Weight loss - a challenging and frustrating journey millions of Canadians embark on every year. Nationally, obesity rates are rising alarmingly with two in three adults and one in three children being overweight or living with obesity. There are multiple health problems related to excess body weight, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. While a healthy diet and exercise is highly recommended to lose and maintain weight, some individuals may need additional help to achieve their ideal goals to lose weight. This is where weight loss medications can come into the mix.
Weight loss medications are prescription medications provided by a physician that reduce or control excess body weight. Since they require a prescription from a doctor, patients will need regular and consistent monitoring to ensure progress and optimal health. Prescription weight loss medications are not intended to be used in place of a healthy diet and exercise, but alongside. This is also imperative for post-treatment care to prevent weight gain.
There are many prescription medications available, with Ozempic and Wegovy most well-known for their powerful effects on weight loss and weight management. However, these medications have the active ingredient semaglutide, which may not be appropriate for every individual. That's where Mounjaro comes in. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about Mounjaro in Canada, from its benefits and side effects to how you can access it, ensuring that you're fully informed before making any decisions regarding your weight loss journey.
1. What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is the brand name for a prescription medication called Tirzepatide. Mounjaro uniquely targets two key digestive hormones: GLP-1, which lowers blood sugar levels after meals and helps curb appetite, and GIP, which encourages your body to release insulin more controlled. This hormone helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, making it an ideal option for those struggling with obesity and related metabolic conditions. It is used in adults with type 2 diabetes and has been clinically shown to reduce excess body weight in adults.
The active ingredient, Tirzepatide, is a compound that has shown remarkable results in clinical trials for weight loss. It is important to note that Mounjaro is not a magic weight loss drug; it is designed to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise for optimal weight reduction results.
2. How Does Mounjaro work?
There are several pathways in the body that contribute to weight gain and reducing weight.
3. Is Mounjaro Available in Canada?
Yes, Mounjaro is available in Canada, though it is only available through a prescription by a medical provider. To determine if you are eligible for this medication, it is recommended you consult your healthcare provider.
4. How to Get Mounjaro in Canada
Luckily, if you are eligible for this weight loss drug, getting the medication is simple:
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Consult a healthcare professional: The first step is to schedule an appointment with a physician or licensed healthcare provider. During your appointment, your medical history, current health status, and weight loss goals will be reviewed to determine if Mounjaro or prescription weight loss is appropriate for you.
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Obtain prescription: If the healthcare provider determines you are eligible for prescription weight loss medications, such as Mounjaro, they will write you a prescription.
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Send prescription to pharmacy: You can fill your prescription in two ways: through a local pharmacy or an online pharmacy service that operates within Canada. If you decide to get your weight loss medication from an online pharmacy, ensure that the pharmacy is licensed and reputable to avoid counterfeit or faulty products.
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Follow up with healthcare provider: Once you have begun to use Mounjaro to aid in your journey to lose weight, it's important to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare professional. This can ensure your progress is being monitored, and can adjust doses, or switch prescription medications if necessary. They can also help with monitoring any negative side effects you may experience.
5. Who Should Consider Mounjaro in Canada?
Though Mounjaro should not considered the first line of defense for individuals to lose weight, it is typically prescribed for individuals who are considered clinically obese or overweight and have not achieved a healthy weight through healthy eating and exercise alone.
Criteria for Mounjaro Prescription
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Body Mass Index (BMI): Mounjaro is typically prescribed for individuals with a body mass index of 30 and above. However, it may be considered for those with a body mass index of 27 and higher if they have weight-related medical conditions.
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Previous weight loss attempts: If you have attempted to lose weight through other methods, such as diet and exercise alone, or other weight loss drugs, and have not been successful, Mounjaro could be an appropriate next step.
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Medical Conditions: Those who have Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels who are struggling to lose weight may benefit from Mounjaro, as it can help improve these conditions in addition to promoting weight loss.
6. What Are The Benefits of Mounjaro?
This prescription medication offers several benefits for those struggling to lose body weight, making it a great tool to treat obesity.
1) Significant Weight Loss
Though it is normally used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, it holds a strong ability to promote weight loss. In clinical trials, it has been shown to help individuals lose 15-20% of their body weight, combined with healthy eating and exercise.
