Hey there! I'm here to talk about my personal experience with a relatively new player in the weight management arena: Mounjaro, also known by its scientific name, Tirzepatide. For those who might not be familiar, Mounjaro is a medication that's been stirring up quite the conversation for its role in weight loss and management. I've been closely following its development and, with a keen eye on its clinical successes, decided to take the leap myself.
If you have TikTok, check out my video here.
Understanding the Mechanism
At its core, Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Without getting too tangled in medical jargon, this means it's designed to mimic the effects of two incretin hormones: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These hormones play a crucial role in managing how your body handles sugar and fat.
The Role of Incretins
Incretins, like GIP and GLP-1, are naturally occurring hormones that have a hand in several bodily functions related to metabolism. They're released after eating and have the job of increasing insulin secretion, which lowers blood glucose levels. But their role doesn't stop there; they also slow down gastric emptying, making you feel full for longer, and reduce appetite.
Tirzepatide's Twist on Appetite and Digestion
By acting on the same receptors as GIP and GLP-1, Mounjaro essentially boosts the functions of these hormones. This leads to better control of blood sugar levels and, notably, a change in appetite and food intake. Since it slows gastric emptying, the sensation of fullness lasts longer, helping to naturally reduce calorie intake without the feeling of deprivation.
Weight Management and Beyond
While the primary target is metabolic health, the knock-on effect of these changes is weight loss. With the body's improved response to insulin and a decrease in appetite, individuals may find it easier to manage their weight. This is particularly important for those with conditions like type 2 diabetes, where weight management is often a critical component of overall health.
Starting My Mounjaro Journey
My personal journey with Mounjaro began about 8 weeks ago. I kicked off with the 2.5mg dosage, as per the starting recommendation, and then moved onto a 5mg dose from a 15mg vial for the next month. Now, I'm on the cusp of upping my dosage to 7.5mg. It's important to highlight that while I'm sharing my dosage timeline, anyone considering Mounjaro should adhere strictly to the guidance provided in the medication's paperwork and maintain open communication with their doctor.
My Experience with Mounjaro
In my own use of Mounjaro over the past 8 weeks, I've observed these effects firsthand. Beginning with a 2.5mg dose and gradually increasing it has offered me a real-life insight into the medication's impact. The lessened hunger and increased satiety have been significant; they've allowed me to lose weight without dramatic lifestyle changes.
Why Mounjaro?
My intrigue with Mounjaro wasn't unfounded. Its performance in clinical trials suggested it might outpace other options like Ozempic in weight loss efficacy. But what really piqued my interest was how Mounjaro plays a role in hormone regulation. You see, it's designed to mimic a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, which means it helps you feel fuller sooner and reduces the urge to eat as much.
A Personal Testament
After an accident involving an explosion and fire, my endocrinologist believes my pituitary gland was affected, which threw my testosterone production off balance and left me battling extreme fatigue. But here's the remarkable part: since starting on Mounjaro, not only have I lost 5kg without significant lifestyle changes, but the fatigue has lifted. I'm less hungry, I eat less, and yet, I have more energy. It's been a game-changer.
Navigating Treatment
It's crucial, however, to navigate this treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. My endocrinologist has been instrumental in monitoring my health and adjusting my treatment as necessary, especially considering my unique medical history with my pituitary gland.
Practical Aspects
Let's talk practicalities. The Mounjaro vials are pretty clever with their self-healing lids, allowing for multiple doses from a single vial. For those who need to be mindful of costs, the 15mg vial is the most economical option, costing around $165 for 0.5ml. And it's designed to last, starting with the 2.5mg dose, which equates to 0.088ml per injection, giving you just a bit more than you need for a full six weeks.
Closing Thoughts
I'm not one to shy away from trying new paths in my health journey, and Mounjaro has been a testament to that spirit. It's been a significant part of my recent weight loss, and I'm eager to see where it takes me. As I continue to navigate this journey, I encourage anyone reading this to do so with professional guidance and a clear understanding of their personal health needs.
A Note of Caution
While I've shared my personal experience, it's important to remember that individual responses can vary. Mounjaro is a prescription medication, and its use should be based on a healthcare provider's assessment, taking into account a person's medical history, other medications, and overall health goals.
Update: My Mounjaro Journey Amid Life's Unexpected Turns
January 12, 2024
Dear readers, as many of you have been following my journey with Mounjaro, today's update is packed with both challenges and triumphs that have marked my path over the past several months.
