New Obesity Treatment Available in Australia: Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide
By Ian Rogers
Australians living with obesity or overweight and associated health conditions now have access to a new treatment option, as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has expanded the use of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) beyond its initial approval for type 2 diabetes.
The medication is now approved for chronic weight management, including weight loss and maintenance, for adults with:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity), or
- A BMI of 27 to 30 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one related health issue, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, prediabetes, or sleep apnoea.
Mounjaro is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Healthcare professionals have welcomed this expansion, citing the urgent need to address Australia’s growing obesity crisis. Associate Professor Samantha Hocking from the Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, stated, “Obesity is a serious, progressive disease that requires long-term management, just like any other chronic illness.” She emphasized that medication for weight management can significantly improve long-term health outcomes, shifting the focus away from cosmetic motivations.
Currently, one-third of Australian adults are living with obesity (BMI ≥ 30), and approximately two-thirds fall within the overweight (BMI ≥ 25) or obesity categories. Due to stigma and outdated views on weight management, many individuals are reluctant to seek medical advice and, as a result, do not receive appropriate care. Prof. Hocking highlighted that “eating less and moving more” is often insufficient for many people in achieving long-term healthy weight goals, underscoring the need for evidence-based medical interventions like Mounjaro.
The Mounjaro® medication works by mimicking two hormones, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which help promote fullness and regulate blood sugar levels. Although available only through private prescription and not yet listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Mounjaro offers a promising new approach for chronic weight management.
A modest 5% reduction in body weight can significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related complications, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Eli Lilly Australia, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, is advocating for broader access to the medication through the PBS.
Tori Brown, General Manager of Eli Lilly Australia, emphasized the importance of Mounjaro as a tool in tackling the obesity epidemic, which poses serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnoea. She also highlighted the potential economic benefits of such treatments, which may enhance productivity and community health.
Lilly is also scaling up global production of Mounjaro and other incretin-based medicines to meet increasing demand, with a 150% increase in global production expected by the second half of 2024. Brown reaffirmed Lilly’s commitment to ensuring a stable supply of Mounjaro for Australian patients.
For more information on Mounjaro, visit the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
For more health news, click here.
