Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?

If you are using the weight loss medication Mounjaro but you are finding you are not experiencing the results that you thought you would there may be a few reasons why. The main reasons why you may not be losing weight whilst using Mounjaro include your diet, your weight loss has plateaued, or you need to address your dosage to find the right one for you. In this article, we will explore all of these possibilities and more to provide you with information about why you may be experiencing this, and how you can change your fortunes when using this medication.

Key Takeaways

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this article about why you may not be losing weight when using Mounjaro:

• The lack of weight loss on Mounjaro could be attributed to various factors including diet, weight loss plateaus, and the need to adjust dosage.

• Mounjaro aids weight loss by reducing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, regulating blood sugar levels, and boosting metabolism and energy usage.

• Weight loss with Mounjaro can begin rapidly, with significant results seen within a few months of consistent usage.

• Dietary and lifestyle changes are pivotal in maximising weight loss while using Mounjaro, focusing on whole foods, avoiding processed foods, and incorporating regular physical activity.

• Factors such as underlying health conditions, dosage strength, and individual response can impact weight loss results.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro helps to support weight loss in a number of different ways. It reduces your appetite and feelings of hunger by delaying gastric emptying which, in turn, reduces caloric intake, making it easier for you to achieve a calorie deficit. This also helps to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose from food. As well as these mechanisms, Mounjaro can also boost your metabolism and energy usage by activating specific receptors in the body (Singh, 2024).

How long will it take before I lose weight on Mounjaro (tirzepatide)?

The weight loss effects of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can begin relatively quickly. In one clinical trial, participants experienced an average weight loss of 6% of their body weight after just two months of using Mounjaro. After six months, weight loss ranged between 12-14%, depending on the dosage taken. Over the course of a year and a half, participants lost between 15-21% of their body weight. These results highlight the potential for significant weight loss with consistent use of Mounjaro.

Can diet and lifestyle changes help me to maximise weight loss on Mounjaro?

Yes, diet and lifestyle changes can significantly help to maximise weight loss when using Mounjaro. It’s best to focus on a healthy, balanced diet while taking Mounjaro. This includes consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products. To enhance the effects of Mounjaro, avoid foods high in saturated or trans fats, added sugars, and sodium (Duke & Seladi-Schulman, 2024). The Mounjaro website also recommends that 3 minutes of movement every 30 minutes can help to regulate blood sugar levels, so incorporating that into your routine is also a good idea. They also state that getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night can make managing weight and type 2 diabetes more difficult. You should aim to get 7+ hours of sleep every night. 

Do I need to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight with Mounjaro?

Yes, you need to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight with Mounjaro. While Mounjaro can help reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure, it is crucial to ensure that you are consuming fewer calories than your body is burning. If your diet involves lots of ultra-processed foods and you continue to eat this way when you are using Mounjaro you may still consume more calories than necessary for weight loss. 

To support sustainable weight loss, it’s essential to eat a diet based on whole foods, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. It is important to remember that Mounjaro is not a miracle medication and requires other factors, such as a calorie deficit, to provide the results you want.

Can a weight loss plateau stop me from losing weight when taking Mounjaro?

Yes, a plateau in weight loss can stop you from losing weight when you are using Mounjaro. Weight loss plateaus are a normal and necessary part of the weight loss process. Mounjaro does not prevent these plateaus from happening. They occur when our brain senses that we are losing fat and eating less, which causes it to slow down our metabolism to protect our remaining fat stores. The timing of these plateaus will vary from person to person and some people may not experience them at all. To overcome weight loss plateaus, it is important to remain consistent with healthy habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Can the dose strength of Mounjaro that I am taking affect how hungry I feel?

Yes, the dose strength of Mounjaro you are taking can affect how hungry you feel. Mounjaro works by reducing appetite and hunger, which helps you consume fewer calories. This effect is often noticeable almost immediately after you start using Mounjaro. In the first month, however, you might find that the effect of lower hunger wears off after 4-5 days. It takes about 4-5 weeks for Mounjaro to reach a consistent level in the body rather than spiking or falling. Initially, you may find that the weight loss you experience is similar to other treatments or diets you have used; however, the real effects of Mounjaro will be noticed after around 3 months of consistent usage.

Can an underlying health condition stop me losing weight when I use Mounjaro?

Yes, an underlying health condition can stop you from losing weight even when using Mounjaro. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and insulin resistance can interfere with weight loss. Certain medications can also affect your ability to lose weight, even with the help of Mounjaro. You should consult with your healthcare provider before you begin using Mounjaro to get tailored advice for you and your health. In two separate clinical studies, Mounjaro has been shown to be an effective weight loss medication, providing substantial weight reduction (Jastreboff et al, 2022) (Garvey et al, 2023).

Can my starting weight affect how much weight I lose when using Mounjaro?

Yes, your starting weight can affect how much weight you lose when using Mounjaro. Individuals with a higher starting weight may experience more significant weight loss in terms of absolute numbers, but the percentage of body weight lost can vary widely. There isn't a guaranteed amount of weight loss each week while using Mounjaro. Weight loss results can differ greatly from person to person due to various factors, including starting weight, lifestyle, diet, exercise habits, and individual response to the medication (Weiser & Watson, 2023).

Should I only take Mounjaro as prescribed by my doctor to improve my weight loss results?

Yes, it's crucial to take Mounjaro exactly as prescribed by your doctor to optimise your weight loss results and ensure your safety. Following your doctor's instructions helps maintain the effectiveness of the medication and reduces the risk of potential side effects. If you have any concerns or questions about your Mounjaro prescription, it's important to discuss them with your doctor rather than making any changes independently.

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

At Home Lifestyle Tips For Diabetes | Mounjaro

Away From Home Lifestyle Tips For Diabetes | Mounjaro