2) Improves Metabolic Health
Looking to regular blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases? Mounjaro can be a great tool in improving overall metabolic health.
3) Long-Term Weight Management
Mounjaro has been shown to support chronic long-term weight management. Suppressing appetite and reducing fat acclamation can help patients maintain weight loss over time.
4) Improved Quality of Life
For losing weight, Mounjaro can lead to improved physical health, improved levels of energy, and increased self-confidence. As individuals reach their goals to lose body weight and treat obesity, they report an enhanced quality of life.
7. Potential Side Effects of Mounjaro
Just like any weight loss drug, Mounjaro has side effects that users should be aware of. Thankfully, not everyone will experience these side effects, but it is imperative to understand what they are and how they can be managed.
Common Side Effects
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Nausea: This is most commonly reported when beginning the medication, but subsides as the body adjusts.
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Diarrhea: Patients may experience diarrhea as their body adjusts to the medication. To avoid this, staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet can help manage this side effect.
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Headache: Though less common, these can occur. Managing the pain can be done with over-the-counter pain relievers, in addition to staying hydrated.
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Constipation: Adversely to diarrhea, constipation can occur. Increasing fiber intake and staying active can improve this side effect.
Serious Side Effects
Though side effects are rare, they do happen and require medical attention:
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Pancreatitis: symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Those who experience these symptoms should seek immediate medical help and discontinue medication use.
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Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions could include rashes, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. This requires urgent medical attention.
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Gallbladder Issues: Mounjaro can unfortunately increase the risk of gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Symptoms can be pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.
8. Mounjaro vs. Other Weight Loss Drugs
Mounjaro is not the only weight loss medication available in Canada, so how does it compare to others on the market?
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic
Ozempic, like Saxenda, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that contains semaglutide and is used to manage type 2 diabetes and help users lose weight. The key difference is that Mounjaro’s dual-action mechanism targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which may result in more significant weight loss for some individuals. Both medications are effective for weight loss.
Mounjaro vs. Saxenda
Saxenda is another GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight loss. Both prescription medications are similar in that they help reduce appetite and promote weight loss. However, Mounjaro’s dual action on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors may offer enhanced efficacy for some individuals. Additionally, Mounjaro is typically taken once weekly, while Saxenda requires daily injections.
Mounjaro vs. Contrave
Contrave combines two drugs, bupropion, and naltrexone, that work together to reduce appetite and food cravings. While it can be effective for some individuals, Contrave works through different mechanisms compared to Mounjaro and may have a different side effect profile than other medications. Mounjaro may be preferred for those who have not had success with appetite suppressants like Contrave.
9. Cost of Mounjaro in Canada
The cost of Mounjaro in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including your location, the pharmacy you use, and if you have insurance coverage.
10. Mounjaro: Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can Mounjaro be used long-term?
In clinical trials, results have indicated that the use of Mounjaro long-term is generally safe when used as directed by a healthcare provider. Continuous monitoring by your physician is imperative to manage side effects and ensure the medication is aiding in achieving your weight loss goals.
2) What do results on Mounjaro look like?
Everyone's results are different, though many patients will see weight loss within the first few weeks of starting Mounjaro. However, significant weight loss may take several months, alongside a reduced calorie diet and regular exercise.
3) Can I take Mounjaro to lose weight if I have other health problems?
It is important to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider to determine if Mounjaro is right for you. However, Mounjaro can be suitable for those with health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
4) Can Mounjaro be used during pregnancy?
It is not recommended to use Mounjaro while pregnant. Those who become pregnant while taking Mounjaro should consult their healthcare provider immediately to determine alternative options for managing body weight and health.
Determining if Mounjaro is right for you
Mounjaro is a great solution for weight loss, treating obesity, and managing other related health conditions in Canada. However, with any medications, Mounjaro has potential side effects and risks, and eligibility should be reviewed with a medical provider to determine if it is the right choice for you.
Additionally, taking Mounjaro should not be a standalone solution; It should be used in a weight loss plan that includes a reduced-calorie diet, regular exercise, and ongoing medical supervision. If you can do this, Mounjaro could be a valuable tool in helping you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.
