Jump to: What is multiple sclerosis? | MS and obesity | Can Mounjaro help manage MS? | Take home message
You can take Mounjaro (tirzepatide) if you have multiple sclerosis (MS) and a BMI over 30 or 27 with other weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Research suggests that weight management could play a significant role in managing MS symptoms and potentially slowing disease progression.
A study of over 1,000 people with MS found that those with obesity at diagnosis experienced faster disability progression compared to those without obesity.
The research showed that people with obesity reached significant disability milestones nearly 6 months earlier than those maintaining a healthy weight.
The connection between MS and weight is complex and bidirectional. MS can make it harder to maintain a healthy weight due to factors like reduced mobility, medication side effects, and fatigue.
Conversely, excess weight can exacerbate MS symptoms through multiple pathways.
While no studies have directly investigated Mounjaro’s effects on MS, its ability to support significant weight loss and improve metabolic health could potentially benefit people living with MS who also have a higher BMI.
If you’re considering Mounjaro while living with MS, it’s essential to:
- Discuss this option with your neurologist and MS care team
- Continue your prescribed MS medications
- Monitor your symptoms carefully
- Make gradual lifestyle changes and lose weight slowly at a rate of around 0.5 – 1lb per week
- Eat a diet based on whole foods
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (myelin) around nerve fibres, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Vision problems
- Balance and coordination difficulties
- Cognitive changes
- Numbness or tingling
- Problems with bladder control
MS affects approximately 130,000 people in the UK, with Scotland having one of the highest rates of MS globally. The condition is typically diagnosed between 20-40 and is more common in women than men.
MS and obesity
The relationship between MS and obesity involves complex biological mechanisms. Research has revealed several key pathways through which obesity can influence MS:
- Chronic inflammation: Obesity creates a state of low-grade, chronic inflammation in the body. This increases levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, which may worsen MS symptoms and accelerate disease progression.
- Adipokines: Fat tissue produces hormones called adipokines that can influence immune function. In obesity, elevated leptin levels and other adipokines have been linked to increased autoimmune activity in MS.
- Gut microbiome: Obesity can alter the balance of bacteria in our gut, which plays a crucial role in immune system function. These changes may increase inflammation and affect MS progression through various immune pathways.
- Vitamin D: People with obesity often have lower vitamin D levels, which is particularly concerning for MS patients as vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating immune function and protecting against disease progression.
Impact on MS progression
Recent research provides compelling evidence about the relationship between weight and MS progression.
A study of newly diagnosed MS patients found that people with obesity reached disability milestones 5.7 months earlier than those without obesity.
Additionally, the risk of reaching significant disability was 35% for those with obesity compared to 14% for those without.
These effects remained significant even after accounting for factors like age, sex, and smoking.
Can Mounjaro help manage MS?
Mounjaro is a dual-action medication that mimics two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
Randomised controlled trials show it can support an average weight loss of around 26% after one year.
While no studies have specifically examined Mounjaro’s effects on MS, its mechanisms of action could potentially benefit people with MS in several ways:
1. Reduced inflammation: Weight loss can lower systemic inflammation, which might help manage MS symptoms.
2. Improved metabolic health: Better blood sugar control could support overall health and potentially influence MS progression.
3. Enhanced mobility: Significant weight loss might make movement easier and reduce fatigue.
Things to consider before taking Mounjaro with MS
If you’re considering Mounjaro while living with MS, you should work closely with your healthcare team to monitor both your MS symptoms and response to Mounjaro.
Make lifestyle changes gradually and aim to lose weight slowly at a rate of around 0.5-1lb per week.
Additionally, you should eat a diet rich in whole foods lower in ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugar.
A diet rich in protein, fibre, and fat from whole foods will help lower inflammation in the body and manage MS-related symptoms.
Take home message
While Mounjaro hasn’t explicitly been studied in people with MS, evidence suggests that weight management could play a crucial role in managing MS progression.
The research showing accelerated disability progression in people with obesity highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight when living with MS.
Success depends on working closely with your healthcare team and taking a comprehensive approach to your health, including appropriate nutrition, physical activity, and stress management.
Second Nature’s medication-supported 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.
