Mounjaro Weight Loss Week-by-Week Guide

In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect when using Mounjaro for weight loss, week by week. We’ll look at how your dosage may increase as your treatment progresses, what changes you might notice during each stage and how you can optimise your results every step of the way. As well as this, we will also answer a number of frequently asked questions that we get asked about Mounjaro and its effectiveness over time. If you’re considering starting Mounjaro, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right choice for your weight loss journey.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about Mounjaro results week by week:

• Mounjaro uses a structured titration schedule to gradually increase dosages from 2.5mg in week 1 to a 15mg maintenance dose by week 21.

• Weight loss varies by individual but follows a general pattern. 4% of starting weight by the end of month 1. 9-12% by week 12 (on 7.5mg dose). Up to 21% of starting weight after 1 year (on 15mg maintenance dose).

• Weight loss rates differ due to factors like diet, exercise, metabolism and adherence to the treatment plan.

• Common side effects, especially during dosage increases, include nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea.

• Sustainable weight loss with Mounjaro requires up to a year of consistent use, alongside developing healthy habits like regular exercise, managing stress, and improving sleep.

What should I expect on Mounjaro week by week?

When you are starting to use Mounjaro, or when you are thinking about using Mounjaro then it is useful to know what to expect week by week. Below is a useful summary table that you can use to know what to expect at each stage of your treatment [1]:

Starting Mounjaro - Week 1

When you start using Mounjaro you will be given a 2.5mg dosage, regardless of your condition or experience with weight loss medications. Mounjaro uses a gradual approach when it comes to dosage to ensure your body adjusts properly.

In the first week, weight loss will vary from person to person. Some people may see a sudden drop in weight, whereas others may notice slower progress. The possibility of experiencing side effects is highest in this period, with the most common being nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting [2]. 

You will start to notice a decrease in your appetites, although the full effects will take more time to manifest. 

It is important to take it slow to set a strong foundation during week 1. This will help you build towards steady and long-lasting results.

Week 2 on Mounjaro

Your dosage in week 2 will remain at 2.5mg. This is to give your body more time to adjust to the medication. You may notice the effects of the medication more during your second week, especially if you are sticking to a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise. 

Weight loss in week 2 will also vary from person to person. Many people experience a loss of less than 1% of their starting weight during each week of the first month. 

If you are experiencing side effects then these may persist into week 2, particularly nausea and constipation. These should become milder as your body adjusts to the medication. If these side effects worsen or persist it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. 

Week 2 is a good time to reinforce healthy habits, including sticking to a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise. 

Weeks 3 and 4 on Mounjaro

By weeks 3 and 4 your body should be able to tolerate the medication and any side effects you experienced should stop. The dosage remains at 2.5mg but your body has likely adapted to the treatment and you should feel its effects more.

By the end of week 4 participants in clinical studies typically lost up to 4% of their starting weight. Results will depend on your adherence to healthy habits like your diet and exercise regime. You should feel like you are fuller for longer which makes it easier to stick to smaller portion sizes and avoid unnecessary snacking.

Continue to focus on healthy lifestyle habits to keep your progress sustainable.

Weeks 5 to 8 on Mounjaro

Week 5 will mark your first dosage increase, moving from 2.5mg to 5mg. This is due to a process called titration that helps the medication to work more effectively [3].

By this stage, you will typically have lost between 5% and 6% of your starting body weight. Weight loss should feel more consistent but fluctuations are still possible. 

The increase in dose may also bring back mild side effects like nausea, constipation, stomach aches or diarrhoea. This will usually end within a few days as your body gets used to the increased levels of medication. If you are struggling with side effects you should consult with your doctor who may suggest altering your dosage.

Staying committed during weeks 5 to 8 is vital as this is an important phase of your treatment. By sticking to your goals and making healthy changes you are setting yourself up for long-term success.

Weeks 9 to 12 on Mounjaro

At week 9 you may have your dosage increased from 5mg to 7.5mg. This change in dosage can help to enhance the effectiveness of the medication. It is important to note that increasing your dosage may also increase the chances of experiencing side effects. 

If you find you are prone to side effects there are a number of things you can do to help avoid them when changing doses. Eat small, plain meals, use over-the-counter treatments and take time to rest to allow your body to adjust. 

By weeks 9 to 12 most people have lost between 9% and 12% of their starting body weight. You should remember to think about how you feel, not just the numbers on the scale.

Week 13 onwards on Mounjaro

At week 13 you will be able to move up to the 10mg dose from 7.5mg. If you are unsure about changing your dosage then you should consult with your doctor to decide what the best course of action is. 

By week 13, studies have shown that users have lost around 13% of their starting weight. Some people will have lost more than this and some will have lost less as other factors may be influencing them. If you have any concerns about your results you should also consult with your doctor. 

The urge to snack or eat large portions of food should be significantly reduced by week 13, making it much easier to stick to a healthy, balanced diet. 

