Shinchon Dermatology: A Complete Guide to Mounjaro’s Effects (Weight Loss, Side Effects, and How to Inject It)

Hello.

This is Beauty Doctor Wi Young-jin.

Recently, the question I hear most often in consultations is

“the Mounjaro injection.”

Patients visiting Shinchon Dermatology also often ask

about the differences compared with Wegovy and Saxenda,

so I’ll summarize only the key points,

focusing on the parts that are easy to get confused about.

Q1. What exactly is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is

a dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Unlike existing single-agonist medications,

it uses two hormones at the same time to

• promote insulin secretion

• suppress appetite

• maintain fullness

In addition,

it also has an effect on improving insulin resistance,

so it is different from a simple appetite suppressant.

This is the key point we also explain

during consultations at Shinchon Dermatology.

Q2. How is it different from Wegovy and Saxenda?

The biggest difference is

that GIP action has been added.

Existing medications

• GLP-1 single action

Mounjaro

• GLP-1 + GIP dual action

GIP

• helps break down fat and improve metabolism

• assists appetite control

• helps reduce GLP-1 side effects (nausea)

As a result,

the effect is stronger,

and it is easier to adapt to.

In fact, at Shinchon Dermatology as well,

people who have already used injections

often say they feel a noticeable difference.

Q3. Why did it become famous as a diet injection?

Because it goes beyond simple blood sugar control

and has a very large weight-loss effect.

The mechanism works as follows.

• Hypothalamus in the brain → reduced hunger

• Slower stomach emptying → longer-lasting fullness

• Natural reduction in meal size

It is not a diet where you force yourself to endure hunger,

but a medication that creates a state of “eating less.”

In clinical studies,

cases of weight loss of up to more than 20% of body weight

have been reported.

At Shinchon Dermatology as well,

it is considered an important option

when discussing body-contouring management.

Q4. On average, how much weight can be lost?

Although it varies by person,

• about 10–20% body-weight reduction

• initial 4–8 weeks as an adjustment period

• noticeable increase after 3–6 months

In particular, many people tend to see faster weight loss

in the middle to later stages rather than at the beginning.

At Shinchon Dermatology as well,

we check not only weight changes

but also body fat percentage changes.

Q5. Can it be prescribed even if you do not have diabetes?

In some cases, yes.

However,

• BMI

• underlying conditions

• current health status

must be judged comprehensively.

It is only carried out when it meets medical criteria,

not simply for cosmetic purposes.

At Shinchon Dermatology as well,

after consultation we first determine whether it is appropriate.

Q6. How often is it injected, and where?

Once a week, subcutaneous injection

Injection sites

• abdomen

• thigh

• back of the upper arm

Rather than using only one area repeatedly,

alternating the injection sites

helps reduce irritation.

At Shinchon Dermatology,

we provide detailed instructions

on how to self-inject the first time.

Q7. How is the dosage adjusted?

• Start at 2.5 mg

• Gradual dose increases at 4-week intervals

👉 If a high dose is used suddenly,

side effects may increase,

so it is important to increase step by step.

At Shinchon Dermatology as well,

we adjust flexibly according to each person’s response.

Q8. What side effects are there?

The most common symptoms are digestive side effects.

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea / constipation

• Bloating

👉 Rather than suddenly reducing meal portions,

adapting gradually helps relieve symptoms.

Q9. What side effects should you be careful about?

They are rare, but you must know about them.

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder disease

• Impaired kidney function

👉 In particular, if persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, or fever occurs,

immediate medical attention is needed.

At Shinchon Dermatology as well,

this is always explained in advance.

Q10. Is the thyroid cancer risk real?

In animal studies,

cases of medullary thyroid cancer have been reported.

Therefore,

• personal or family history

• multiple endocrine neoplasia

👉 Use is restricted in such cases.

Q11. Do you lose muscle as well?

With rapid weight loss,

muscle loss may occur as well.

That is why it is important.

• Get enough protein

• Strength training 2–3 times per week

👉 More than just body weight,

body composition management is more important.

Q12. What is “Ozempic face”?

Due to rapid weight loss,

• reduction in facial fat

• hollow cheeks

• decreased skin elasticity

This is the phenomenon in which the face looks older.

At Shinchon Dermatology as well,

we emphasize the importance of controlling the rate

and combining treatments.

Q13. What about rebound weight gain?

If you stop the medication,

your appetite may increase again.

So the key is

to completely change your lifestyle

during the period of medication use

Q14. Why can treatment also be done at a dermatology clinic?

Obesity is not just a weight issue,

but a problem involving hormones and the metabolic system.

At Shinchon Dermatology as well,

we approach it in an integrated way,

along with body management and nutritional counseling.

Q15. Price and insurance coverage

• Non-covered treatment

• Costs vary by hospital and dosage

👉 At present, insurance coverage is limited.

Q16. How is treatment carried out?

The general process is as follows.

• Initial assessment (weight, body fat, health status)

• Start with a low dose

• Gradual dose increase

• Regular progress checks

At Shinchon Dermatology,

it is not just simple administration,

but carried out as a continuous management program.

Mounjaro is currently

one of the treatments showing

the strongest weight-loss effects.

However,

• side effect management

• lifestyle improvement

• ongoing management

must all go hand in hand.

It is most important to understand it

not as a “diet that ends with one injection,”

but as part of a treatment process.

Thank you for reading this long post.

This was Wi Young-jin.