Is Mounjaro (tirzepatide) approved for weight loss?
No, Mounjaro® is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Currently, it is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. You may have heard of Mounjaro being used for weight loss, and in that case it is considered off-label use because it is being used for a non-FDA-approved indication. The active ingredient of Mounjaro, tirzepatide, is also the same active ingredient as Zepbound® which has recently been FDA-approved for weight loss treatment. Both medications have shown promising weight loss benefits and are administered at the same incremental dosing levels. It should be noted that medications for weight loss may be indicated for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 27+ kg/m2 with a weight related medication condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes or a BMI of 30+ kg/m2.
Lauren Lemieux, MD, FACP, ABOM diplomate
Dr. Lauren Lemieux completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Lemieux is passionate about helping her patients reach their health goals using personalized nutrition, lifestyle and weight management strategies.
