How long do you stay on Mounjaro for weight loss: Myths vs facts

While 'Ozempic' used to be the weight loss medication on everyone's lips, you've likely come across some of its competitors by now.

Namely, Mounjaro is becoming more mainstream, thanks to its promising weight loss outcomes and greater availability in the UK. Plus, unlike Ozempic — which is primarily a diabetes medication that happens to be used off-label — Mounjaro is actually specifically approved for weight loss purposes.

That said, like any weight loss medication, Mounjaro has been subject to its fair share of rumours. One misconception that you might have heard is that if you start using Mounjaro, you will need to be on it forever. While it's true that it's not designed to be a short-term, band-aid solution, this isn't the whole story.

To help you sort fact from fiction, we've compiled everything you need to know about Mounjaro — including expected timelines and what happens after you stop taking the medication.

How does Mounjaro work in the body?

Mounjaro works similarly to other weight loss injections in that it mimics a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). However, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) is also distinct in that it is a 'twincretin' medication. It works on two hormones, not just one, to regulate blood sugar in the body [1].

Binding to both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro promotes the release of insulin in the body. This signals to the brain that you are full, which naturally leads to eating smaller portions. It can also help keep food cravings at bay, which further supports weight loss [2]

Many people also find that Mounjaro and other weight loss medications help them obsess about food less. This reduced 'food noise' effect suggests that it may also have an impact on the reward hormone, dopamine; however, there are limited studies into this thus far [3].

How quickly do you see results with Mounjaro?

Some people find that their bodies respond quickly to weight loss medications like Mounjaro — far more so than diet and exercise alone. Some people even find that they lose a kilo or two in the first week, although often, this is just initial water weight. Even so, weight loss results can happen quickly, and you'll likely notice changes in how you feel, too.

Typically, Mounjaro patients lose about 2 to 4% of their total body weight in the first month. This is followed by 8 to 12% in the first three months, 15 to 18% in the first six months and 20 to 25% in the first year [4]. These numbers show that while results can start quickly, Mounjaro weight loss is designed to be a marathon, not a sprint!

As well as the changing number on the scale, many people notice other benefits like less brain fog, better energy balance and improved overall health (including lower cholesterol and an improvement in high blood pressure) [5]. Plus, your clothes will likely also start fitting better as your body composition changes, which can work wonders for your confidence.

How long can you stay on Mounjaro for weight loss?

There's no hard and fast answer to how long you can stay on Mounjaro for weight loss. If you have achieved a maintenance weight you're happy with — and you're confident that you can maintain your healthier habits — there's no reason you can't come off it.

However, rather than stopping it abruptly, you should work with your prescriber to taper off (gradually reducing your dose). This will help reduce the risk of rebound effects and help you to better sustain your results.

There are a few reasons that people decide to stop taking Mounjaro. One of them is common side effects such as bloating, indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea [6]. While some people experience these symptoms more than others, in most cases, they subside as your body gets used to your dosage.

Another reason is the cost, which can be subject to price increases — especially if you're getting it through the NHS or private prescription. Accessing your Mounjaro through a weight loss programme like Juniper helps lock in a predictable cost, so you can budget accordingly. We'll never spring unexpected price hikes on you. Plus, you also get ongoing support, lifestyle coaching, meal plans and more, as part of your all-inclusive membership.

Some people also struggle to take their medication consistently, which can be problematic, as it needs to be taken at the same time every week. With Juniper, you don't need to remember to go to the chemist each month to pick up your prescription. Each repeat will be sent directly to your door in discreet packaging, so you can take your dose like clockwork.

Finally, it's not safe to take Mounjaro in pregnancy or when breastfeeding, so some women need to stop taking the medication when they are in this exciting life stage [7].

Do you need to take Mounjaro long-term?

Mounjaro is designed to be a long-term medication — meaning, you don't just take it to quickly shed weight for a special occasion. That said, the optimal amount of time to take Mounjaro varies from person to person.

Some may take it for six months to a year, then call it a day. Others, especially those with diabetes, PCOS or other conditions that make weight maintenance difficult, may decide to be on Mounjaro for life. Ultimately, it's a personal journey with individual timelines.

What happens if you stop taking Mounjaro?

Wondering if you will gain weight back after stopping Mounjaro?

Contrary to what some might suggest, you aren't just going to immediately regain weight the second you stop taking Mounjaro. Rather, it's a gradual transitional period. Mounjaro has a half-life of 120 hours over about five days, meaning it won't fully leave your bloodstream for a while after your last injection [8]. This means you may not notice a change in your appetite and eating habits for the first week or so.

Eventually, you will notice that your appetite returns to be more in line with before you started medication. Slowly, you may find you're able to eat bigger portions without quickly feeling full. That's just how the cookie crumbles! However, if you have made lifestyle changes (such as portion control, making healthier choices and regular exercise), you will likely find you can keep weight gain at bay.

Another challenge is that after losing weight on Mounjaro, your basal metabolic rate (the amount of calories you burn at rest) will likely be lower because you're lighter. This means that if you revert straight back to how you were eating before you were on Mounjaro, you may gain the weight back. This is why Juniper's weight loss programme has a strong focus on protein intake. By maintaining your muscle mass, you can maintain and even improve your metabolism, making weight regain less likely.

The good news is, it doesn't have to be 'all or nothing' either. Even if you take a break from Mounjaro, you always go back on it or another weight loss medication in the future, so long as you're eligible.

Does Mounjaro stop working over time?

No, Mounjaro does not typically stop working over time, unless there are other underlying reasons (for example, contraindicated medications or other factors that are affecting absorption). However, your body can get used to the dosage.

This is why Mounjaro and other weight loss medications have very specific dosing schedules. Provided to you by your clinical team, this involves you gradually increasing your dosage every few weeks until you reach your maintenance dose. This helps to keep your body on its toes, so you can experience ongoing weight loss.

Is it safe to take Mounjaro long-term?

Generally, Mounjaro is considered a safe and effective medication, whether used short-term or long-term.

As these medications are relatively new, we do not exactly know the long-term effects when used on patients without diabetes.  However, GLP-1 medications have been used for diabetes patients for many years, and long-term effects are rare [9].

Of course, everyone is different, and it is important to speak to your prescriber if you notice any severe side effects or anything that doesn't seem quite right.

Making Mounjaro weight loss work for you

Whether you plan to take Mounjaro for the immediate future or the long haul, Juniper will be with you every step of the way.

The Juniper Programme combines weight loss medication with dietitian-led health coaching and tracking, so you can lose weight and reach your goals for good.

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy or Mounjaro, two groundbreaking weight loss medications that mimic the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, respectively, to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. These clinically backed treatments help members experience up to 23% body weight loss.

Plus, we have a team of expert dietitians and health coaches you can consult with to help you work through any challenges you're experiencing during your weight management journey. This approach sets you up for sustained weight loss, rather than a quick-fix solution.

This means you can continue to enjoy the things you love in moderation without ever feeling deprived.

Ready to see if Juniper is right for you? You can check your eligibility here.

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