Mounjaro Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

As Mounjaro gains attention in New Zealand, misinformation is spreading alongside legitimate information. Here's the truth behind common myths.

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Myth: Mounjaro Is Just for People Who "Can't Be Bothered" Dieting

Reality: Obesity is a complex medical condition influenced by genetics, hormones, environment, and biology. Research shows that willpower alone rarely produces lasting weight loss because the body actively resists weight reduction through hormonal changes that increase hunger and reduce metabolism.

Mounjaro works by addressing the biological factors that make weight loss difficult. It's a medical treatment for a medical condition, just like blood pressure medication treats hypertension.

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Myth: You'll Regain All the Weight When You Stop

Reality: It's true that most people regain weight after stopping GLP-1 medications. Research shows approximately two-thirds of lost weight returns. However, this doesn't mean the medication "failed." It means obesity is a chronic condition that benefits from ongoing treatment, just like diabetes or hypertension.

Some people may be able to maintain some weight loss through lifestyle changes established during treatment, but many will need ongoing medication.

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Myth: Mounjaro Is Dangerous

Reality: Mounjaro has undergone extensive clinical trials involving thousands of participants. Like all medications, it has side effects (most commonly gastrointestinal) and isn't suitable for everyone. But for appropriate candidates, the benefits typically outweigh the risks.

The boxed warning about thyroid tumours is based on rodent studies and hasn't been confirmed in humans. It's a precaution, not a proven human risk.

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Myth: It's the "Easy Way Out"

Reality: Taking a weekly injection doesn't make weight loss "easy." People on Mounjaro still need to:

• Navigate significant side effects (especially early on)
• Make dietary changes (eating less is still required)
• Build sustainable habits for long-term success
• Attend regular medical appointments
• Pay substantial costs (when unfunded)

It's a tool that makes weight loss more achievable, not a magic solution requiring no effort.

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Myth: Mounjaro Is Just Ozempic by Another Name

Reality: While both are injectable weight loss medications, they're different:

• Ozempic/Wegovy contain semaglutide (GLP-1 only)
• Mounjaro contains tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP dual action)
• Mounjaro produces approximately 50% more weight loss in head-to-head trials

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Myth: You Can Buy Real Mounjaro Online Without a Prescription

Reality: Any website selling Mounjaro without requiring a valid prescription is selling either counterfeit products or operating illegally. Genuine Mounjaro requires a prescription from a registered doctor and is dispensed through legitimate pharmacies.

Counterfeit weight loss medications have caused serious harm, including deaths. Never buy from unverified sources.

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Myth: Mounjaro Causes Muscle Wasting

Reality: Any weight loss includes some muscle loss. This is true regardless of method. However, adequate protein intake and resistance exercise can significantly reduce muscle loss during Mounjaro treatment.

The medication itself doesn't "target" muscle. With proper nutrition and exercise, you can lose primarily fat.

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Myth: You Can Never Eat Normally Again

Reality: Mounjaro reduces appetite and changes how food makes you feel, but it doesn't permanently alter your relationship with food. Most people find they:

• Feel satisfied with smaller portions
• Have reduced cravings
• Still enjoy food, just eat less of it

If you stop the medication, appetite typically returns to pre-treatment levels.

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Myth: It Only Works for Very Obese People

Reality: Clinical trials included people with BMIs starting from 27 (with comorbidities). Mounjaro is effective across the approved BMI range. The percentage of weight lost is similar across starting weights, though people with higher starting weights lose more total kilograms.

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Myth: Side Effects Are Unbearable

Reality: While GI side effects are common, they're:

• Usually mild to moderate
• Most pronounced during dose escalation
• Typically improve over time
• Manageable with dietary adjustments

Most people tolerate Mounjaro well enough to continue treatment.

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Get the Facts

At Well Revolution, we provide evidence-based information and personalised guidance. Start a consultation to get your questions answered by our medical team.