Mounjaro Results: How Much Weight Will I Lose & How Quickly?

Weight loss with Mounjaro occurs progressively, with better results observed with dose increases over time.

* Data from the 72-week tirzepatide data from the SURMOUNT-1 trial (Jastreboff et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2022). 

Dosage

You may not yet have reached your Mounjaro maintenance dose, which is typically the most effective dose for weight loss. Mounjaro treatment does not begin at the maintenance dose; instead, it is initiated at a lower dose and gradually increased over several weeks to allow the body to adapt and to minimise side effects, until a suitable maintenance dose is reached.

Mounjaro has been shown to support clinically meaningful weight loss across different dosages. In clinical studies over 72 weeks, average total body weight loss was approximately:

• 16% with the 5mg dose
• 21.4% with the 10mg dose
• 22.5% with the 15mg dose

If you are finding that Mounjaro has not worked as quickly as you would have liked, it may simply reflect that you have not yet reached your optimal maintenance dose.

Diet and Nutrition

What you eat plays a big role in how effective Mounjaro is. Eating a balanced diet that supports your calorie goals helps to enhance weight-loss results.

Tip: Pairing Mounjaro with high-fibre foods, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables can help curb appetite and help you feel fuller for longer, leading to better outcomes.

Exercise

Regular exercise can boost the effects of Mounjaro by increasing calorie burn and improving metabolism.

Tip: Even simple activities like walking 20-30 minutes a day, taking the stairs, or doing light resistance exercises can enhance your progress over time.

Stress

Stress can increase cortisol levels, which may encourage fat storage and lead to increased appetite. Managing stress can therefore play an important role in supporting weight loss.

You may find it helpful to identify what triggers your stress and to use simple stress-management techniques, such as:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Regular exercise

Sleep

Sleep plays an important role in overall health and weight management. Not getting enough sleep, or having disrupted sleep patterns, can increase cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.

Poor sleep can also negatively affect metabolism, which may contribute to weight gain.

Existing health conditions

Certain underlying health conditions can slow weight-loss progress, including:

• Depression
• Thyroid conditions
• Diabetes

The way these conditions affect weight loss can vary from person to person, and you may need additional support or a longer timeframe to reach your goals.

That said, having an underlying health condition does not mean weight loss with Mounjaro is not achievable.

Your individual response

Everyone’s body responds differently to medication. Things like genetics, metabolism, age, and underlying health conditions can influence results.

For example, two people on the same dose might see different amounts of weight loss due to differences in metabolism or insulin sensitivity.

Consistency

Taking Mounjaro consistently as prescribed is key for the best results. Skipping doses or stopping the medication can slow progress or make results less predictable.

Keep in mind: missing several doses in a row can lead to appetite returning to previous levels, reducing weight loss effectiveness.

Getting the best results from Mounjaro comes down to consistency and simple habits that support your medication.

Tips to help you get the best results from Mounjaro are:

Follow your dosing schedule

Taking Mounjaro exactly as prescribed is essential for safe and effective weight loss. The dose is increased gradually to help your body adjust and to minimise side effects. Skipping doses or increasing your dose too quickly can reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects. If you miss a dose or are unsure about your schedule, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist for advice.

Create a calorie deficit

Sustainable weight loss typically requires a daily calorie deficit of around 600 calories, which differs between men and women. Mounjaro can make this easier by reducing appetite and increasing fullness. If needed, use a calorie-tracking app and reduce intake gradually, for example by cutting 100 calories per week until you reach your target.

Choose nutritious foods

Focus on balanced meals made up of whole foods such as vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and whole grains. Limit highly processed foods, sugar, and high-fat options, and keep healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and olive oil in moderation.

Stay physically active

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, in line with NHS guidance. Combine cardiovascular exercise with strength training to help support metabolism.

Prioritise sleep

Poor sleep can increase cravings, reduce energy levels, and make weight loss more difficult. Aim for around 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night, create a calm sleep environment, and avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed.

Manage stress

Ongoing stress can affect appetite and fat storage. Activities such as walking, exercise, yoga, or meditation can help lower stress levels and support your overall weight-loss efforts.

Choosing the right weight-loss treatment is highly individual, and not everyone responds to Mounjaro in the same way.

You may find that Mounjaro has not worked as quickly as you would have hoped for.

If Mounjaro isn’t delivering the results or experience you hoped for, whether due to unmanageable side effects or poor results, other treatment options are available.

Weight loss injections remain the most effective medical treatments for sustained weight loss.

Wegovy is a commonly used alternative injectable option that may be more suitable for some patients.

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Weight loss: Up to 17% of starting body weight in clinical studies.
Affordability: Around 20% cheaper than Mounjaro
Side effects: Mostly digestive (nausea, bloating, indigestion), like Mounjaro.
Why consider it: A strong alternative if you are not seeing the weight loss you expected with Mounjaro or cannot tolerate the side effects.

Further Reading: Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy

Everyone’s results are different when using Mounjaro, but most people lose weight gradually over several months.

Clinical trials show that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can lead to significant and sustained weight loss when used as prescribed alongside lifestyle changes. On average, adults with obesity lost between 15% and 22.5% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks, with greater weight loss seen at higher maintenance doses.

Weight loss with Mounjaro is gradual rather than immediate. Most people begin to notice appetite reduction early on, with weight loss increasing over time as the dose is slowly increased to an effective maintenance level. Individual results vary depending on factors such as dose, adherence, diet, activity level, and underlying health conditions.

For many patients, Mounjaro is one of the most effective medical treatments currently available for long-term weight management.