Who should avoid taking viral drug Mounjaro? Expert explains

Eli Lilly's recent launch of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India has sparked significant interest especially among those looking for weight loss and diabetes control.

Social media is buzzing with discussions—some calling it a game-changer, others debating side effects. While it’s not a magic fix, its rising popularity proves India is ready for cutting-edge solutions in health and fitness.

Approved by India's drug regulator, Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection priced at ₹4,375 for a 5 mg vial and ₹3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial. The drug targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering a novel approach to managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Clinical trials have demonstrated weight loss of up to 20%, comparable to bariatric surgery outcomes.

Despite its promise, the high cost and potential side effects pose challenges for widespread adoption in India.

Recently, Dr. Pal Manickam, a Gastroenterologist, took to Instagram to talk about the potential side effects of Mounjaro.

"New weight loss drug is not for everyone ! people lose weight… and possibly lose health and some money too!," he has posted on the social media platform.

"India got a new weight loss drug called Mounjaro, once a week injection originally meant for diabetes, but also helps with weight loss by reducing the hunger and improving the sugar control (sic)," he says.

"The side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating and feeling full after eating," he adds and then explains how the drug works. "It paralyzes your stomach so it doesn't contract and food stays in the stomach for a longer time making you feel full and not hungry," he says.

"Remember it is not a magic injection, can be used in few patients along with lifestyle interventions. If you don't change your lifestyle you may need to be on this injection lifelong.

"Interesting take, but Mounjaro has helped many achieve their goals safely. All medications come with risks - it's important to discuss with a healthcare provider. Informed decisions are key. right?," writes one user.

"Answering this as a Fitness coach with 7 years of experience. Nothing artificial will ever be able to replace natural. Natural way, body’s way is always the best way to do anything with your body. If someone is taking it for fat loss, it won’t work in the long run. Eventually the weight will come back," another user has replied.

"Very put Sir. As an Endocrinologist and Lifestyle Physician, I'm very much concerned about the hype around Ozempic and Mounjaro. These are just quick fixes and not a solution. Lifestyle and Habit changes and responsible social legislations should be the way forward. Diabetes is not a disease to cure but a Lifestyle disorder. Glad that you voiced out in the right direction," writes an endocrinologist.

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Many health experts have urged non-diabetics to not consume Mounjaro solely for weight loss, unless prescribed by a doctor. Always seek medical advice before starting Mounjaro.