• Weight Management
• Diabetes

Using Mounjaro® for Weight Loss: Results and Precautions

Medically reviewed and edited by Gidget Black MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

In the United States, about one in six people struggle to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI).

This has increased the popularity of medications like Mounjaro as they are intended to help people reach their weight loss goals more quickly.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to use Mounjaro for weight loss, as well as the benefits, risks, and considerations you should be aware of.

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What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is an injectable prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes.

It contains tirzepatide, which allows Mounjaro to mimic the body’s naturally occurring GLP-1 and GIP receptors — these are two critical hormones involved in blood sugar control.

Individuals with diabetes don’t have enough of these hormones, which is what causes their blood sugar fluctuations.

By mimicking these hormones, Mounjaro can help the body control blood sugar levels more effectively.

How Does Mounjaro for Weight Loss Work?

Mounjaro can also lead to significant weight loss in type 2 diabetes patients, which is what has made the drug so popular.

This is because the GIP and GLP-1 receptors are satiety hormones, meaning that they help the body feel full after eating.

As Mounjaro mimics these hormones, it stimulates their production, and you may start to feel fuller and more satiated for longer periods of time.

This can lead to a reduced caloric intake which results in weight loss. Mounjaro may also slow digestion and lead to a decreased appetite, which can help with portion control and hunger.

How much weight can you lose on Mounjaro?

The weight loss results achieved by individuals using Mounjaro will vary, depending on factors like dosage and lifestyle changes.

Clinical trials have shown that people who used the highest dose of Mounjaro (15mg) lost as much as 15% of their body weight.

It’s important to note that these individuals were diabetic patients, and the study didn’t focus on weight loss specifically.

There is no research as of yet that shows the average weight loss of nondiabetic individuals when using Mounjaro.

Is Mounjaro An FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drug?

Although Mounjaro is an FDA-approved medication, it’s not classified with other weight loss drugs. It’s currently intended solely for the treatment of diabetes.

The FDA also recommends using diabetes medications like Mounjaro in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise for the best results.

However, at the time of publication, the regulatory body is considering approving the medication for weight loss due to the promising results it has shown.

Benefits of Using Mounjaro to Lose Weight

Using Mounjaro for weight loss offers a range of benefits that can help individuals reach their goals. Let’s take a closer look at what these advantages entail:

Breaks down fat

The most common way Mounjaro works for weight loss is by increasing the body’s insulin sensitivity.

This causes cells to absorb glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream at an increased rate, which changes the way that fat is stored in the body.

Absorbing sugar at a faster rate also helps to improve metabolic function and can help to break down fat even further.

Reduces cravings and improves satiety

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Mounjaro mimics satiety hormones in the body and affects how the brain regulates our appetite.

When Mounjaro mimics these hormones, it stimulates the release of insulin, which helps to reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness.

The medication may also help you feel fuller for longer and avoid craving high-calorie foods — like processed meat or fast food — for a quick fix.

Suppresses appetite

Similar to how Mounjaro increases satiety, it also reduces the frequency of hunger sensations by suppressing your appetite.

Mounjaro also slows digestion, which can help with portion control and hunger.

How to Use Mounjaro Correctly

Before using Mounjaro, it’s important to ensure that you know how to properly administer it.

Mounjaro is a single-use injectable medication that must be taken at specific times, according to the dosage instructions from your doctor.

Generally, Mounjaro is injected into the abdomen or thigh once a week before or after meals. The injection must be given under the skin to ensure maximum absorption.

It’s also important to vary the injection site every week to avoid skin reactions such as rashes or irritation.

The recommended starting dosage for Mounjaro is 2.5 mg per week. This dose can be increased by 2.5 mg every four weeks until the maximum of 15 mg is reached.

Mounjaro Weight Loss Results and Expectations

While the effectiveness of Mounjaro in promoting weight loss is promising, it’s important to remember that these outcomes can vary significantly from person to person.

There are a number of factors that can influence the results of Mounjaro, including:

• Initial weight: Individuals with a higher starting weight may experience more significant results when using Mounjaro compared to others.

• Differences in metabolism: Individuals with a faster metabolism may see results a bit sooner because Mounjaro may help them process the medication quicker.

Long-term success with using Mounjaro for weight loss also depends on your lifestyle choices.

Medical professionals generally agree that Mounjaro is most effective when it’s used in combination with healthy habits, such as regular exercise and following a balanced diet.

That’s why it's also essential to make these changes to your routine to ensure you get the most out of taking Mounjaro.

The importance of setting realistic weight loss goals

Research suggests that Mounjaro must be administered for up to 28 weeks before individuals start seeing significant results. This may not be the case for everyone, though.

That being said, keeping these timelines in mind can help you set realistic goals and avoid becoming demotivated if you don’t notice changes right away.

It’s also important to avoid taking extreme measures — such as drastically reducing your caloric intake or overexercising — to try and speed up the weight loss process.

Implementing drastic changes can also cause other health complications that may interfere with your overall weight loss goals.

Remember that weight loss takes time and usually happens gradually, even with the help of medication.

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Considerations and Precautions

When starting your Mounjaro journey, it’s essential to be aware of the considerations and precautions that come with taking this medication.

Medical consultation

If you’re considering using Mounjaro, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Every person’s circumstances are unique, and ensuring that you get personalized advice can go a long way in safely using Mounjaro.

Consulting with your doctor is also essential for identifying potential interactions that Mounjaro may have with other medication you’re taking.

If you have any underlying health conditions, your doctor can also evaluate how Mounjaro can affect your condition.

The healthcare providers at LifeMD can help determine if Mounjaro is right for you. Through the LifeMD weight management program, they’ll support you step by step to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Potential side effects

While Mounjaro is generally well-tolerated by most individuals, it may also cause some adverse reactions. These may include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Acute kidney issues

• Gastrointestinal problems

• Gallbladder problems

• Developing thyroid c-cell tumors

These reactions are mild to moderate and tend to improve as the body adjusts to the medication.

Lifestyle changes

It’s important to remember that using Mounjaro alone doesn’t always guarantee weight loss results. Instead, it should be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle.

This includes following a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and increasing your physical activity.

It’s also generally recommended to limit alcohol consumption and avoid using nicotine products when using Mounjaro.

Although these don’t negatively interact with Mounjaro, they can worsen adverse reactions like nausea.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Mounjaro and Weight Loss?

You should speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about Mounjaro before you start using it.

It’s also important to seek medical treatment if you experience any severe side effects that affect your daily life.

Additionally, if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

These reactions could indicate an underlying issue caused by Mounjaro, and it’s important to get treated before it becomes a lifelong problem.

Where Can You Learn More about Mounjaro for Weight Loss?

If you’re struggling with weight management, LifeMD is here to help. The LifeMD Weight Management Program can help you create an effective and sustainable approach that will enable you to reach your goals. Healthcare professionals can prescribe you a weight management medication like Mounjaro, if you qualify.

Gidget Black MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Gidget is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She received her Master of Science degree in Nursing degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2014. Gidget began as a nurse practitioner in an orthopedic surgery practice where she managed clinical patients and assisted in the operating room. She established a weight management and integrative wellness program to improve outcomes for overweight orthopedic patients. Patients who participated in this program demonstrated improved post-op healing and pain scores. More importantly, the patients were empowered with health literacy for long term-health maintenance. Gidget approaches patient care from a root cause perspective, understanding that we treat the person and not the disease — and that vitality creates longevity. She has also served as an adjunct clinical professor and guest lecturer at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia.

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