Do you gain weight back after stopping Mounjaro?

Recently, you may have heard about Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and its potential to aid in weight loss. If you're considering using this medication, you might have questions about its effectiveness and what happens once you stop using it. In this article, we'll explore how Mounjaro works, address concerns about weight gain after you stop using it and answer other frequently asked questions about this treatment.

Key Takeaways

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this article about gaining weight back after you have stopped using Mounjaro:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues.

• Mounjaro reduces appetite by delaying gastric emptying, regulates blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption, boosts metabolic rate by activating specific receptors, and improves insulin sensitivity by modulating GIP receptors.

• After stopping Mounjaro, some individuals may regain weight due to the loss of appetite-suppressing and metabolic-boosting effects, leading to increased hunger and decreased energy expenditure.

• The decrease in GLP-1 and GIP hormone levels after discontinuing Mounjaro can contribute to increased appetite and potential weight gain.

• To effectively maintain weight after stopping Mounjaro, it is essential to consume a healthy, well-balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity and consult with healthcare professionals for personalised advice and support.

What is Mounjaro a treatment for?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a medication used to support weight loss. It is designed to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier weight by regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. This medication is particularly useful for those who struggle with obesity or weight-related health issues and are looking for an effective solution to manage their weight. The best results with Mounjaro are achieved when it is used alongside a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro supports weight loss in a number of different ways. It reduces appetite by delaying gastric emptying, which promotes a sense of fullness and naturally reduces calorie intake. This also helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of glucose from food. Mounjaro also increases energy expenditure by activating receptors that boost the metabolic rate and aid in calorie burning. It also improves insulin sensitivity by modulating GIP receptors, enhancing glucose utilisation and contributing to sustained satiety and weight maintenance (Singh, 2024).

Do you gain weight back after stopping Mounjaro?

Stopping Mounjaro may result in weight regain for some individuals. This is because the appetite-suppressing and metabolic-boosting effects of the medication are no longer active, potentially leading to an increase in appetite and a decrease in energy expenditure. Here are some of the reasons as to why you may experience weight gain when you stop using Mounjaro.

A decrease in GLP-1 & GIP hormones

When you stop taking Mounjaro there is a potential for weight gain due to a decrease in the levels of GLP-1 and GIP hormones. Mounjaro works by increasing these hormone levels to help regulate appetite and food intake. Once you stop using the medication the hormone levels drop, which can lead to increased hunger and potential weight gain (Hannemann, 2024).

Lifestyle factors:

Poor diet

If you do not stick to good dietary habits then it is possible that you can gain weight after you stop using Mounjaro. 

Lack of physical activity

Similarly, if you do not continue to burn the calories you consume after you stop using Mounjaro via exercise then you may experience weight gain.

How to maintain weight effectively after stopping Mounjaro?

To maintain weight effectively after stopping Mounjaro, consider the following strategies:

Consume a healthy and well-balanced diet

Focus on eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This helps ensure your body gets the essential nutrients it needs while keeping your calorie intake in check, according to the NHS. 

Get more active regularly

Engage in regular physical activity to help maintain your weight. The NHS recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, which can be broken into shorter sessions if needed.

Consult with your doctor or nutritionist

Regular consultations with healthcare professionals can provide personalised advice and support. They can help you develop a sustainable plan that suits your individual needs and lifestyle.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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Sources

Do you gain weight back after stopping Mounjaro? - Drugs.com

What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs? - BBC