Mounjaro is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 and GIP hormones in your body. These are hormones that are released from your gut after you eat to trigger insulin production to help stabilise your blood sugar levels. They also reduce your appetite and the rate at which food leaves your stomach, which helps increase feelings of fullness and reduce your food intake.
Here’s how Mounjaro works in your body:
Appetite suppression
Your treatment activates receptors in parts of the brain called the hypothalamus and brainstem to reduce your appetite and increase feelings of fullness. It also works on the dopamine-dependent systems in the brain, reducing the desire to snack by reducing the rewarding effects.
This helps to reduce “food noise”, which is an informal term that describes the feeling of constant food-focused thoughts, such as what to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat.
Slows digestion
Your medication slows down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, helping you stay fuller for longer.
Blood sugar regulation
After eating, your treatment enhances insulin secretion from your pancreas, helping to control blood sugar levels.
Mounjaro also increases insulin sensitivity, which means your cells can respond more effectively to insulin. When cells respond effectively to insulin, they efficiently take up glucose from the bloodstream and help to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range to reduce cravings.