Mounjaro constipation leaving you stuck? Here’s how to feel better fast

Feeling a little stuck? Backed up? Compacted?

If you're taking Mounjaro for weight loss and are faced with constipation, you're certainly not alone.

Initially formulated to support blood sugar levels in adults living with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro is incredibly successful as a weight loss medication, too.

Mounjaro is an injectable medication that belongs to a drug class known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, containing the active ingredient tirzepatide.

Although a helpful aid for losing weight, Mounjaro can also have some common side effects when you first begin your weekly injections.

Here is what you need to know.

Does Mounjaro affect your bowel movements?

Like any medication, there are side effects when taking a weight loss treatment like Mounjaro. These common side effects range from mild digestive discomfort to more serious ones, such as severe abdominal pain.

Other common side effects experienced when taking Mounjaro include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, body aches, and constipation. These side effects can occur when taking Mounjaro and other GLP-1 medications. We've covered more on constipation for semaglutides here.

The so-called Mounjaro constipation can be a challenge to deal with in the early stages. Around 7% of people reported Mounjaro constipation as impacting them in clinical trials [1].

Experiencing constipation when taking Mounjaro isn't going to happen to everyone. Constipation can be impacted by your level of dietary fibre, how much water you consume and your general diet habits.

Signs you may have Mounjaro-related constipation include:

1. Difficulty passing stools or if it feels painful to pass stools
2. Stools that are hard and dry or are outside a 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart [2]
3. Abdominal bloating and nausea
4. Stomach aches or abdominal cramping
5. Feeling like you haven't fully emptied after going to the toilet

Why do you get constipated on Mounjaro?

Constipation on Mounjaro can occur because of how Mounjaro and other GLP-1 weight loss medications affect your digestive system. GLP-1 receptors are found throughout your gastrointestinal tract, and medications like Mounjaro work to activate these receptors to slow the emptying of your stomach.

This helps you feel fuller for longer and supports blood sugar control (both of which can aid in weight loss), but it can also cause constipation as a side effect.

Taking Mounjaro might impact how your body stores fluid. Less fluid can equal harder stools, which can contribute to constipation. If you have a decreased appetite from taking Mounjaro, you may not be getting enough dietary fibre to help with good stool production.

How long does constipation last when starting Mounjaro?

Generally, most side effects of Mounjaro last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It's worth noting that not everyone will get constipation or many of the other common side effects as part of their treatment - it is individual as to how your body adjusts to taking Mounjaro.

If the side effects do not decrease after a few weeks, or are preventing you from living your daily life, it may be time to chat to your doctor.

Embarking on a weight loss journey can be a nerve-wracking experience, which is why it's so important to have a strong support system, like Juniper.

With the Juniper Programme, you can access weight loss medication tailored to your health and goals — never one-size-fits-all. Our app helps you track progress, connect with your care team, adjust medication as needed, and access expert support. You'll also get structured tools to build lasting habits and ongoing care.

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 20% 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.

Who is most at risk of Mounjaro constipation and other common side effects?

Women can be at a higher risk of severe constipation depending on their stage of life. Hormonal changes, such as during menopause, may increase the risk.

People who have three or fewer bowel movements per week are typically considered constipated, although frequency varies depending on diet, lifestyle, and family history.

Taking other medications alongside Mounjaro can also increase the risk. Antidepressants, iron tablets for anaemia, allergy medications, high blood pressure treatments, strong painkillers, and even some over-the-counter antacids may worsen constipation.

In rare cases, Mounjaro may cause more serious issues like severe abdominal pain, low blood sugar, or an allergic reaction. Always speak to your healthcare provider if symptoms are persistent or severe.

Managing Mounjaro constipation through lifestyle changes

The good news is that constipation from Mounjaro can often be relieved with a few simple lifestyle changes:

Drink plenty

Stay hydrated with clear fluids such as water, herbal teas and electrolyte drinks (opt for low sugar versions). The NHS recommends 6-8 cups of fluid for women per day [3].

Increase high-fibre foods

Gradually increasing your intake of high-fibre foods can make a big difference. Try adding fibre-rich fruits like prunes, figs or grapes, which act as a natural laxative.

By including 2 serves of fruit and 3–5 serves of vegetables in your daily diet, you’ll be well on your way to meeting the recommended 30 grams of fibre [4].

Incorporate whole grains

Add oats, barley, wheat bran, flaxseed, or linseed to your meals. You can stir them into smoothies, overnight oats, or sprinkle seeds on salads. Swap white bread for wholemeal or multigrain to boost fibre without calories.

Get some steps in after dinner

A short walk after meals helps stimulate digestion and gut motility, encouraging stool movement through the colon.

Eat smaller meals

Eating smaller, more frequent meals gives your digestive system time to process food at a gentler pace. It can also help to eat slowly, to make your food easier to process as it moves through your digestive system.

Avoid trigger foods

Greasy, oily, spicy, or highly processed foods can worsen digestive discomfort. Stick to balanced meals with lean protein, vegetables, and high-fibre foods. Eating a balanced and healthy diet is key when taking Mounjaro.

Add some heat

A hot water bottle, wheat pack, or TENS machine may help ease abdominal pain caused by constipation.

Elevate your position

Using a footstool to raise your knees while on the toilet can support easier bowel movements.

If needed, speak to your pharmacist about stool softeners or laxatives for managing Mounjaro constipation.

When to speak to your healthcare provider

If constipation, diarrhoea, or severe abdominal pain from Mounjaro injections is ongoing, speak to your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dose or suggest additional support through over-the-counter medicine.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience persistent diarrhoea, blood in your stool, severe stomach pain or signs of an allergic reaction.

In some cases, you may not tolerate Mounjaro well. But don't stress, there are other options for managing your weight loss safely, such as switching to another weight loss injection.

Switching from Mounjaro

If you're thinking about switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, the good news is that it's both safe and straightforward.

When making the switch, Juniper patients don’t need to restart at the lowest dose. If clinically appropriate, they can continue at a higher dose aligned with recent treatment history.

Plus, our switching protocol has only a 7-day gap between medications, compared to 28 days with most other providers. Our clinical oversight ensures safe, effective transitions — helping patients maintain momentum without compromising care.

You can switch in a few easy steps. Simply answer some quick questions about your medical history and goals and choose whether to continue on your current medication or switch to an equivalent dosage in the same trusted GLP-1 class of medications. From here, our clinicians will work with you to find the best treatment plan.

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