If you've been doing it all, counting calories, sweating through workouts at the gym and the scale still isn't moving, don't worry. For a lot of people, weight loss has nothing to do with willpower; it's got everything to do with biology. You might have heard the buzz around Mounjaro, perhaps your friend has been talking about it, or you saw it pop up on social media. But what in the world is Mounjaro, and can it actually work for weight loss, even if you don't have diabetes?

For the millions who suffer from obesity, weight loss has long been a Sisyphean task of diets, disillusionment, and defeat. But a new generation of medications, initially developed for diabetes, is rewriting that script. Leading the charge is Mounjaro—a injectable medication that has shown an incredible knack for suppressing appetite, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and encouraging sustained weight loss.

So, what is Mounjaro, anyway? Is it safe? How much does it cost? And is it right for you? Here's the lowdown—supported by science, informed by experts.

What Is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a brand name for tirzepatide, an injectable weekly treatment first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the control of Type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, its potent effect on body weight has triggered an off-label rush for people without diabetes but with obesity or conditions of metabolic connection.

In contrast to old weight-loss drugs that act on metabolism or suppress appetite as their primary mechanism, Mounjaro acts upon two key hormones: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These control the release of insulin and sensations of fullness. Through the mimicry of their action, Mounjaro decreases hunger and enhances control of blood sugar—two key obstacles in successful weight maintenance.

How Mounjaro Works?

The key to Mounjaro's success is tirzepatide, a dual-acting peptide that acts on receptors in your brain and stomach. When taken, it sets in motion a chain reaction of signals that say to your brain, "You're full," basically cutting back on cravings and overeating.

But that's not all, mounjaro also makes your body more responsive to insulin. In individuals with obesity, insulin resistance is frequent and can render weight loss dishearteningly slow. By enhancing insulin action, Mounjaro makes the body better able to control blood sugar and store less fat.

In a sense, Mounjaro doesn't simply allow you to eat less—it allows your body to use what you eat more efficiently.

Who Can Use Mounjaro for Weight Loss?

Mounjaro is approved by the FDA for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, but physicians can prescribe it off-label to individuals with:

A BMI of 30 or more (considered obese), or

A BMI of 27 or more with one or more weight-related health factors, including high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Off-label prescribing is legal and widespread. Numerous medicines—from antidepressants to seizure medication—are commonly prescribed for different uses when clinical evidence is available.

But Mounjaro is not appropriate for all. Individuals who have had thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or gallbladder disease should be careful. Should you be thinking of Mounjaro, complete medical assessment must be done prior to initiation of therapy.

How Much Weight Can You Lose on Mounjaro?

In the largest clinical trial, over 2,500 patients with obesity or overweight were given Mounjaro for 72 weeks (approximately 1.5 years). The patients on the 5 mg dosage lost 15% of their body weight on average. The higher doses had even more weight loss.

Non-diabetic participants also experienced substantial benefits, especially with the addition of lifestyle modifications such as more physical activity and a healthy diet. With regularity and supervision, Mounjaro provides long-term, clinically relevant weight loss—not fleeting outcomes.

How to Use Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is available in a pre-filled, one-time-use injection pen. You administer it once a week, ideally on the same day every week. Injection sites that are commonly used are:

• Abdomen
• Thigh
• Outer upper arm

Physicians usually start at 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, then increase stepwise by 2.5 mg per month to a target dose (in most cases, 10 mg or 15 mg). This stepwise titration minimizes side effects while optimizing efficacy. Take care to change injection sites to avoid irritation and not inject into scarred or bruised skin.

Potential Side Effects of Mounjaro

As is the case with most prescription drugs, Mounjaro can cause side effects—particularly within the first few weeks. The most frequent are gastrointestinal, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Constipation

In some instances, more severe side effects have occurred, including:

• Pancreatitis
• Inflammation of the gallbladder or gallstones
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Kidney issues because of dehydration
• Worsening in eye conditions in individuals with diabetes
• Elevated heart rate
• Reactions at the injection site

Mounjaro also has an FDA boxed warning for a rare risk of thyroid C-cell tumors from rodent studies. Although this has not been established in humans, the warning cautions against use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

How Much Does Mounjaro Cost?

The price for Mounjaro can be quite variable depending on:

• Insurance coverage
• Pharmacy location
• Off-label use status

In the United States, without insurance, Mounjaro can range from $1,000 to $1,300 monthly. Yet, most patients can cut costs with:

• Manufacturer coupons (if qualified)
• Savings programs or discount cards
• Pharmacy benefit coverage (especially for treatment of Type 2 diabetes)

Note: If used off-label for weight loss, some insurance providers might not pay for the medication. Discuss with your provider and pharmacist to learn about affordability options.

