GPs will be prescribing Mounjaro to a select few people as the rollout begins, but others may need to avoid the jabs completely
GPs can now prescribe Mounjaro, but only to a select group of patients who meet stringent criteria, such as having a BMI over 40 and being diagnosed with four out of five qualifying conditions. But people with other pre-existing conditions may not be able to access this weight loss drug at all.
Dr Crystal Willie from ZAVA clarified that weight loss drugs “may be unsafe depending on medications you are taking or pre-existing medical conditions”. This includes three specific conditions:
- Pancreatic disorders like pancreatitis
- History of thyroid cancer
- History of gallbladder disease
Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to do either might also be advised to avoid the medication. The same goes for people on certain medications like insulin or immunosuppressants.
Dr Willie told the Mirror: “You should speak to your doctor about any conditions or medications before taking any weight loss injection. Mounjaro weight loss injections can lower your blood sugar levels too much if taken in combination with sulfonylurea or insulin (other diabetes treatments).
“You shouldn’t take Mounjaro alongside other weight loss injections, such as Saxenda or Wegovy. This could increase the risk of serious health risks and side effects.”
The doctor also revealed that weight loss medication might actually not do what people think, as research from ZAVA found up to 20% of people using the GLP-1 drugs don’t see the expected results or hit a weight loss plateau.
There are a variety of reasons for this, including:
- Incorrect dosage
- Missing doses
- Not improving your diet and an inactive lifestyle
- Not keeping hydrated
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Persistent stress
- Having a poor sleep routine
Other health conditions may interfere with the effectiveness of weight loss drugs, like diabetes, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and PCOS. Medications like antidepressants or steroids may also cause weight gain or hinder fat loss.
Dr Wyllie added: “While Mounjaro is an effective medication for weight loss, it’s normal to encounter a plateau at some point. To enhance your results, it’s important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and aim to reach the appropriate maintenance dose, as higher doses are generally associated with greater benefits.
“Beyond medication, factors like maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting enough sleep play a crucial role in supporting your weight loss journey. If progress stalls despite these efforts, consulting your healthcare provider is essential to evaluate your plan and make necessary adjustments.”