Could the newest diabetes drug, Mounjaro, be even more effective for weight loss than Ozempic and Wegovy? If so, what is the typical Mounjaro weight loss by week?
Medical experts claim that Mounjaro is indeed more effective for weight loss than its predecessors but federal health authorities have not yet sanctioned Mounjaro for weight loss. For this reason, it might be prescribed off-label. (Off-label use refers to when physicians prescribe a medication for purposes other than its approved uses.)
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is the latest diabetes medication in the market that has been found to cause significant weight loss. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mounjaro in May 2022 for the treatment of diabetes.
FDA authorities have not yet approved Mounjaro for weight loss, but there is a similar drug called Zepbound which has the same active ingredient as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) already approved by the FDA for weight loss in November last year (2023).
Federal health officials noted that Mounjaro is effective for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form of diabetes, which affects 30 million Americans (2021 data).
Similar to Ozempic and Wegovy, Mounjaro is an injectable medication, but it has some key differences too, which I’ll explain in this post.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro belongs to an entirely new class of medications. Unlike semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy), which is a single-receptor agonist, Mounjaro activates two receptors simultaneously so it’s considered a dual-agonist. The receptors are known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
This dual-agonist approach appears to result in more significant weight loss for users than those using a single-agonist medication. These receptors stimulate hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite so you will lose weight. Wegovy and Ozempic activate the GLP-1 receptor, while Mounjaro activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
How long does it take for Mounjaro to start working?
Mounjaro begins to work within hours of the first injection. It takes about 8 to 72 hours for the drug to reach peak levels in your system.
The active component in Mounjaro is tirzepatide which mimics the effects of hormones called incretins by activating specific receptors in the body, helping to lower blood sugar levels and possibly reducing appetite.
Tirzepatide has a half-life of 5 days. (A drug’s half-life is the time it takes for the body to eliminate half a dose) which means it takes approximately 30 days for Mounjaro to be cleared from your system after stopping use.
Using Mounjaro does not ascertain a specific amount of weekly weight loss. However, experts recommend aiming for 1 to 2 pounds per week as a safe weight loss rate.
Analysis of Mounjaro Weight Loss by Week
In a 2022 study, researchers observed that individuals using tirzepatide began losing weight within weeks. The weight loss amount may depend on the medication dose and how well your body tolerates higher doses.
The study included individuals with a BMI over 30 or those with a BMI over 27 with at least one weight-related complication, excluding diabetes. Tirzepatide was administered along with a recommended exercise plan and healthy diet.
The study participants started on a tirzepatide dose of 2.5 milligrams (mg) injected weekly and increased to either 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly for the study duration of 72 weeks.
Over the 72 week period, individuals on 10 mg of tirzepatide lost an average of 19.5% of their weight, while those on 15 mg lost an average of 20.9%. The average weight loss for these doses was 48.9 to 52 lbs.
So what can you expect as you begin taking Mounjaro? Here’s a rough Mounjaro weight loss by week guide that you can refer to:
Mounjaro Week 1 & 2
Weeks 1 and 2 is about letting you become accustomed to taking Mounjaro. In one large study participants experienced just under 1% body weight loss per week in the first four weeks. Many will not observe any weight loss in the initial weeks, so don’t be disheartened if immediate results are not visible.
The first few weeks are also important for establishing the habit and routine of taking your medication. At the start, you should choose an injection day, ideally a time when you will be at home and when it fits into your existing routine. Set a reminder on your phone or place a post-it note as a reminder.
Mounjaro Week 3 & 4
As with the initial 2 weeks, it’s important not to expect any major weight loss results at this time but you may already feel slightly lighter. After 4 weeks, the average weight loss observed in trials is just under 4% of starting body weight.
At this point, the tirzepatide will start to reach a steady state. This means that, rather than spiking and falling, the levels remain consistent so the feeling of fullness lasts throughout the week.
Mounjaro Week 5 & 6
After completing your first month on Mounjaro, you might be ready to increase your dosage (5mg) if you are tolerating the lower dosage well and not experiencing severe side effects.
Physically, you may observe that parts of your body appear slimmer, with muscles becoming more defined. Research shows that by week 6, you’ll lose around 5-6% of your starting weight. You may also experience secondary benefits of being at a healthier weight, such as improved sleep hygiene, better health and enhanced mood.
Mounjaro Week 7 & 8
For weeks 7 and 8, you should continue with a 5mg dosage, assuming you are coping well with this higher strength. You will begin to see the effects of weight loss here—after 8 weeks, the average weight loss is around 6-7% of starting weight.
Mounjaro Week 9 to 12
After your first 8 weeks, your healthcare provider might increase your dose to 7.5mg. This titration occurs in 2.5mg increments over a four-week period—up to 7.5mg, then 10mg, and so on up to 15mg as the maximum dosage.
On average, patients see about 11% body weight loss at four months, and closer to 20% weight loss at eight months.