To experience the full effects of Mounjaro you should continue using the medication for up to a year. Your dosage may also change as your treatment progresses. You may be put onto a 12.5mg dose in week 17 and then a 15mg dose in week 21. The 15mg dose is known as a maintenance dose.

How will my Mounjaro dosage increase throughout the weeks of treatment?

Mounjaro uses a structured dosage schedule that is designed to help your body gradually adjust to the medication whilst minimising the risk of side effects. The process of increasing your dosage is called titration [1]. Titration means you steadily increase your dosage at intervals decided by your doctor depending on your response to the medication and your results. Typically, the dosage increase for Mounjaro is:

• Weeks 1-4: 2.5mg

• Weeks 5-8: 5mg

• Weeks 9-12: 7.5mg

• Weeks 13-16: 10mg

• Weeks 17-20: 12.5mg

• Week 21+: 15mg

The 15mg dosage that you will typically move onto from week 21 onwards is known as the maintenance dose of Mounjaro. 

Maintenance dosage can vary from person to person. If you feel like your maintenance dose should be lower than 15mg it is recommended that you speak to your doctor for advice. Some people will have lower maintenance doses as they are susceptible to side effects or because they are satisfied with the results they are getting from a specific dosage of the medication. 

How can I boost my results with Mounjaro each week?

Achieving your weight loss goals whilst using Mounjaro involves more than just taking it. There are a number of different ways that you can boost your results with Mounjaro. Combining the medication with a healthy, balanced diet [4] and achieving a calorie deficit is essential for long-term, sustainable weight loss [5]. 

Making sure you are eating the right types of food is also important. Prioritising whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains whilst limiting processed foods that are high in fat and sugar is a good way to facilitate weight loss.

Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise is also important for weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week. Sticking to your exercise regime is key for sustainable weight loss [6].

Other factors that can help with your Mounjaro usage include managing your stress, getting plenty of sleep and being patient and consistent with your treatment.

FAQS on Mounjaro's effectiveness over time:

How much weight can I expect to lose on Mounjaro each week on average?

The amount of weight you can expect to lose each week whilst using Mounjaro will depend on a number of factors including your diet and exercise levels, as well as what stage you are at with your medication. Within the first 4 weeks, you can expect to lose 1% of your starting body weight per week. 

Looking longer term, you can expect to lose around 21% of your starting body weight after a year of using the medication. It is important to note that this will vary from person to person. Getting the best results with Mounjaro will require dedication to the medication, as well as forming long-lasting healthy habits.

How much weight can I expect to lose in month 1 on Mounjaro?

In the first month of using Mounjaro the amount of weight you can expect to lose will depend on a number of factors. These include your diet, exercise levels, age, metabolism and more. On average, Mounjaro users can expect to lose around 4% of their starting weight within one month. Some people may lose more and some may lose less.

Average Weight Loss On Mounjaro Month-by-Month

Interested in a month by month breakdown of what to expect when using Mounjaro injections? Check out UK Meds guide to how long it takes to see weight loss results when using Mounjaro for a simple monthly breakdown of weight loss changes to expect.

Does everyone lose weight at the same rate using Mounjaro?

No, not everyone will lose weight at the same rate when they are using Mounjaro. Weight loss results with Mounjaro will vary from person to person with factors including metabolism, age, diet, exercise levels and how your body responds to the treatment. Some people may experience weight loss rapidly, whereas it may take longer for others. 

The people who get the best results when using Mounjaro will be those who have the healthiest habits in terms of their diet and exercise levels. Gradual weight loss is also the healthiest way to lose weight as it helps forge habits that sustain long-lasting results. Trying to lose weight too quickly can be unsafe and lead to weight gain in the future.

How long does Mounjaro typically take to work?

Mounjaro typically starts to get you results after 1 week, however, the timeline for results will vary for everyone. Some people may not notice results straight away, whilst others will experience weight loss straight away. If you don’t notice results on Mounjaro after a few months and after your dose has been altered you may wish to speak to your doctor for advice.

Sources

[1] A Beginners Guide to Mounjaro for Weight Loss | UK Meds

[2] How long do Mounjaro side effects last? | UK Meds

[3] Mounjaro dosing & titration: Which tirzepatide dosage do I need? | UK Meds

[4] Mounjaro Diet Plan UK: Foods To Eat & Avoid For Weight Loss Success | UK Meds

[5] Why Am I Not Losing Weight On Mounjaro? | UK Meds

[6] Do you gain weight back after stopping Mounjaro? | UK Meds

Further Reading

Mounjaro KwikPen 2.5mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc)

Obesity - Treatment - NHS

Fundamentals of glycogen metabolism for coaches and athletes - PMC

Dieting and restrained eating as prospective predictors of weight gain - PMC

How Long Does It Take To See Results With Mounjaro? - UK Meds