THE HIDDEN SIDE OF MOUNJARO (TIRZEPATIDE) WEIGHT LOSS: NAVIGATING ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS AND SOCIAL QUESTIONS
Praveen Kumar Vuppula* and Shiva Prasad Thoutu
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) demonstrates profound efficacy for weight loss, its real-world application reveals a complex landscape of clinical and psychosocial challenges that extend far beyond the scale, demanding a proactive management strategy for often-underdiscussed adverse drug reactions and social questions. Drawing from clinical experience, this includes navigating the practical mitigation of predictable gastrointestinal effects like severe nausea and vomiting, addressing body composition concerns such as muscle mass loss and "Mounjaro Face," and managing the repercussions of treatment interruptions due to access barriers. Furthermore, the journey forces a confrontation with difficult social questions, from handling unsolicited comments on one's changing body and the ethical considerations of off-label cosmetic use to the broader issues of healthcare disparity and the long-term sustainability of treatment, underscoring the necessity for a holistic approach that ensures patient well-being is supported both physiologically and psychologically throughout the therapy. Objective: To move beyond efficacy data and provide a pragmatic guide for healthcare professionals and informed patients on navigating the "hidden" challenges of Mounjaro, drawing from direct clinical experience and patient interactions.
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