26-05-2025
On Mounjaro, US comedian Rosie O'Donnell shows off weight loss: Is the drug safe for 60-plus women?
American comedian and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell, 63, stunned everybody with her weight loss transformation post, looking visibly slender from her plump self that viewers have been used to. She made an admission too, that she had been on the weight loss drug tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro. 'I can't believe this is me now,' she captioned the photo.
In an earlier interaction on social media, she had said, 'I've lost more weight. I am on Mounjaro for my diabetes and one of the side effects is you lose weight.' Apart from medication, she also switched over to home-cooked meals, avoided sugar and drank more water. What makes her two-year journey unique is the fact that she started on her weight loss journey after 60. The question is should a 60-year-old, post-menopausal woman start on a regime of Mounjaro? 'Yes, it is perfectly safe to start Mounjaro at that age,' says Dr Richa Chaturvedi, endocrinologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
Mounjaro or tirzepatide, which is now available in India, mimics the function of natural hormones GIP and GLP-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.
Current clinical trials have shown similar efficacy and safety profiles for all test cases over the age of 18. However, due to age-related metabolism and co-morbidities, older patients may need a more customised approach. 'It is safe for people over 60 but we generally do not prescribe it for those over 70 because there are limited studies on this,' says Dr Anoop Misra, chairman, Fortis C-DOC for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, New Delhi.
He advises caution. 'Tirzepatide should not be used by people with type 1 diabetes, severe kidney or liver disease, personal or family history of thyroid cancer and severe gastrointestinal disorders like pancreatitis,' he says. Also a protocol would depend on what other medication the patient is on.
A UK study by Voy and the Imperial College of London has shown that women over 55 outperform even younger people on weight loss drugs. That's because they tracked their health better. 'If taking Mounjaro at a late age, make sure that the patient has a high-protein diet to stabilise blood sugar and preserve lean muscle mass. If the elderly lose muscle mass, they become more prone to falls and broken bones. Rapid weight loss can cause bones to lose density and strength. This has to be coupled with strength training. Some squats, lunges, calf raises and weight routines should be done other than walking,' says Dr Chaturvedi.
As these drugs can induce stomach paralysis, users, according to her, should have enough water as dehydration can cause the elderly to feel faint and fall.