Where to Get Mounjaro for Weight Loss?

If you're considering Mounjaro as part of your weight loss strategy, start by speaking with your primary care doctor, endocrinologist, or obesity medicine specialist.

If deemed medically appropriate, they will prescribe it and show you how to use the injection pen. It’s essential to have your lab tests monitored periodically during treatment and to follow dosage adjustments carefully.

Obesity is not a case of willpower. It is a chronic, complex disease related to metabolic, hormonal, and genetic factors. Mounjaro presents a new avenue for the treatment of this disease—especially for those who have not responded to lifestyle modifications alone.

Even so, Mounjaro isn't a panacea. The most ideal outcomes occur when medication is paired with:

• Healthy diet
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Behavioral support or counseling

For individuals with extreme weight issues, it could be the game-changer they've been hoping for.

Mounjaro is changing the face of how healthcare professionals treat weight loss, particularly for individuals with obesity and insulin resistance. Being able to suppress appetite, enhance blood sugar control, and facilitate sustainable weight loss, it's fast becoming one of the most promising weapons in the battle against ongoing metabolic disease.

However, as with any powerful tool, it must be utilized wisely, under professional guidance, and as part of an holistic health plan. If you're curious whether Mounjaro is for you, the best place to start is an open conversation with your doctor.

Heart failure has quietly emerged as one of India’s most serious and underestimated health challenges, driven by a rise in hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and delayed diagnosis of heart disease.

Due to a shortage of donor organs and a long waiting period before receiving the right treatment, end-stage heart failure patients in India faced a lot of difficulties a few years ago.

Today, advancements in heart transplant techniques are changing the situation from what was once an untreatable condition to a second chance at life.

Data from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) shows a significant year-on-year rise in heart transplants, with 253 transplants done in 2024, showcasing improved organ donation awareness, better coordination between hospitals, and stronger transplant networks.

What was once considered the only option is now emerging as a life-saving solution, offering patients not just a second chance but a return to a more meaningful and active life.

Why Are Heart Transplants Needed?

A heart transplant offers hope and gives a second life to patients whose hearts no longer support the body even after the best available medical aid.

Although it is never performed instantly, it becomes necessary whenever conditions of the heart result in end-stage heart failure, where the pumping function of the heart is compromised.

Also read: Harish Rana’s Family Donated His Heart Valves And Corneas After His Death From Passive Euthanasia

When medications and modern technologies cannot supply an adequate amount of blood and oxygen to the organs, patients experience extreme breathlessness, fluid buildup, fatigue, and repeated hospitalizations, making even simple activities like walking, eating, or lying flat exhausting.

As the flow of blood continues to deteriorate, failure is also expected in other vital organs such as the kidneys and liver. It is at this point that the transplantation of the donor heart is considered the only treatment option to ensure that the blood flow is normalized.

How Heart Transplantation Transforms Life?

Heart transplant is not just a surgical replacement of a failing organ, but a complete life restoration for patients with end-stage heart failure.

Its benefits include:

• Normalizes Heart Functioning: A healthy donor heart can immediately restore normal and effective blood flow. This will reduce weakness and fatigue that makes carrying out everyday tasks rather difficult.
• Enhances Survival Rates: Patients diagnosed with end-stage heart failure can only experience the best post-transplant survival outcomes when they undergo the transplant procedure as compared to other medical treatments.
• Enhances Quality of Life: The patients are able to attain independence once again as they are able to walk, sleep, travel, and socialize with their families and friends.
• Prevents Frequent Hospitalization: The successful transplant procedure prevents constant hospitalization, especially in cases with deteriorating heart failure, infections, and organ dysfunction.
• Protects Other Vital Organs: By restoring adequate blood flow, heart transplantation helps reverse damage to the kidneys, liver, and lungs caused by prolonged heart failure
• Permits Return to Normal Roles and Responsibilities: Patients regain their ability to work, take care of others, and carry out their daily responsibilities, which helps their emotional well-being.

Scottish Olympic legend Liz McColgan has warned athletes to wear sun protection during their training hours to protect their skin from “lasting consequences”.

Liz McColgan shared the health warning to athletes after undergoing surgery to remove lesions on her face.

The Olympic silver medalist from Dundee shared post-surgery photographs on the social media platform Instagram and lamented that, as a young runner, she never focused on wearing sun protection.

Avoiding sun cream because she felt it made her "sweat more" was her “ignorance”, said the 61-year-old former athlete.