Back to the Beginning
Our adventure started 18 months ago when we purchased a 2-acre property in Hervey Bay, Queensland, which came with a sizable shed. In April 2023, while transforming this shed into a small house, an unforeseen accident changed everything. As I was refuelling our generator, the fumes ignited, causing an explosion. This incident not only resulted in the shed burning down but also left me with serious burns and an undiagnosed hormonal imbalance due to a jolt to my pituitary gland.
The Mounjaro Timeline
My Mounjaro journey began as I was grappling with these challenges. I kicked off with a 2.5mg dosage, then moved to 5mg, and by November 18, 2023, I was about to step up to 7.5mg. As of January 12, 2024, I increased my dose to 12.5mg. Despite the initial lack of significant weight loss, these incremental increases in Mounjaro were crucial in my journey.
The Hormonal Puzzle
With a starting weight of 185kg at a height of 183cm, and being 37 years old, the weight loss journey was daunting. Post-accident, my testosterone levels were severely disrupted, making weight loss nearly impossible. It was only after consulting with my endocrinologist that we began addressing this imbalance, paving the way for effective weight management.
Embracing the Carnivore Diet
Two weeks ago, I embarked on the Carnivore diet, a decision I can't recommend enough, despite its initial challenges. Transitioning to a no-carb diet was tough; dizziness and a feeling of faintness were constant companions in the first week and a half. However, perseverance paid off. Now, I'm experiencing an energy surge like never before. This newfound vitality is crucial, not just for my own well-being but for my family too. With a wife battling MS and two young children who need their dad, maintaining high energy levels is non-negotiable.
Reflections and Gratitude
Looking back at my journey – from the property purchase, the transformative work on the shed, to the life-altering accident in April, and now my weight loss progression – it's been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. Mounjaro, in combination with the Carnivore diet, has been transformative, helping me lose around 10kg in the past two weeks alone, bringing my current weight to 162kg.
As I continue on this path, my message to anyone considering Mounjaro or any form of weight management is to look at the whole picture. It's not just about the medication but understanding and tackling all health aspects, including diet, hormonal balance, and mental resilience.
Stay tuned for more updates as I navigate this journey with hope, determination, and a heart full of gratitude for each new day.
July 15, 2024: A Milestone Achieved on My Weight Loss Journey
I'm thrilled to share a significant milestone in my weight loss journey today. Stepping on the scale this morning and seeing 149kg was an incredible moment for me. Being back in the 140's feels fantastic, and I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress and challenges that brought me here.
A Break in the Journey
After my last update, life threw a few curveballs my way. I took a break from my strict diet, which lasted a few months. During this period, I wasn't indulging in junk food, but I did return to eating the same kinds of meals I prepared for my children – things like cheese toasties for lunch and spaghetti for dinner. To my relief, I only gained about 5kg during this break. It was a manageable gain, and I'm grateful it didn't spiral out of control.
Adjusting to Life Without Mounjaro
One significant change in my regimen was stopping Mounjaro about a month ago. The primary reason was the cost, which had become too expensive to maintain. Transitioning away from Mounjaro, I decided to rely solely on the Carnivore diet. The first week back on the diet was tough. I battled intense cravings, flu-like symptoms, and persistent headaches. Being a parent with responsibilities, I had no choice but to push through. Panadol and Nurofen became my allies in this struggle, and yes, I might have been a bit moodier than usual.
Overcoming the Challenges
Despite the initial difficulties, I'm now in a much better place. The cravings have disappeared entirely, and I find it easy to stick to a diet consisting solely of meat. Interestingly, I've been eating more meat than I did when I was on Mounjaro, which has made the weight loss a bit slower. However, the progress is still there, and I'm incredibly happy with it.
Reaching 149kg
Seeing 149kg on the scale this morning was a rewarding experience. It’s a testament to my determination and resilience. Even with the challenges and the break, I managed to get back on track and continue my journey toward a healthier weight.
Looking Ahead: New Goals
My main goal now is to lose another 30kg, which would bring me to 120kg. Once I reach that milestone, I plan to set a new goal to hit 90kg. At 183cm tall and being fairly physically active with a good amount of muscle, I believe 90kg would be a very healthy weight for me.
Final Thoughts
This journey has been anything but easy, but it's the small victories that keep me motivated. From the initial accident and hormonal imbalances to finding a diet that works for me, every step has been a learning experience. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received along the way and excited for the progress yet to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as I continue this journey with determination and hope.
Thank you for following my story and supporting me through these ups and downs.
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