Medically reviewed by Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Medical Director, Vivardi Clinics. MBBS (AIMST), LCP-Certified Aesthetic Physician, Cert. Men’s Health. Last reviewed June 2026.
Care at Vivardi is provided by our team of qualified doctors. This page is for general education and does not replace a personal consultation.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist available via private prescription in Malaysia. Unlike semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus), Mounjaro activates two gut hormone pathways simultaneously, making it significantly more effective for weight loss. Clinical trials (SURMOUNT programme) showed average weight reduction of 15–22.5% of body weight over 72 weeks — the highest weight loss efficacy recorded for any approved weight loss medication to date.
All three medications are injectable GLP-1-based weight loss treatments — with a key distinction for Mounjaro. Ozempic and Rybelsus (semaglutide) activate only the GLP-1 receptor. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) additionally activates the GIP receptor, which works synergistically to reduce appetite more powerfully, improve insulin sensitivity further, and promote greater fat loss. In head-to-head trials, Mounjaro produces significantly greater weight loss than semaglutide-based medications.
In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, participants without diabetes lost an average of 15.0% (5mg), 19.5% (10mg), and 20.9% (15mg) of their body weight over 72 weeks. Real-world results vary, but many patients achieve 15–25% weight reduction. A person weighing 90kg could expect to lose 13–23kg over the treatment period. Weight maintenance after stopping requires sustained lifestyle changes — ongoing treatment or transition to a lower-dose maintenance programme may be needed.
The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and reduced appetite — particularly during dose escalation. These typically improve after the first few weeks. Starting at the lowest dose (2.5mg) and increasing slowly every 4 weeks helps minimise side effects. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis and, theoretically, thyroid C-cell tumours (based on animal studies). A full medical assessment is done before prescribing.
Yes. Mounjaro is a prescription-only medication in Malaysia. At Vivardi Clinics, our doctors conduct a full metabolic assessment — including BMI, blood glucose, HbA1c, and medical history review — before prescribing Mounjaro. Regular monthly follow-ups are required to monitor weight, side effects, and metabolic markers throughout treatment. We also provide dietary guidance to maximise results during treatment.