Filmmaker's Hansal Mehta's Mounjaro journey: Is it safe for prediabetes?
As filmmaker Hansal Mehta detailed his 10-kg weight loss journey with his use of Mounjaro to address his pre-diabetes and body weight, and a determined lifestyle shift, many patients asked me if the regime he posted on his social media handle can work well with a cross-section of people. But let me tell you, what works for one may not work for another and each use of a weight loss drug has not only to be medically supervised but customised to your condition.
Is Mounjaro good for prediabetes?
Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, mimics the function of natural hormones GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) and GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). It has a double effect, of increasing insulin secretion in response to food intake and improving glucose control and weight loss. It is officially approved for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss in people with obesity or overweight plus related health conditions.
Using it for prediabetes is off-label — which can still be appropriate — but should always involve careful clinical oversight. Research suggests it may also help prevent the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes, especially in individuals with obesity or who are overweight. Remember its use depends on how severe your condition is,
your age, other drugs you're taking to lower blood sugar levels and other conditions you may have. Also it's not a substitute for lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Is Mounjaro sustainable long-term?
GLP-1/GIP medications can result in weight regain if stopped without a solid maintenance plan. Lifestyle must remain the foundation of metabolic health. Many patients forget that both have to be in tandem and do not link weight loss with weight maintenance. While the drug does half the work, the other work depends on individual agency.
To that extent, the filmmaker did take positive steps. For example, a high-protein diet stabilizes blood sugar and preserves lean muscle.Strength training is not a difficult deal either. A simple strength training routine for weight loss involves squats, lunges, push-ups with light cardio like walking or cycling. This can be done every alternate day of the week. Equal importance has to be given to hydration and sleep hygiene. Water facilitates the kidneys' ability to filter excess glucose and dilute blood sugar. Poor sleep can increase insulin resistance, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Deep sleep enhances insulin sensitivity and improves glucose absorption
Is intermittent fasting a good option?
Though intermittent fasting is popular, I believe the primary target should be to restrict calories daily.
Exercise caution on supplements
NMN and Resveratrol supplements, as mentioned by the filmmaker, are promising in the longevity field, but still lack large-scale human data. Anyone considering them should consult a healthcare provider, especially if on other medications.
The emphasis on destigmatising the use of metabolic medication is important. Weight gain, insulin resistance and prediabetes aren't just lifestyle issues — they're also deeply tied to genetics and biology. Using the right tools with medical guidance is nothing to be ashamed of.
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