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If you’re living with fatty liver disease, you may be wondering whether Mounjaro is a safe and effective option for weight loss, or how it might affect your liver if you’re already taking it. Understanding how this medication works and its potential impact on liver health can help you make confident, informed decisions about your care. So, let’s break it down for you!
Liver disease and Mounjaro
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver cells. Many people with fatty liver disease experience no noticeable symptoms, which means the condition is often discovered incidentally during routine blood tests or imaging studies performed for unrelated reasons.
Key risk factors include carrying excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, as well as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The presence of multiple metabolic conditions significantly increases the likelihood of developing fatty liver disease, highlighting the importance of early intervention and weight management. [1]
Does Mounjaro help with fatty liver disease?
Mounjaro has shown promising potential in improving fatty liver disease through several pathways, many of which target the underlying metabolic causes of the condition.
- Supporting weight loss
Research shows that losing just 5–10% of body weight can lead to a meaningful reduction in liver fat, while weight loss of more than 10% may help resolve liver inflammation and even improve fibrosis [2]. By supporting effective weight management, Mounjaro directly addresses one of the primary drivers of fatty liver disease. - Improving insulin sensitivity
Insulin resistance plays a central role in the development of fatty liver disease. When the body does not respond effectively to insulin, excess fat is more likely to be stored in the liver. Mounjaro improves insulin sensitivity, helping the body use glucose more efficiently and reducing fat accumulation in liver cells. - Reducing liver inflammation
Emerging research suggests that GLP-1–based medications, including Mounjaro, may have direct anti-inflammatory effects on the liver. These benefits may extend beyond what can be explained by weight loss alone, potentially supporting improved liver health over time. - Improving blood sugar and lipid levels
By lowering blood glucose levels and reducing circulating fats (lipids) in the bloodstream, Mounjaro helps create a healthier metabolic environment. This allows the liver to function more efficiently and may support recovery from fat-related liver damage. [3]
Mounjaro and liver enzymes
What are liver enzymes?
Liver enzymes are proteins produced by liver cells that play an essential role in metabolism and overall health. They act as catalysts, helping the body carry out important chemical reactions involved in digestion, energy use, and detoxification.
Under normal circumstances, these enzymes are present in the bloodstream at low levels. However, when the liver becomes stressed, inflamed, or damaged (due to conditions such as fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol intake, or certain medications) these enzymes can leak into the blood in higher amounts. [4]
Can Mounjaro cause liver enzymes to be elevated?
Like many medications Mounjaro can occasionally affect liver enzyme levels in some individuals. In reported cases, increases in liver enzymes have usually been mild and temporary, patients with pre-existing liver disease may be at higher risk for this side effect. [5]
At this time, researchers are still learning more about why these elevations may occur and whether there are any long-term effects. Overall, the risk of significant liver problems appears to be low.
Patients play an important role in their care. Be sure to report any unusual symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, to your healthcare team right away. Maintaining open communication and following recommended monitoring helps ensure that Mounjaro is used safely and effectively as part of your weight loss journey.
If you have questions or concerns about Mounjaro or your blood tests, don’t hesitate to discuss them with our Patient Care Team here at Phlo Clinic, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
References
[1] British Liver Trust. Liver disease in numbers – key facts and statistics. https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/statistics/
[2] Vilar-Gomez E, Martinez-Perez Y, Calzadilla-Bertot L, et al. Weight loss through lifestyle modification significantly reduces features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Gastroenterology. 2015;149(2):367-378.
[3] Nevola R, Epifani R, Imbriani S, et al. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan 15;24(2):1703. doi: 10.3390/ijms24021703. PMID: 36675217; PMCID: PMC9865319.
[4] Kalas MA, Chavez L, Leon M, Taweesedt PT, et al. Abnormal liver enzymes: A review for clinicians. World J Hepatol. 2021 Nov 27;13(11):1688-1698. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i11.1688. PMID: 34904038; PMCID: PMC8637680.
[5] Abdullah I, El-Ghousain H, Alenezi M. Tirzepatide-Related Acute Liver Injury. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2024 Sep 2;11(9):004813. doi: 10.12890/2024_004813. PMID: 39247248; PMCID: PMC11379107.
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