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Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique, and the same goes for those taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide). While your progress may look different to someone else’s there are common patterns many people experience. Understanding your own weight loss pattern can help you stay motivated and realistic about your health and fitness goals.
Mounjaro was originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes but is now licensed to help people lose weight. It works by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller for longer but it’s important to remember it’s not a quick fix and results take time.
Some people may experience significant weight loss in the first few weeks or months, for others it may be a steady reduction over a longer period. This is all part of your unique Mounjaro weight loss timeline.
By recognising and understanding these patterns you’ll be better prepared to deal with the ups and downs of any weight loss journey.
Mounjaro weight loss patterns vary by individual
Initial rapid loss is usually followed by steadier progress
Weight loss plateaus are normal and temporary with the right approach
Mounjaro weight loss patterns will vary depending on several factors, not just the medication – your diet, lifestyle and exercise will all have an impact. However, there are some common changes you may experience in the first few weeks:
You’ll typically start on the lowest dose, 2.5mg, to give your body time to get used to Mounjaro. You may notice your appetite changing and a dialling down of food noise (constant or intrusive thoughts about food that can distract you from your day).
You may experience a sharp drop in weight initially – this is likely to be water loss as you release stored carbohydrates (glycogen) for energy. For every 1g of carbohydrates your body stores you store 3g of water. Once glycogen stores are empty your body will turn to fat stores for energy, so you’ll start to see fat loss.
If you’ve drastically changed your diet and begun exercising you may see a big weight drop. However, a 2022 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found participants lost less than 1% of their body weight in the first four weeks.
By this stage your body should be used to the 2.5mg dose, any side effects will hopefully have abated, and you should start to see further weight loss. According to the clinical study mentioned above, the average weight loss by week four was 4% of body weight.
Don’t be disheartened if you haven’t lost as much as you hoped – people lose weight at different rates. Instead, focus on increasing your activity and eating a healthy diet.
If your body is handling Mounjaro well your doctor may decide to increase the dosage to 5mg. According to the study people at this stage can expect to lose up to 6% of their body weight by week six and 7% by week eight. You may notice a bigger change in your appetite feeling fuller for longer and less hungry, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet.
You may also start to notice your clothes feeling looser and see other changes in the mirror. More than that you may start to feel healthier and happier in yourself. You might notice you have more energy and you’re sleeping better too.
Your doctor may up the dosage again to 7.5mg and this can be increased further over time up to 15mg. You’ll likely have lost between 9% to 12% of body weight by this point. Just remember some people may lose more, others will have lost less as everyone’s progress is different.
By week 13 you can expect to have lost around 13% of your starting body weight. Weight loss may be more gradual than in the earlier weeks.
You’ll start on an initial dose of 2.5mg. Over time this will gradually be increased by your healthcare provider all the way up to 15mg, but this will depend on your individual circumstances.
Some people don't experience any changes in body weight in the first few weeks as their body needs time to adjust to Mounjaro weight loss injections. Others will see a significant drop.
With a 5mg dose you should start to feel and look slimmer as weight loss increases. Some side effects may return but should ease over time. By eight weeks most people will have lost between 6-7% of their starting weight. If your body is coping well, your healthcare professional may increase the dose again to 7.5mg, then 10mg, 12.5mg up to a maximum of 15mg.
However, some people may need to stay on a lower dose because of the side effects they experience or simply because weight loss is progressing well and there’s no need to increase the dosage.
On average people lose around 11% of their body weight by four months and 20% by eight months. Overall, people in the SUMOUNT-1 study lost up to 22.5% of bodyweight over a 72-week period. Find out more about the injections with our Mounjaro guides.
As much as we’d all like it to be, weight loss isn’t linear and you may hit a weight loss plateau or even gain some of your unwanted pounds back. This occurs as your body adjusts to the medication and changes in eating habits. When you lose weight, your metabolism may slow slightly as your body becomes more efficient at using energy.
Plateaus commonly occur a few months into weight loss and more often when you’re close to your goal. They’re not a sign of failure but rather of your body recalibrating.
Mentally, plateaus can feel frustrating but it’s important to stay focussed on the bigger picture. It’s a good time to reassess your habits. Small adjustments like tweaking portion sizes, upping your physical activity or varying your meal plan can restart progress. It may also be time for a dose increase and a chat with your healthcare provider who can help guide you through.
Most importantly, keep going, stay consistent and trust the process.
Mounjaro is a prescription-only weight loss medication that’s designed to reduce your appetite and help you to feel fuller for longer.
Tracking your progress goes beyond looking at the numbers on the scale. While they’re a useful method they don’t tell the whole story and there are more meaningful ways to measure changes
Take weekly measurements of your waist, hips, chest and thighs or take progress pictures in your underwear – while it can feel uncomfortable at first, it’s a great way to compare changes over time and you might be surprised by what a difference you see. Take note of how you feel in clothes too – if they’re becoming loose and you need to size down you know your weight is heading in the right direction.
If you do weigh yourself, try to stick to once a week rather than every day. Your weight can fluctuate daily for all sorts of reasons such as carrying extra water, eating a big meal the night before or because of hormones. This can fool you into thinking you’re not progressing. Instead, weigh yourself once a week under consistent conditions - same time, same day and same scales - for a more accurate picture of progress
Remember, being on Mounjaro isn’t just about weight loss, it’s about feeling healthier, stronger and more confident too.
It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any weight loss medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.
Statistics describing the average weight loss on Mounjaro are helpful but remember you’re unique and so is your weight loss pattern. Common trends like gradual weight loss, occasional plateaus and visual changes beyond the scales are all part of the process. Celebrate the non-scale victories as much as the scale ones and remember, Mounjaro isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about steady, sustainable results. Trust your body’s weight loss timeline and with determination and consistency you’ll reach your goals.
If you’re thinking about starting weight loss injections, we’re here to help. Our medical professionals will take time to listen to your health history and understand your goals. A discreet, free consultation only takes three minutes and we’ll provide you with recommendations to support you on your weight loss journey.
Ready to take the first step in your weight loss journey? Book a free weight loss consultation for tailored advice and support from our experienced team. They’ll guide you to the best options for your needs. Start today!
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We stock over 1101 treatments for 90 conditions