Kuala lumpur: A few years ago, bariatric surgery was widely regarded as a preferred option for people seeking to lose weight. These days, however, they are turning to injectable medications, which are seen as helping them achieve their ideal weight and body shape while also being more affordable than bariatric surgery.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the popularity of injectable weight loss drugs such as Ozempic - and now Mounjaro - is particularly evident among women, as these treatments are perceived to support weight loss without the need for strict dietary control or extreme exercise routines. Readily available at private clinics, these medications help suppress appetite, thereby supporting efforts to shed excess weight within a relatively short period.
Sharing her experience with Bernama, a private-sector employee, who only wanted to be identified as Nurul Wahida, said she began taking weight-loss injections in January last year. 'With a weight of 85.4 kilogrammes and height of 158 centimetres, I was in the obese category. My weight left me easily fatigued when walking or climbing stairs,' she said, adding that she decided to start Ozempic injections in January 2025 on the recommendation of a friend who had also taken the same treatment.
Nurul Wahida, 45, said although she was on Ozempic for nine weeks, she managed to shed only seven kilogrammes and still struggled to control her appetite. 'In December last year, my doctor suggested I try Mounjaro, and within just one month, I lost eight kilogrammes,' she said. She added that Mounjaro helped her curb her appetite more effectively, and she experienced only mild side effects such as nausea and difficulty sleeping.
Commenting on the matter, Klinik Pusrawi general practitioner Dr Siti Asiah Zaidi said that like Ozempic, Mounjaro was originally developed to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes. She said when administered at the recommended dosage, the drug helps diabetic patients regulate their blood sugar levels. 'Although the primary focus of these injectable medications is blood sugar control, they have also demonstrated the ability to support weight loss. This is because an effect of the medications on individuals who use them is a reduction in appetite,' she explained.
Dr Siti Asiah said Ozempic remains effective in helping some patients lose weight, but its impact is somewhat less compared with Mounjaro. This is because Mounjaro contains the active ingredient called tirzepatide, which mimics two hormones - GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Through the action of these two hormones, Mounjaro helps patients feel full for longer periods, making it more effective in supporting weight-loss efforts. Mounjaro also stimulates insulin release and lowers blood sugar levels more effectively, the doctor added.
Dr Siti Asiah, however, cautioned that although it is popularly referred to as a 'slimming injection', Mounjaro cannot be used for cosmetic or beauty purposes. The medication, she stressed, should only be taken under the advice and supervision of a doctor or healthcare professional. Asked about social media influencers promoting the 'weight-loss injections' across various platforms, she said it could send misleading messages to the public as proper health assessments are required before use.
According to Dr Siti Asiah, Mounjaro is administered in stages, starting with a low dose to allow the body to adapt. The dosage is then gradually increased depending on the individual's response until the targeted blood sugar level or ideal body weight is achieved. 'The injection is given once a week. The lowest dose is 2.5 mg and the maximum is 15 mg. Each person is prescribed a different dosage based on their needs and how their body responds.
Dr Siti Asiah also emphasised the need for Mounjaro users to maintain a balanced diet and engage in consistent, appropriate exercise to sustain their ideal weight. This includes consuming low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods; controlling portion sizes; and engaging in physical activities such as walking, jogging or cardiovascular exercise. She warned that if the injections are discontinued, one's weight may return to its previous level if no lifestyle changes are made.