Week-by-Week Mounjaro Weight Loss Guide

Embarking on any weight loss journey can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.

If you're considering Mounjaro (tirzepatide) as part of your weight management plan, you're probably curious about what to expect.

This guide, backed by the latest clinical research, will walk you through the Mounjaro experience, week by week.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Understanding Mounjaro

Mounjaro, known scientifically as tirzepatide, was initially developed to manage type 2 diabetes. It wasn’t long before researchers quickly noticed its remarkable effect on weight loss.

At its core, Mounjaro belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic hormones in your body that regulate appetite and food intake.

Mounjaro takes the form of an injection pen. You take one weekly dose of either 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg.

The SURMOUNT-1 trial, one of the largest trials in Mounjaro's development, showed that participants lost between 15% and 21% of their body weight over 72 weeks.

The later SURMOUNT-3 trial (published October 2023) found that over 84 weeks, participants achieved an average weight loss of 26.6%, which equates to about 27 kg (60 pounds) for many individuals.

These represent life-changing transformations for many people struggling with obesity.

Your Week-by-Week Journey with Mounjaro

Now, let's break down what you might experience week by week when starting Mounjaro.

It’s important to remember that everyone's body responds differently, so consider this a general guide rather than a strict timeline.

Weeks 1-4: Getting Started

Once you start taking Mounjaro, your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of 2.5 mg weekly. This initial small dosage allows your body to adjust to the medication.

During these first few weeks, you might notice subtle changes. Many users report a decreased appetite, often feeling satisfied with smaller portions than they’re used to.

On average, you could lose about 1% of your body weight per week, approximately 1 kg or 2.2 lbs for many people, however, weight loss results can vary among individuals.

Staying hydrated is essential when taking Mounjaro. Some users experience mild gastrointestinal side effects, which often subside as their bodies adapt.

Weeks 5-8: Finding a Rhythm

As you move into the second month, your dosage can increase to 5 mg per week, depending on how well you tolerate it.

By now, you're likely settling into a new routine. Many Mounjaro users report feeling more in control of their eating habits during this phase.

At this stage, many people find themselves naturally gravitating towards healthier food choices or feel less tempted by high-calorie snacks. However, keep in mind that this varies from person to person. Sometimes, you’ll need to wait a bit longer for the appetite-suppressing effects of Mounjaro to kick in.

This is an excellent time to focus on nutrient-dense foods. Consuming adequate vitamins and minerals becomes even more essential as your body sheds weight.

Weeks 9-12: Finding a Stride

As you approach the three-month mark, your dosage might increase again, potentially to 7.5 mg per week.

By this point, many users report major changes in their relationship with food. The constant battle with cravings often begins to feel less intense.

This is typically when people start noticing more visible changes in their appearance.

Clothes might fit differently, and you’ll likely have more energy for daily activities.

According to the SURMOUNT-1 trial, most people lose around 8% of their total starting body weight by week 12.

If you haven't already, now is an excellent time to incorporate strength training into your routine. As you lose fat, preserving muscle mass will help you stay toned. It can also help combat loose skin.

Weeks 13-24: Continued Progress

You've made it through the first three months, often considered the most challenging part of any weight loss journey. Depending on your progress, your clinician might adjust your dosage to 10 or 15 mg per week.

During this phase, weight loss typically continues steadily, though you might notice it slowing slightly compared to the initial weeks.

This is entirely normal and expected. Your body adapts to its new weight, and each pound lost becomes more significant.

At this point, maintaining a strong mindset is essential. It's easy to get discouraged if the numbers on the scale aren't dropping as quickly as before.

Remember to celebrate non-scale victories: maybe you can now easily climb a flight of stairs, or perhaps you've dropped a clothing size.

Also, if you’re exercising more, you might be building muscle mass. Muscle tissues are heavier than fat and can offset changes on the scale.

Weeks 25-52: Long-Term Success

As you move into the latter half of your first year on Mounjaro, you're likely to see continued, steady progress.

The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed that by week 52, many participants had lost between 15% and 21% of their initial body weight.

Your focus might shift from rapid weight loss to sustainable lifestyle changes at this stage. Your body has undergone significant changes, and your habits have also likely transformed.

This is an excellent time to reassess your dietary needs with your healthcare provider.

As you've lost weight, your caloric needs have changed, and fine-tuning your diet can help you continue progressing towards your goals.

You can also consider ramping up cardio exercise and strength training to keep the momentum going.

Beyond Week 52: The Long Haul

Studies like SURMOUNT-3 have shown that Mounjaro's benefits can extend well beyond the one-year mark.

Participants in this trial saw continued improvements up to 84 weeks, with an average total weight loss of 26.6% – about 27 kg (60 lbs) for many individuals.

The SURMOUNT-4 trial shows that those who continue taking Mounjaro maintain at least 80% of the weight they lost in the first 36 weeks of treatment.

As you enter this long-term phase, your focus will likely shift toward maintaining weight loss and overall health.

But most importantly, this is when you need to think about “locking in” your progress.

Staying healthy should be seen as a lifelong commitment. Keep up the good work and keep pushing yourself – you’ve come so far and should be proud, but weight loss remains a work in progress.

The Bigger Picture: More Than Just Numbers

While the weight loss numbers associated with Mounjaro are impressive, it's essential to remember that this medication is about more than just dropping pounds.

Many report improvements in various aspects of their health:

• Better blood sugar control
• Reduced blood pressure
• Improved cholesterol levels
• Enhanced mobility and reduced joint pain
• Increased energy and improved mood

These health benefits often translate directly into an improved quality of life. People frequently report feeling more confident, enjoying activities they previously avoided, and generally feeling more in control of their health and well-being.

The Bottom Line

Mounjaro represents a major advancement in weight loss medication, offering hope to many who have struggled with traditional methods.

A potential weight loss of 15-26% over 72-84 weeks of changes is possible, which might be anything up to 25 kg (55 lbs) or more.

Of course, it's crucial to approach Mounjaro as part of a holistic health journey. It's a powerful tool, but it works best when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes, regular medical supervision, and a commitment to your overall health and well-being.

You can buy Mounjaro online from PrescriptionDoctor. To begin, complete our short online consultation.

If your order is approved before 3 p.m. on a weekday, our UK-registered pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your medicine the same day for next-day discreet delivery. Our pharmacy stocks 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg Mounjaro Injections.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 22/07/2024 Reviewed on: 22/07/2024