More Than Weight Loss: Mounjaro’s Other Health Benefits

Mounjaro, like Ozempic, is a diabetes medication that’s rapidly gaining attention for its weight loss potential. The main ingredient, tirzepatide, has been so effective that the FDA fast-tracked its approval for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound.

Turns out, Mounjaro offers several other surprising health benefits beyond diabetes and weight management. From improving metabolic health to reducing cardiovascular risks, Mounjaro is proving to be much more than just a weight loss aid.

What else can Mounjaro do, except weight loss?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not just effective for weight loss; it offers a range of additional health benefits that go far beyond shedding pounds. Here’s what Mounjaro can also do:

Help control type 2 diabetes
Improve cardiovascular outcomes
Reduce obstructive sleep apnea
Lower the risk of certain cancers
Support mental health improvement

Each of these benefits makes Mounjaro a well-rounded treatment option, not just for weight loss, but for enhancing overall well-being.

Mounjaro and diabetes

Though it can promote significant weight loss, Mounjaro is FDA-approved for diabetes management. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, is a dual agonist, mimicking the effects of both GLP-1 and GIP hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion in response to meals.

Mounjaro helps to regulate glucose and prevent dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels. It not only helps improve glycemic control but also boosts insulin sensitivity, making it easier for the body to use insulin more effectively.

Mounjaro and cardiovascular health

GLP-1 medications, including tirzepatide, have shown clinically significant benefits for cardiovascular health. In fact, the FDA recently approved Wegovy (another GLP-1 drug) to help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease who are also obese or overweight.

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, has also been studied for its heart health benefits. In a recent trial conducted by Eli Lilly, compared to those on a placebo, patients taking tirzepatide were 38% less likely to:

Be hospitalized
Need to increase their heart failure medication
Die from heart-related complications

Patients also reported improvements in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and leg swelling over the 52 week trial.

Mounjaro and sleep apnea

Sleep apnea involves difficulty or cessation of breathing while sleeping. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is estimated that about 70% of those with obstructive sleep apnea also have obesity.

According to the SURMOUNT-OSA phase 3 clinical trial, tirzepatide helps reduce the severity of symptoms by almost two-thirds in adults with both obesity and OSA. SURMOUNT-OSA Study 1 and SURMOUNT-OSA Study 2 reportedly saw a 62.8% reduction on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) —or 30 less OSA events per hour of sleep.

Mounjaro and cancer prevention

People with BMIs listed as overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing 13 types of cancer, including:

Breast cancer
Prostate cancer
Colorectal cancer
Endometrial cancer

It is difficult to determine whether GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide are effectively lowering the risk by reducing an individual’s weight and BMI, but studies are being conducted.

Mounjaro and colon cancer

Higher BMIs have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Association (AMA. A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that GLP-1s like tirzepatide reduced the risk of developing colorectal cancer when compared to other diabetes medications.

Mounjaro and breast cancer

While there is no direct clinical evidence linking Mounjaro to a reduced risk of breast cancer, it is possible that by reducing fat deposits and lowering BMI, individuals may decrease their risk of cancers influenced by excess weight, including breast cancer. The weight loss effect of Mounjaro could play a significant role in lowering these cancer risks over time.

How does Mounjaro affect mental health?

There is a well-established link between obesity and mental health, particularly depression. While Mounjaro and other GLP-1 medications are not designed to treat pre-existing mental health conditions, they may help improve mental well-being.

It is not yet clear whether these benefits are directly impacting mental health or indirectly by addressing obesity, a major contributing factor to mental health issues.

Does Mounjaro prevent depression?

The CDC found that 43% of adults with depression are also obese, and those with a diagnosis of depression are more likely to have a BMI of 30 or higher compared to adults without depression.

A new study by Epic Research found that GLP-1 medications could lower the risk of new depression diagnoses. There was a lower likelihood of a new depression diagnosis after beginning a GLP-1 medication compared to those who did not take the medication. The results were:

Liraglutide (Saxenda) showed no statistically significant difference
Semaglutide showed a lower likelihood of depression
Tirzepatide showed the greatest reduction (65%)

Does Mounjaro reduce anxiety?

The same Epic Research study found that tirzepatide also led to the most significant reduction in new anxiety diagnoses, with a 60% decrease compared to those who did not take the medication.

While GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro are not designed to treat previously diagnosed mental health conditions, the reduction in body weight, improvement in metabolic health, and increased physical activity may contribute to better overall mental well-being.

A healthier body can lead to improved mood, better sleep, and enhanced energy levels, all of which play a role in reducing the risk of both depression and anxiety. This holistic improvement in health may explain why individuals on tirzepatide experience fewer new mental health diagnoses.

Improve your overall well-being with Mounjaro

Mounjaro offers benefits far beyond just weight loss. If you’re ready to take advantage of these wide-ranging benefits, Heally can help you get started.

With convenient telehealth appointments and an affordable monthly subscription service, you can begin your journey with Mounjaro while saving both time and money. Get started today!