MOUNJARO (TIRZEPATIDE): MECHANISMS OF ACTION, BENEFITS, RISKS, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH IN OBESITY TREATMENT

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease that requires continuous monitoring and therapeutic strategies capable of addressing its biological, behavioral, and social components. Among recent pharmacological advances, tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, stands out due to its simultaneous activity at glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, expanding the possibilities for managing excess body weight. This study is characterized as a qualitative and descriptive literature review aimed at analyzing the mechanisms of action of tirzepatide, its main benefits and risks, and the importance of multidisciplinary care in obesity treatment. The studies analyzed indicate that the medication can promote significant body weight reduction and improvements in different metabolic parameters when used in appropriately selected patients and combined with lifestyle interventions. However, its use requires monitoring because of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal events, as well as the need to consider contraindications, precautions, drug interactions, and individual patient characteristics. The findings also indicate that pharmacotherapy should not be understood as an isolated measure. Integration among medical, nutritional, psychological, nursing, and other professional care, according to individual needs, contributes to treatment adherence, dietary adequacy, physical activity, monitoring of adverse events, and the development of sustainable changes. It is concluded that tirzepatide represents a relevant pharmacological option for obesity treatment, although its benefits depend on appropriate indication, clinical monitoring, and inclusion within an individualized multidisciplinary therapeutic approach.