Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a new weight loss and diabetes treatment that is making waves in the health world. While it is best known for helping people lose weight, researchers have discovered that it may also be good for heart health. But how does it work and what are the benefits for your heart?
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a medication that helps control blood sugar levels and appetite. It works by mimicking hormones that regulate metabolism and insulin levels. Although it was originally developed for diabetes, it has been found to be very effective for weight loss as well. In trials, people on Mounjaro lost up to 20% of their body weight.
However, it's benefits go beyond weight loss and can also help with many other comorbidities, including asthma, joint mobility problems, and heart health, ultimately improving overall wellbeing.
How Mounjaro benefits heart health
According to the British Heart Foundation, heart and circulatory disease are responsible for more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK. Obesity is a known risk factor for heart disease, and effective weight loss strategies can significantly reduce this risk.
Losing weight with the help of Mounjaro can benefit heart health in a number of ways:
- Helps Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease: being overweight increases the risk of heart disease by increasing the strain on your heart. By helping with weight loss, Mounjaro may lower these risks and keep your heart healthier.
- Lowers Blood Pressure: carrying extra weight can put stress on the heart and raise blood pressure. Studies show that people taking Mounjaro often see a drop in their blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart problems.
- Improves Cholesterol Levels: high cholesterol can lead to blocked arteries, increasing the chance of a heart attack and stroke. Mounjaro has been found to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), which supports better heart health.
- Keeps Blood Sugar Levels Under Control: high blood sugar level is a major cause of heart disease, especially for people with diabetes. Mounjaro helps lower blood sugar and improves how the body processes insulin, reducing strain on the heart. Mounjaro is safe to take while on dietary management or when using metformin alone for diabetes.
- Reduces Inflammation and Supports Healthy Arteries: inflammation and stiff arteries increase the risk of heart disease. Early research suggests that Mounjaro may have anti-inflammatory benefits, helping keep arteries flexible and reducing the risk of blockages.
Is there proof that Mounjaro helps the heart?
Ongoing studies are investigating Mounjaro’s full effect on heart health. Research trials like SURPASS, SUMMIT and SURMOUNT have shown promising results in reducing heart disease risk factors. According to the SUMMIT trial, Mounjaro was linked to a lower risk of heart-related deaths or worsening of heart failure in people with obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Additional studies are underway to confirm these benefits further.
Who might benefit from Mounjaro for heart health?
Mounjaro could be helpful for people who:
- Have heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes and are worried about heart complications
- Struggle with weight loss despite making lifestyle changes
While Mounjaro is not yet officially approved as a heart medication, it may play an important role in protecting heart health in the future.
Final thoughts: a step towards a healthier heart
Mounjaro is more than just a weight loss injection—it may also help protect your heart by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of diabetes-related heart issues. As more research is conducted, it could become an important part of heart disease prevention.
If you’re considering Mounjaro, speak to your doctor about whether it’s right for you and how it could help your overall health.