“As a young athlete, I trained and raced in all weathers. Sun protection was never something I gave much thought to. In fact, I avoided it. I didn’t like the feeling of creams on my skin - I thought they made me sweat more, so I convinced myself I was better off without them. Looking back, that was ignorance,” Liz McColgan said.

“Recently, I had to undergo surgery to remove two lesions on my face. It was a stark reminder that the choices we make early on - especially the ones we dismiss as unimportant - can have lasting consequences,” she added.

Liz McColgan noted that athletes keep all their focus on "performance - mileage, sessions, recovery, nutrition”, but simple things like protecting their skin are often ignored.

“Yet it’s just as much a part of our overall health and wellbeing as any training session,” she said.

Sharing the health message to both young and old athletes, McColgan said, “Take sun protection seriously. Whether you’re training, racing, or even just spending time outdoors, protecting your skin matters.”

McColgan won a silver medal in the same event at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. In 1991, she went on to win the 10,000m World Championships title in Tokyo.

Also read:5 Simple Do's And Don'ts For Healthy Skin

Why Sunscreen Is Essential

Using sunscreen protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes

• skin cancer,
• premature aging,
• painful sunburns.

Should Sunscreen Be Used Indoors Too?

Sunscreen is meant to be part of a daily skincare routine. But most people reach for sunscreen when heading to the beach or stepping out for a long day in the sun.

According to dermatologists, sunlight can still reach you indoors.

Dr Khushboo Jha, Chief Dermatologist Consultant at Metro Hospital, explains that sunlight entering through windows can still affect the skin.

“While standard window glass blocks most UVB rays, which cause sunburn, UVA rays can still pass through. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to long-term concerns such as premature aging, uneven pigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity,” she said.

These UVA rays are often overlooked because they do not cause immediate redness or burning like UVB rays. However, over time, they can lead to visible signs of skin aging and pigmentation.

Also read: Why Should You Must Apply Sunscreen Inside A Plane?

A Practical Approach To Daily Skincare

Dermatologists suggest viewing sunscreen as a preventive skincare habit rather than a rigid rule.

Dr Jha recommends incorporating sunscreen into your morning routine, particularly if your day includes stepping outdoors or spending time in naturally lit environments.

In simple terms, if daylight reaches your workspace or you plan to go outside later in the day, applying sunscreen in the morning is a small step that can help protect your skin over time.

Many men believe that as long as they feel healthy, active, and free from major illness, their fertility remains intact. While men do not have a sudden fertility cut-off like women, age still plays an important role when it comes to male fertility. Currently, a large number of men wish to start families later in life, often thinking their good health guarantees easy conception and fatherhood. They often neglect the age factor, even though it is linked to hormonal imbalance, stress, and genetic issues. A large number of men are unaware of their fertility health and continue to suffer. However, even in the absence of visible health problems, older men may face unexpected fertility challenges. Dr Madhukar J Shinde, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, PCMC, Pune, answered this for Health and Me.

Read more: The Overlooked Role of Men in IVF: Why Their Silent Strength Is Key to Fertility Success

Why do older men struggle with infertility?

Decline in sperm quality: Various studies have confirmed that as men age, sperm count, movement, and shape can slowly decline. Even if the numbers appear normal, DNA damage in sperm increases with age, which can reduce the chances of successful fertilisation.

1. Hormonal imbalance: It is important to note that testosterone levels naturally decrease over time. Lower testosterone can affect sperm production, sexual function, and overall reproductive performance, even when a man feels physically fit.
2. Some medical conditions tend to take a toll on fertility: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disorders become more common with age. These may be well-managed and symptom-free, but can still affect sperm health and fertility.
3. Stress and other lifestyle factors can impact fertility: Chronic stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, or exposure to pollution can take a toll on sperm quality and lead to fertility issues that can be worrisome for men. Preservatives in a lot of frozen and junk food not only contribute to poor fertility health, but research suggests they may also affect DNA function. Therefore, men should stay vigilant.
4. Genetic issues: Advanced paternal age is associated with a higher risk of genetic mutations in sperm. This can further affect embryo development and increase the risk of miscarriage or certain developmental conditions.

Men must stay in touch with a fertility consultant who can design an appropriate treatment plan. The expert will evaluate them thoroughly and suggest lifestyle modifications such as a well-balanced diet, exercise, stress management through meditation, and medication for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. Awareness helps men take informed steps towards parenthood, even later in life. Certain pre-medications, including antioxidants advised by a fertility consultant, may significantly help in reducing DNA fragmentation, which contributes to poor sperm function. Therefore, men should prioritise their reproductive health, stay informed, and not suffer in silence.