Treatment of Obesity (Weight Gain) | Lifestyle-Related Disease Risk and Weight-Loss Treatment (Mounjaro® Consultation)

■Symptoms

Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat accumulates to a degree that raises health concerns. Medically, a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 or higher is defined as “obesity.” Although it is often thought of as a matter of appearance (a cosmetic issue), it is in fact a medical condition that affects the health of the entire body.

You may notice symptoms such as feeling heavy, tiring easily, becoming short of breath easily, increased snoring, difficulty breathing during exercise, or strain on the knees and lower back. While traveling, changes in activity level and diet—as well as long periods of sitting or moving—can make these symptoms more noticeable.

Obesity itself is not a highly urgent condition, but as noted below it is closely associated with lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia, as well as with cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, etc.). In other words, obesity is not merely a matter of appearance—it is an important medical topic when it comes to preventing future illness.

■Causes

The main contributing factors include: 

・Lack of exercise and excessive energy intake (overeating, snacking, alcohol) 

・Disrupted lifestyle habits due to stress or lack of sleep 

・Sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea syndrome 

・Interaction with lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia 

・Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism 

・The effects of certain medications (such as steroids)

In most cases lifestyle habits are involved, but occasionally an underlying illness or medication may be the cause. It is important to evaluate the background of weight gain from a medical standpoint.

■When to Seek Care 【Seek care promptly】 

・Strong daytime sleepiness → possible sleep apnea syndrome 

・Rapid weight gain or generalized swelling (edema) → possible heart failure

【Can be monitored】

 ・Weight gain only, with no other symptoms and generally feeling well 

・No interference with daily life

 ・Able to exercise and stay active

That said, because obesity is associated with future health risks (lifestyle-related and cardiovascular diseases), we recommend a consultation—just to be safe—if you feel concerned or would like to discuss weight loss.

■What You Can Do

The foundation is reviewing your lifestyle habits. 

・Aim for a regular, balanced diet 

・Ensure adequate sleep 

・Continue moderate exercise 

・Avoid excessive alcohol intake 

※Extreme dietary restriction and diet methods of unclear scientific basis are not recommended.

When lifestyle changes alone are not enough to achieve sufficient weight loss, drug therapy may be considered under a physician’s judgment.

〔Evidence on Weight-Loss Treatment (Mounjaro® / tirzepatide)〕 

Mounjaro® (generic name: tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that acts on two receptors, GIP and GLP-1. It is thought to promote reduced food intake and weight loss through mechanisms such as suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying.

Key findings from the main clinical trials of tirzepatide for weight loss are as follows:

 ・SURMOUNT-1 trial (adults with obesity/overweight without diabetes, 72 weeks, overseas): the mean change in body weight was approximately −15% to −21% depending on the dose (about −3% with placebo). A high proportion of participants in each dose group also achieved weight loss of 5% or more (New England Journal of Medicine, 2022). 

・SURMOUNT-J trial (Japanese adults with obesity, 72 weeks): the mean change in body weight was about −17.8% in the 10 mg group and about −22.7% in the 15 mg group (about −1.7% with placebo), demonstrating a significant weight-loss effect in Japanese participants as well (presented at the 45th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity).

However, effects and side effects vary from person to person. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and reduced appetite may occur, and rare cases of acute pancreatitis and gallbladder-related symptoms have been reported. This treatment is not suitable for everyone.

【Important Note (Regulatory Status in Japan)】

In Japan, Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is approved as a treatment for “type 2 diabetes.” Use for the purpose of obesity or weight loss itself is not covered by health insurance (self-pay / off-label use). Note that a separate product using the same active ingredient (tirzepatide), “Zepbound®,” is also approved in Japan as a treatment for obesity. Any drug therapy aimed at weight loss is considered only after a physician’s examination, with an explanation of eligibility, risks, and costs, and with the patient’s informed consent.

■Our Services

Our clinic can provide the following: 

・Consultations in English 

・Physician examination and health-risk assessment 

・Physical evaluation 

・Blood tests as needed 

・Advice on lifestyle habits 

・Evaluation of obesity-related conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea syndrome, etc.) 

・Consultation regarding weight-loss treatment 

・Assessment of eligibility for, and consultation on prescribing, GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists (Mounjaro® [tirzepatide])※

※Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) may be prescribed when, after examination, a physician determines it to be appropriate. When used for the purpose of weight loss, it is provided as self-pay care (off-label use). It is not suitable for everyone. The effects, side effects, risks, and costs will be explained at the time of your visit.

■Appointments

Our clinic in Shinsaibashi, Osaka welcomes international travelers with confidence. Same-day consultations and English-language service are available. Please contact us by phone, WhatsApp, or email.

At International Clinic Osaka Shinsaibashi (ICOS), we offer English-capable care including health consultations related to obesity, evaluation of lifestyle-related diseases, and consultations on weight-loss treatment. International travelers are also welcome to use our services with peace of mind.

Address: Zenith Building 4F, 1-13-25 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka Phone: +81-6-6484-6392 Email: c.icos@international-clinic-osaka.com