The Mounjaro jab, which is already used for people with type 2 diabetes, could help people shed large amounts of fat.
The NHS may soon approve the jab, which is taken once a week, to treat obesity. Researchers suggest that the drug could help people shed large amounts of fat.
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Tirzepatide, which sold under the brand name Mounjaro is already approved and used to treat type 2 diabetes as it promotes insulin production and brings sugar levels down.
It is available by prescription in prefilled pens and is injected under the skin of the abdomen, upper arm or thigh.
The difference between Mounjaro and other once a week jabs is that it contains two different hormones – GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is present in other jabs, and GIP.
GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) suppresses the hunger signals in the brain and therefore decreases appetite.
This results in people eating less and then losing weight.
The short-term side effects of taking Mounjaro include diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain, however they were mild and predominantly occurred when the drug dosage was changed.
Further research is still ongoing into the long-term side effects.
Dr Amir Khan, a General Practitioner and best-selling author, appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss and said: “The long-term side effects are still unknown so we’re waiting to hear more before it is approved.”
