Hi,
Is there anyone who is currently taking Mounjaro? Not for diabetes but weight loss. Ideally in a Zurich area.
I do have some questions.
Nat
Has it been approved for weight loss? If you want it for diabetes, so far, the basic insurance won‘t cover it. Complimentary might, but I don‘t know about off label use. I know insurers are negotiating with Lily to arrive at a price they will tolerate. If you can afford, it good for you.
It‘s probably more effective than semaglutide, although demand for the injectable version has made it semaglutide unavailable, and diabetics are mostly stuck with pill version. I don‘t know if the variant designed for weight loss is approved here (wegovy).
Best to talk to your GP, I think.
The problem with these solutions is that they are only a gimmick. I know two people my age (60) who have used it and yes they lost a dramatic amount of weight, but they have both put a substantial amount of it back on again and I'd say if they keep going they'll be back to where they started in say 18 months.
The only way to loose weight and keep it down is to learn to live a different life and there are no short cuts to doing that.
I can only speak to taking these drugs for diabetes. Yes, you loose weight, but it also offers some good results in glucose control as well as reduction in cardiovascular risk factors. But not everyone tolerates it and you probably have to take it for the rest of your life.
Edit to add - there is current research suggesting it might help with addiction.
It‘s not a weight loss panacea. Neither is it a gimmick. And I understand the health benefits of weight loss, but it annoys me that people with diabetes are not able to source the injectable medication, and are forced onto the less effective (for some) oral solution. That‘s for semaglutide though, not tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
And I realize I should temper my rather harsh comments.... For people with serious, life long obesity issues, it may really help. But I think you have to be prepared to take it forever and modify behaviors.
thank you both for the inputs
Without getting into too much detail, I am looking for someone who is been given Mounjaro strictly for weight loss (not bein diabetic). I've heard in Zurich, some doctors who also perform liposuction, do issue prescriptions for this drug. Not sure if that's true though.
Anyone has an actual experience?
Ah, ok. Your best bet is to maybe find these physicians. Look for weight loss clinics, liposuction, maybe bariatric surgery. Good luck!
I am not sure of the health benefits of weight loss.
Recent research has shown that due to modern medicine, overweight people no longer lose years of life versus others, at most some months.
So long as people take their prescribed medicines for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes (the main risks of being overweight) then they are well protected.
But what specific questions do you have if I may ask?
Also check out the side effects. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/mounjaro-side-effects.html
I have been struggling with being overweight following some major health problems.
You have not asked for alternative recommendations, but I have had good weight loss success using glucomannan supplements: it is a non-pharmacologically active fiber supplement that makes one feel full. Combined with intermittent fasting (only eating lunch and supper) and regular exercise I have been steadily losing weight.
I would never touch any drug with a metabolic effect (such as Mounjaro) unless medically necessary. Glucomannan + exercise helps me ensure my calories in is always less than calories out, which is of course the only way to lose weight.
Anyways, perhaps it's something you've already tried, but if not, it could be worth a try. It's available in Swiss pharmacies, or generally cheaper online from abroad.
Just in case you want an easier source, psyllum husk is essentially the same thing (soluble fiber). I’ve been ordering mine for years from Galaxus
You could also look at barbarine.
They're still ill, otherwise they wouldn't need the drugs. Instead of treating the symptoms as you suggest, it's generally much more helpful to address the underlying cause.
Doesn't help with issues such as bone wear & tear due to excessive weight (e.g. hips, knees, etc...). So, naturally, losing weight is advantageous if you can. And I say "if you can", because I know how hard it can be...
Just chiming in here as I may be becoming a guinea pig:
Background: Since adolecence, I’ve always struggled with weight. It’s been a roller coaster ride, and at 180cm, I used to swing between 81kg and 95kg.
In 2010 I started indoor climbing, and mixed with endurance sport (cycling and running), I got down to 75kg in 2015. But I was single and had a lot of free time, and climbing was a form of resistance training.
Since then I’ve had longer hour, higher stress jobs, and started a family. Activity decreased, and weight increased. I am now at 95kg. Activity is now increasing and I would say I am fit, but I am struggling to lose weight.
I feel now I’m entering a bit the circular symptom / cause spiral: various health issues (tiredness, sleep apnoea, lack of concentration, etc) are caused by being overweight, but these symptoms can also cause weight gain. The same applies to weight loss: I need to be more active to lose weight, but am struggling with overuse injury from being too heavy.
I’ll admit diet is my weak point: I am not the healthiest eater, and despite best efforts, I can’t discipline myself. As much as I despise medication, my physician is supportive about starting Wegovy treatment. I had blood tests yesterday to determine if other issues are in play, but I will know for sure by the end of the week if I can start.
I see it as means to an end…to get down to a weight where I can reach activity and diet critical mass to eventually wean or stop the medication. I am not expecting miracles, and understand the risks involved. I will try to give updates here.
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Alongside the medication, can you sort of help it along with small tweaks such as power walk for 20 mins at lunch time or after the kids are in bed? Increasing even a small amount of activity will help to boost your circulation, mood and metabolism.
Although maybe hold off on the power walking until this heat has subsided a bit.
That’s pretty much a waste of effort. There is lots of new research showing that sedentary people burn the same number of calories as hunter-gatherer types - but in different ways.
Be active for general health. Eat less for weight loss.
You’ve got age against you too - it’s far easier to put on weight as you get older due to many factors - and weight is easier to put on than to lose.
You get more tired as you get older irrespective of your weight.
Good luck with the Wegovy but most people apparently put most of the weight back on after stopping with the treatment.
This is you problem (as I’m sure you realise).
There is some thought that understanding these foods, how they are made, and what they do to your body especially if they are UPF can give you a mindset of revulsion which puts you off.
I thnk here, the sleep apnoea plays a big role, and that is amplified with weight. I bought a medical grade SPO2 device for my son’s bronchitis, and I have since used it to record my SPO2 overnight. I am quite often under 90%, sometimes close to 80%.
I never experienced this below 80kg.
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Tiredness messes with your hunger response, too.
I put on some weight due to stress last winter. I moved around the apartment, took Spring cleaning with good motivation, did some repairs, walked once or twice a week. Even than little activity contributed to sleeping better and returning to comfortable weight this summer.
Don’t set an irrationally high goal for activity. Walking to take the recyclable material to their boxes is activity. Walking to the train station is activity.