Jump to: What is fatty liver disease? | How does Mounjaro help with fatty liver disease? | Take home message
You can take Mounjaro if you have fatty liver disease (or non-alcoholic fatty liver, NAFLD), as randomised controlled trials have shown that it can significantly improve the condition and lower liver fat levels.
A study investigating the impact of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) on people living with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease showed that 62% of those on the 15 mg dose completely resolved their condition, and liver function returned to normal.
The 5 and 10 mg doses of Mounjaro also saw a significant number of participants reverse their condition.
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is a condition characterised by high levels of fat deposits in the liver, which gradually reduce liver function.
It’s broken down into several stages, each defined by liver fat levels and the extent of impaired liver function.
The different stages of fatty liver disease are as follows:
- Simple fatty liver – steatosis
- Liver fat level: More than 5% of liver cells contain fat deposits
- Liver function: Generally normal, with no inflammation or scarring
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Liver fat level: Significant fat accumulation, typically more than simple steatosis
- Liver function: Inflammation is present, and early signs of liver dysfunction may appear. Fibrosis (an accumulation of fibrous tissue) can begin to develop at this stage.
- Cirrhosis
- Liver fat level: Extensive fat accumulation throughout the liver
- Liver function: Significantly impaired with high level of fibrosis. This stage represents advanced liver disease and can lead to liver failure and other serious complications.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver has many potential causes, but generally, it’s caused by excessive calorie consumption over time, particularly the consumption of ultra-processed foods and added sugar.
The liver plays a central role in nutrient metabolism, acting as a ‘metabolic hub’. Most nutrients absorbed from the intestines pass through the liver via the portal vein before entering the general circulation.
The liver processes these nutrients, storing some for later use and releasing others into the bloodstream.
Carbohydrates are converted to glycogen or fatty acids, while fat is packaged into lipoproteins (lipoproteins act like small boats that carry fat and cholesterol around the body).
Ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars are rapidly digested by the body and ‘overload’ the liver with fat and carbohydrates it struggles to manage.
Over time, fatty deposits form in the liver, and fat levels gradually increase as the liver struggles to manage the excess energy consumed.
These foods also contribute to insulin resistance development, directly contributing to more liver fat accumulation.
Research also suggests high saturated fat consumption can increase liver fat storage more than unsaturated fats.
However, this is likely when we consume saturated fat in ultra-processed foods, like frozen pizza and microwave meals, rather than whole or minimally processed foods like meat and dairy.
Similarly, consuming sugar from fruit is unlikely to contribute to fatty liver development when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
How does Mounjaro help with fatty liver disease?
Data from randomised controlled trials has shown that weight loss significantly improves liver fat levels and function.
When we lose body fat, the body utilises different fat storage sites, including visceral fat in the liver and subcutaneous fat beneath the skin.
Reducing visceral fat levels in the liver during weight loss can improve liver function and may even resolve conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
In later stages of fatty liver disease, such as fibrosis or cirrhosis, complete resolution or reversal of the condition may not be possible due to irreversible damage.
However, losing weight and reducing liver fat levels can still enhance liver function, even for those with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Mounjaro has been shown to support significant weight loss of up to 26% of body weight.
Mounjaro works by mimicking the hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which reduce hunger and appetite. This lower hunger means we eat fewer calories and can lose weight over time.
Recent research has specifically investigated the impact of Mounjaro on fatty liver disease and the results are very promising.
One study randomised 190 participants with fatty liver disease to either 5, 10, or 15 mg of Mounjaro or placebo.
The results showed that after one year, all three doses of Mounjaro led to a high number of participants achieving complete resolution of their fatty liver disease (MASH).
Strikingly, the 15 mg dose of Mounjaro saw 62% of participants on the medication resolve their condition.
So, if you’re living with fatty liver disease and have a BMI of over 27, Mounjaro could be a viable treatment for you to lose weight, improve your health, and potentially resolve your fatty liver disease.
Take home message
Weight-loss injections are most effective when combined with a healthier lifestyle. They can help kickstart weight loss while you commit to developing healthier habits.
Mounjaro and other weight loss injections, like Ozempic and Wegovy, can allow you to make lifestyle changes to support long-term weight loss.
These medications can help silence food-related thoughts and give you a boost of confidence with more immediate weight-loss results.
They can also buy you the time and headspace to understand why your body may have struggled to lose weight and build new long-term healthy habits.
These healthy habits may provide a strong foundation during a psychological treatment for depression, like CBT.
Second Nature’s medication programmes
Second Nature has two medication-supported programmes: a Wegovy weight-loss programme and a Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other medication providers if you’ve decided to try Mounjaro or Wegovy (assuming you’re eligible)?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Wegovy and Mounjaro weight-loss programmes are private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programmes focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
