A shot at thinness: Why Mounjaro is having a moment

After content creator Aishwarya Mohanraj openly spoke about using Mounjaro for weight loss, the conversation around injectable weight-loss drugs shifted. Earlier, speculation around celebrities using Ozempic dominated discussions. Now, the focus has moved to Mounjaro – largely because someone publicly acknowledged using it and shared visible results. In a video, Mohanraj clearly outlines her medical conditions, including PCOS and hypothyroidism, which made weight loss difficult. After trying multiple approaches – regular workouts, increasing protein intake, and even birth control she eventually opted for the injection after regaining weight due to her conditions.
“I went from 74 to 52 in six months,” she says. However, she also adds, “Do I advise taking this? No, I am a content creator.” Despite this disclaimer, videos about Mounjaro

What is it?Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a prescription injectable drug developed by Eli Lilly. It is approved in many countries primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, where it helps lower blood sugar levels.
It works by activating two gut hormone pathways – GLP-1 and GIP – which regulate appetite, digestion, and insulin release. As Dr Himika Chawla, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology and Diabetology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, explains, “By mimicking these hormones, it slows stomach emptying and signals the brain that you are full sooner, often reducing hunger and calorie intake.

What is it not?“Social media discussions, celebrity disclosures, and content creators have amplified interest in these injectable medications beyond their original diabetes indication. However, experts caution that it is not a cosmetic quick fix but a prescription therapy meant for medical use under supervision,” says Dr Saptarshi Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are among the most commonly reported, affecting a significant proportion of users in clinical settings.

‘40% of patients will regain weight if they don’t regulate it’A senior doctor, on condition of anonymity, notes that the euphoria around the drug is leading people to use it without fully understanding the implications. “Look at the effect of Ozempic on so many celebrities. They look shrunk, so people who are getting it done without thinking about the implication of it will face side-effects as well. That’s going to be another problem in the next six months.”

Dr Nikhil Yadav, HOD, Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospitals Dwarka, Delhi, says, “40% of the patients will regain weight if they don’t regulate it. It may not be a complete solution, as relying only on Mounjaro wouldn’t be helpful. One should pair it up with a proper diet and exercise for visible results. So, while it can help manage the crisis, lifestyle changes and medical guidance will remain essential for lasting health improvements.” He adds, “A lot of patients with overweight and obesity will come into the treatment loop. With multiple options available, they might try drugs initially, experience the benefits of weight loss, and may consider bariatric surgery if weight regain occurs after stopping drugs.”

Studies on similar GLP-1–based therapies have also shown that a significant proportion of patients regain weight within a year of discontinuation, particularly in the absence of sustained lifestyle changes. While Mounjaro has shown strong results in both blood sugar control and weight reduction, experts stress that it is not a standalone solution. Its effectiveness depends heavily on sustained lifestyle changes and medical supervision.