Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro — currently the most effective weight loss medication available in Australia. It's the first dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, targeting two gut hormone pathways simultaneously for enhanced weight loss and metabolic improvement.
How tirzepatide works
Unlike semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) which only targets GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors:
- GLP-1 pathway: Reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, regulates blood sugar — the same mechanism as semaglutide
- GIP pathway: Enhances fat metabolism, improves energy expenditure, and provides additional insulin sensitisation. This second pathway appears to be what produces the extra weight loss over semaglutide alone.
Clinical results
The SURMOUNT programme showed tirzepatide at the 15mg dose produces:
- Average weight loss of 22.5% over 72 weeks
- Over 50% of participants losing 20%+ of body weight
- Over a third losing 25%+ — approaching surgical weight loss territory
For a 100kg person, that's approximately 22kg lost over 17 months. These results surpass every other non-surgical weight loss treatment.
Tirzepatide in Australia
Available as Mounjaro, TGA-approved for both weight management and type 2 diabetes. Not PBS-listed for weight loss. Costs $350–$500/month on private prescription.
Multiple telehealth providers prescribe Mounjaro with delivery to your door.