The first GLP-1 and GIP receptor co-agonist for the treatment of obesity and overweight is now available on private prescription for chronic weight management.
The TGA has expanded the use of Mounjaro to include chronic weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults with initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity); or 27 to <30 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g. hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes mellitus).
Associate Professor Samantha Hocking from the Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, said that many doctors are familiar with the weight loss benefits of Mounjaro in patients with type 2 diabetes.
“We can now prescribe this dual-action medicine to a broader group of patients who may derive clinical benefit from significant and sustained weight loss,” she said.
“We know that excess weight increases a person’s risk of at least 30 diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes,” said Associate Professor Hocking.
“Although a five per cent reduction in body weight is enough to lower the risk of some obesity-related complications, a reduction in body weight of 10 per cent or more results in greater health benefits.”
Associate Professor Hocking explained that many patients encounter physiological barriers to sustained weight loss.
“This can include changes in circulating mediators of appetite that encourage weight regain after diet-induced weight loss and metabolic adaptation causing decreased energy expenditure.
“Due to these changes, lifestyle modifications alone may not be enough in the long term to counter obesity and reduce the risk of related complications.
“A major shift in obesity management is necessary. Obesity is a serious and progressive disease that requires long-term, evidence-based management, just like any other chronic illness.
“For some, that will include medication for chronic weight management to improve their long-term health – this is very different to weight loss for cosmetic reasons,” she said
NB. Mounjaro is not indicated, nor should it be prescribed or used, for cosmetic weight loss.**