Mounjaro Week 13 to 24
Around this time body weight loss reaches about 12-15%. During this phase, tirzepatide’s effects are well-established when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. By the end of this period, you will likely have achieved a significant portion of your goals.
Mounjaro Six Months Onwards
One trial found that between 24 to 72 weeks after starting tirzepatide, results stabilize, ranging from about 12-15% to 16-22% change in body weight, depending on the dosage.
The trial concludes that individuals can achieve an average weight loss ranging from 15% to 22% of their initial body weight after 72 weeks when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. It found that tirzepatide “provided substantial and sustained reductions in body weight.”
Feedback from Real Mounjaro Users
FrivolousFont
I lost 10 pounds a month for about a year, so 2 1/2 a week. Now it’s 4 pounds a month. Down 150 pounds. Sw 307 cw 158
omgggikr
I lost 14.5 my first month but I also gained 8 lbs binging the week before I started because I was so anxious about starting and thinking I’d never eat again 😂 so obviously a lot of water weight at first.
chezgray
Lots of variables. I’m T2 diabetic and started with about 100 lbs to lose, which might make a difference.
I started in October last year and have been averaging 1.9 lbs/week overall. My first month, I lost 9.4 lbs.
My highest week was 3.2 and my lowest was a measly 0.2. Both of these were on 7.5 (which I’ve been on since February). But I have lost *something* every week so far. Honestly, I don’t want to lose more than about 3 lbs per week since I’m trying to minimize the loose skin I’ll end up with. I’m down 34 lbs and couldn’t be much happier with my results thus far. I still have a long way to go, but for the first time in about 25 years, I have hope that I can lose the weight.
ConsistentSugar6529
Well, I’ve lost around 8kg during my first month but I was counting my calories and also fasting. Even though I’ve lost quite a lot for a month I still don’t feel happy about myself. Started the second month and I felt like eating crap again, I had bad days but then I got back on track again. It’s a long journey and you have to learn to enjoy it. Honestly, since I joined this community it has helped me so much, knowing I’m not the only one who struggles. We’re in this together, don’t give up. You got this.
MoneyATX
Dose 2.5 Start – 204.6 lbs. BMI 37.7
Week 1 – 202.5 lbs. lost 2.1 Week 2 – 201.6 lbs. lost .9 Week 3 – 199 lbs. lost 2.6 Week 4 – 293 lbs. lost 6
Lost 11.6 lbs 1st Month, BMI now 35.3.
I wanted to add that I introduced cardio workout using virtual reality headset with Supernatural fitness. I believe that is what helped with the over 10 pound loss the first month. And of course eating less at the same time.
Mounjaro Weight Loss by Week Summary
Mounjaro begins to take effect within hours to a few days after you inject it in your body. You might start noticing weight loss within a few weeks however several factors significantly influence how long it takes to observe noticeable results with Mounjaro.
The timeline for seeing results with Mounjaro, or any weight-loss medication for that matter, can differ among people. Factors like metabolism, initial weight, and overall health contribute to how fast you progress.
Consistency in following the prescribed treatment plan is another crucial factor. You need to stick to medication guidelines, maintain a balanced diet, and incorporate physical activity to achieve optimal outcomes.
Finally people with certain health conditions may experience varying rates of weight loss. Some conditions make it harder to lose weight even if you are taking breakthrough medications like Mounjaro.
How to Get a Mounjaro Prescription Online
To get Mounjaro for weight loss, you need to have a valid prescription from a doctor online or in-person. If getting in-person, you’ll need to see a licensed physician who will first assess your medical profile and determine if it is medically appropriate to prescribe Mounjaro to you. Take note that it will only be prescribed for people who have T2 Diabetes, overweight or obesity. Your doctor will also ask you questions concerning your medical history and health goals.
Before getting the prescription be sure to discuss any health issues with your doctor particularly if you have conditions affecting your stomach, kidney and pancreas.
If getting a prescription online, there are telehealth services that prescribe Mounjaro to people who are eligible/suitable for treatment.
GLP-1 telehealth services like Brightmeds have a team of healthcare professionals who will assess your medical profile to determine eligibility. They will then ship the medication to you once approved.
Brightmeds and other similar telehealth services offer compounded tirzepatide (generic name for Mounjaro). Drug compounding is the process of mixing or combining the drugs tailor it to a specific individual.
People with diabetes count on Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and similar medications to help keep their blood sugar levels normal. There has been a Mounjaro shortage in recent months due to its increasing popularity but it was just recently taken off the FDA shortage list.
Although Mounjaro does not have FDA approval for weight loss, it does work really well for this purpose hence the frequent shortages.
In addition, the high price of Mounjaro has also made it inaccessible for people who need it. This is why platforms like Brightmeds have become in demand. With Brightmeds, you will have better access to affordable tirzepatide and since they work only with licensed pharmacies in the US, you are assured of science-backed treatments that will help you lose weight and improve your well-being.