If you’ve recently started taking Mounjaro and you don’t feel any different, you might think it’s not working. You might even feel like you’re doing something wrong. 

“It’s not uncommon for some patients to feel like the medication isn’t working right away, especially at the starting dose,” says Zahra Qureshi, a registered pharmacist at Simple Online Pharmacy.

“This is normal. The initial low dose is designed to help your body adjust safely, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.”

So how long does it take for Mounjaro to start working? In this article, you’ll find out how the medication works, when you can expect results, tips for successful weight loss, and the importance of setting realistic goals.

How Long Does Mounjaro Take to Work?

Mounjaro will start working from your first dose. But it can take around four weeks for the body to get used to the medication and reach what’s called ‘steady state’ – when the drug enters the body at the same rate as it leaves the body.

“It’s important to complete all four doses of your current pen before moving onto a higher dose,” says Zahra. “This gradual increase helps to ensure your safety and enhances the medication’s effectiveness.”

Responses vary from person to person. Some patients say Mounjaro doesn’t feel effective at slowing their appetite at a low dose. While other patients say they feel “food noise” – the constant stream of thoughts around food – reduces from the first dose.

So don’t worry if your experience is different to someone else’s. If you’re not feeling the effects now, you should feel more effects more as you increase your dose.

People who don’t experience side effects can also feel like the medication isn’t working. But only around one in 10 patients will experience the most common side effects like nausea and headaches. Having side effects is not necessarily a sign Mounjaro is working.

When Will I Start Seeing Results on Mounjaro?

In general, patients start losing weight at around the four-week mark, but this isn’t guaranteed. It can take up to a few months to see significant weight loss.

In one study, patients using Mounjaro experienced a gradual decrease in body weight in the first four weeks of using it. 

After eight weeks, patients lost around 6% of their body weight. After 12 weeks, patients lost around 8% of their body weight.

But remember these are just averages. Each person responds to the medication differently, so try not to compare your weight loss journey to others.

You might experience a big drop in weight at the beginning of your journey. This is caused by a loss in water weight – excess fluid caused by factors like eating salty food and sitting for too long. It’s important not to skip doses and to follow the recommended titration schedule to make sure you avoid any of any safety risks of Mounjaro.

How Much Weight Should I Aim to Lose on Mounjaro?

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Set realistic goals and prioritise slow, steady weight loss. 

“Aim for a consistent weight loss of about one to two pounds per week during that steady loss phase,” says Laura Perez, Lead Dietician at Simple Online Pharmacy.

“But keep in mind that this can vary based on factors like starting weight, diet, exercise intensity, and metabolism. It’s also common to experience plateaus where your weight loss slows or stalls as your body adjusts to new habits.”

Even if the scale doesn’t move, you might notice positive, non-scale victories. For example, clothes fitting better, muscle tone increasing, and energy levels improving.

“Everyone loses weight at their own pace,” says Laura. “Remember, aim for gradual changes rather than quick fixes for lasting results. Embrace this journey towards wellness and celebrate the positive changes you’re making.”

When it comes to stopping Mounjaro, there are some steps you can take to avoid putting weight back on. This includes maintaining a positive and healthy lifestyle.

Tips: How to Successfully Lose Weight on Mounjaro

Follow the Dosing Guidelines

You’re more likely to succeed in your weight loss journey if you follow the Mounjaro dosing schedule, increase your dosage slowly and then stick to the dose chosen by your doctor.

“Research shows that patients who titrate the maximum dose and maintain their treatment could lose over 20% of their body weight over one year with Mounjaro,” says Zahra.

Eat Well and Exercise

The people who see the best results in their first few months on Mounjaro usually combine it with healthier eating and exercise. 

To maximise the effects of Mounjaro, focus on building healthy habits while taking the medication—like eating more protein, practising mindful eating, and adding some exercise to your routine.

Key Takeaways

  • Mounjaro starts working from the first dose, but noticeable results can take a few weeks. Early doses help your body to adjust safely, so don’t expect immediate changes.
  • Studies show patients lose 6% of their body weight at two months and 8% at 12 weeks. However individual results vary.
  • Sticking to the recommended dosing guidelines is crucial for safety and success. Avoid jumping to higher doses too soon.
  • Pairing Mounjaro with a healthy diet and regular exercise will give you the best results, improving weight loss and overall health.
  • Aim for about 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week and remember to celebrate non-scale victories like improved energy, increased muscle tone and clothes fitting better.

References

Jastreboff, A.M., Aronne, L.J., Ahmad, N.N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M.C. and Stefanski, A. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, [online] 387(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2206038.

Yockey, K. (2024). Water Weight vs. Fat: How to Tell Them Apart. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/water-weight-vs-fat

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