Introduction to Mounjaro® for Weight Loss

Mounjaro®, made using the active ingredient tirzepatide, represents a groundbreaking advancement in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (1). Beyond its primary use, it has shown promise in aiding weight loss, offering a beacon of hope for those struggling with obesity (2). Prescribed as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, Mounjaro® has a dosage range that can be adjusted for individual needs, making it a versatile option in managing diabetes and/or contributing to weight management efforts (1,2). 

Understanding Mounjaro® and Fatigue

While Mounjaro provides a significant leap forward in diabetes care and weight management, patients may have concerns about potential side effects, including fatigue. It's crucial to dissect the relationship between Mounjaro® and tiredness:

• Mechanism of Action: Tirzepatide is a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonist. Tirzepatide works by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon levels, thereby lowering blood sugar (3). It also slows down gastric emptying, enhancing satiety to reduce food intake (4,5). 

• Adverse Reactions: Common side effects are often gastrointestinal, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which could indirectly contribute to feelings of tiredness or weakness. However, fatigue is not a widely reported direct side effect of Mounjaro.

Managing Fatigue While on Mounjaro

If you're experiencing fatigue while using Mounjaro®, consider the following tips to manage and potentially alleviate this symptom:

• Stay Hydrated: Sip on fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration, which can be exacerbated by some of Mounjaro’s gastrointestinal side effects (6).

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on eating small meals throughout the day that provide sustained energy, such as those rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (6). 

• Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise can boost energy levels and combat fatigue (7). However, discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any new workout routine.

• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Monitor your blood glucose, as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can affect energy levels and make you feel weak (5). 

Important: If you’re feeling fatigued while experiencing excessive diarrhea or vomiting after starting Mounjaro®, talk with your provider, as you may be severely dehydrated and in need of medical attention or dose adjustments.

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When to Consult a Doctor

It's essential to communicate with your healthcare provider if fatigue becomes persistent or negatively impacts your daily life. Consider the following scenarios when seeking medical advice:

• Severe Gastrointestinal Symptoms: If fatigue is accompanied by severe vomiting or diarrhea, you may need medical attention to help rehydrate appropriately. 

• Anorexia: If you’re barely eating or drinking throughout the day after starting Mounjaro®, you should talk with your provider. They may suggest making adjustments to your dose. While the goal is to lose weight on Mounjaro®, adequate daily food intake is still essential to keep you healthy and energized.  

• Evaluation of Other Causes: Fatigue can result from various factors beyond medication, including diet, lifestyle, or other medical conditions. If you’re feeling abnormally fatigued, discuss further evaluation and testing with your provider (7).

Find Support In Your Weight Loss Journey

Mounjaro® represents a significant advancement in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. While side effects like fatigue might concern new users, understanding the medication's role, the body's response, and ways to mitigate such experiences can reassure and empower patients on their health journey. For those exploring the next steps in weight management, Mochi Health provides personalized support, integrating medications like Mounjaro® into a comprehensive care plan. Discover more about how Mochi Health can assist in achieving your health goals by offering expert guidance and a supportive community. Join Mochi Health today to explore if you’re eligible for our weight loss program, backed by science and tailored to meet your individual needs.

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This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® and their delivery device are registered trademarks. Mochi Health is a telehealth clinic that offers prescriptions for these products by medical necessity only as determined by a licensed health provider.

Sources

1. Anderson, S. L., & Marrs, J. C. (2023). Tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes. Drugs in context, 12, 2023-6-1. https://doi.org/10.7573/dic.2023-6-1. 

2. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Willard, F. S., Douros, J. D., Gabe, M. B., Showalter, A. D., Wainscott, D. B., Suter, T. M., Capozzi, M. E., van der Velden, W. J., Stutsman, C., Cardona, G. R., Urva, S., Emmerson, P. J., Holst, J. J., D'Alessio, D. A., Coghlan, M. P., Rosenkilde, M. M., Campbell, J. E., & Sloop, K. W. (2020). Tirzepatide is an imbalanced and biased dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. JCI insight, 5(17), e140532. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.140532

4. Urva, S., Coskun, T., Loghin, C., Cui, X., Beebe, E., O'Farrell, L., Briere, D. A., Benson, C., Nauck, M. A., & Haupt, A. (2020). The novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist tirzepatide transiently delays gastric emptying similarly to selective long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 22(10), 1886–1891. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14110

5. Food and Drug Administrator. (n.d.-b). MOUNJAROTM (tirzepatide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Access Data FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf 

6. Gorgojo-Martínez, J. J., Mezquita-Raya, P., Carretero-Gómez, J., Castro, A., Cebrián-Cuenca, A., de Torres-Sánchez, A., García-de-Lucas, M. D., Núñez, J., Obaya, J. C., Soler, M. J., Górriz, J. L., & Rubio-Herrera, M. Á. (2022). Clinical Recommendations to Manage Gastrointestinal Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Glp-1 Receptor Agonists: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus. Journal of clinical medicine, 12(1), 145. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12010145‍

7. Wender, C. L. A., Manninen, M., & O'Connor, P. J. (2022). The Effect of Chronic Exercise on Energy and Fatigue States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 907637. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907637