatment options, the regulatory status of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in India poses significant considerations. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has approved Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide in India as of right now, but there are certain restrictions and indications that prospective users should be aware of.
When combined with diet and exercise, tirzepatide is mainly authorized in India for adults with type-2 diabetes in order to improve glycemic control. Compared to markets like the US, where the FDA has given broader approval for weight management, its specific approval for managing obesity is still more restricted, despite the fact that its effects on weight loss are substantial and well-documented.
Several real-world implications result from this regulatory distinction:
- Patients with an examined diagnosis of type 2 diabetes may have more limited access to prescription drugs.
- Although it varies by healthcare provider, off-label prescribing for obesity without diabetes does exist.
- Usually, insurance coverage emphasises its use for diabetes rather than just weight control.
- Availability is still a little restricted in comparison to more well-established medical treatments.
Decisions about treatment are also heavily influenced by cost. For patients, tirzepatide is a significant recurring cost because it is a relatively new drug. Indefinitely needed weekly injections add up to significant long-term expenses. Most patients should anticipate substantial out-of-pocket costs that might not be entirely covered by insurance plans, even though costs vary by region in India.
Bariatric surgery, on the other hand, provides a one-time procedure with predictable expenses. Despite the higher initial cost, surgery is frequently more cost-effective in the long run because there are no continuing prescription costs. Additionally, bariatric procedures carried out by skilled weight loss surgeons in Ahmedabad and other major centers have established reimbursement pathways and standardized insurance coverage protocols.
Should you trust external Drugs or injections for weight loss? Advice from an expert weight loss surgeon in Ahmedabad
When considering weight loss interventions, many patients find themselves navigating between pharmaceutical solutions like Tirzepatide and surgical options. As a leading weight loss surgeon in Ahmedabad at Ansh Obecure, we believe patients deserve comprehensive information about both approaches to make informed decisions about their health.
Although drugs such as tirzepatide are significant improvements in the treatment of obesity, patients should be aware of their serious side effects. Weekly injections are necessary for these injectable treatments, and once the medication is stopped, the effects usually go away.
This essential distinction demonstrates why, for suitable candidates, surgical procedures frequently yield better results. At Ansh Obecure, our comprehensive approach to weight management has helped thousands of patients achieve sustainable results.
Our center distinguishes itself through:
- Make lasting changes to the production of hunger hormones
- Physically restrict your ability to consume food
- Modify the pathways by which nutrients are absorbed
- More thoroughly reset metabolic function
Our comprehensive weight-management strategy at Ansh Obecure has assisted thousands of patients in achieving long-lasting outcomes.
Conclusion
Even though tirzepatide is a major advancement in pharmacological weight management, it is crucial to understand both its advantages and side effects in order to make wise health decisions. Patients should receive evidence-based advice specific to their needs, whether they are thinking about injectable treatments or are looking for more all-encompassing solutions.The top bariatric surgery center in Ahmedabad, Ansh Obecure, offers individualized evaluations to identify the best course of action for long-term metabolic health, whether it be medication, surgery, or combination treatment. By addressing the underlying causes of obesity and associated disorders, our skilled team transforms lives by providing not only procedures but also all-encompassing care journeys.
