Side effects of Mounjaro & how to manage them

Key takeaways:

Maybe you saw it in the news.

Maybe it's the hot topic of your family chat group.

Or maybe you saw another celebrity go through a major weight loss transformation.

Mounjaro has made headlines worldwide as a new medicine for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly launched it in India in March 2025, and now, everyone wants to lose weight the quick and easy way.

But, is there a catch to it?

This guide will help you understand the side effects of taking Mounjaro, what they look like, and how they can be managed.

How does Mounjaro work?

Before we discuss Mounjaro’s side effects, it is helpful to understand how the weight loss medicine works. This medicine copies the actions of two gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP.

Whenever we eat, these hormones come into action and:

• Control blood sugar levels:
  This is made possible by helping the body use insulin more effectively.
• Slow down digestion:
  As Mounjaro slows down the rate at which your stomach empties food, you feel full for a longer time.
• Sends fullness signals to the brain:
  By triggering the neurons, they signal the brain that you’re full, which makes it easier to eat less.

This way, you:

• Feel satisfied with smaller portions.
• Experience less hunger between meals.
• Have fewer food cravings.
• Process sugar more efficiently.
• Gradually lose weight.

How does Mounjaro work?

Copies gut hormones (GLP-1 & GIP)

Slows digestion so you stay satisfied longer

Signals your brain that you’re full

• Smaller portions keep you full
• Fewer cravings between meals
• Steadier bloos sugar control
• Gradual, healthy weight loss

Because Mounjaro slows digestion and changes how your gut communicates with your brain, your body needs time to adjust.

That's why, experiencing side effects while taking Mounjaro during the first few weeks is common.

The good news is that these effects are dose-dependent, usually mild, and they go away with time.

But adapting to them can be uncomfortable in the beginning.

That’s why doctors start with a low dose and increase it gradually to give your gut time to adapt.

This table shows the timeline of different side effects:

What are the side effects of taking Mounjaro?

Studies ^[1][2][3][4] show that taking Mounjaro usually results in two types of side effects:

• Mild/less serious: They are temporary and usually do not require immediate medical attention.
• Serious: These do not happen frequently but need urgent medical attention.

How to manage common side effects of Mounjaro?

Don’t worry. The good news is that the mild side effects can be managed at home with a few simple steps. But if the symptoms don’t settle or seem to get worse, see your doctor without delay.

• For nausea:

  • Eat 5–6 small meals instead of 3 large ones.
  • Begin your meals with thin dal or clear soup.
  • Reduce your intake of masala and oil for some time.
  • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
  • Drink adrak chai, pudina tea, jeera water, or nimbu paani.
  • Try nimbu pani with black salt.
  • Use pudina chutney or hing in dals.

• For vomiting:

  • Drink ORS.
  • Have khichdi, or curd rice, once you are able to eat.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after meals.
  • Take small sips of water frequently.
  • Try evening injections to sleep through symptoms.

• For diarrhoea:

  • Rehydrate with nimbu paani, nariyal paani, or lassi.
  • Eat rice, banana, and curd.
  • Avoid leafy greens and high-fibre foods.
  • Try isabgol (psyllium husk) after medical advice.

• For constipation:

  • Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily.
  • Try triphala churna (only after consulting your doctor).
  • Add soaked methi seeds to your diet.
  • Increase your intake of vegetables, whole grains, and papaya.

• For decreased appetite:

  • Focus on protein-rich foods like dal, paneer, soya, etc.
  • Eat 4-6 small meals instead of 3 large meals, on fixed timings.
  • Eat nutrient-dense, seasonal vegetables.
  • Consider a multivitamin (only on the recommendation of a doctor).
  • Eat only when hungry, and do not force-feed yourself.

• For fatigue:

  • Stay well-hydrated.
  • Add energy-giving foods like ragi, jowar, sattu, etc.
  • Maintain adequate protein intake.
  • Include iron-rich foods like spinach and beetroot.

• For headaches:

  • Hydrate well.
  • Maintain a regular sleep routine.
  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
  • Try tulsi or chamomile tea for cooling relief.

• For injection site reactions:

  • Rotate the injection sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm).
  • Let the alcohol dry fully before injecting.
  • Use a cold compress if there's discomfort.

While some side effects are expected or mild and resolve on their own, serious side effects may need immediate medical attention.

What makes some people more sensitive to Mounjaro than others?

But why are some people more prone to side effects than others? There can be different reasons, like:

• How your body processes Mounjaro
• Your present health status
• Your gut health
• Your past medical history
• How quickly has the dose been/is increased
• Your lifestyle and eating habits
• Your consistency in taking Mounjaro
• Any possible drug interactions

When should you visit the doctor?

Reach out to your doctor if you notice/experience:

• Severe pain in the abdomen, especially if it spreads to the back or is accompanied by fever and/or vomiting
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
• Pain in the upper abdominal region, yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice), or fever
• Shaking, sweating, confusion, dizziness, or fainting
• A rash, swelling (of the face, lips, or throat), or trouble breathing
• A lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness of voice
• Your symptoms persist or worsen, especially after an increase in dose
• The side effects affect your ability to eat, work, or function
• New symptoms, but not directly related to taking Mounjaro (hair loss, fatigue, etc.)
• Difficulty in tolerating side effects every time the dose changes

Do the side effects go away over time?

The good news is that most people who take Mounjaro gradually adapt to the side effects, especially the common gastrointestinal ones. These usually last for 3 months and get better as the body learns to adjust. But this can be different for different people.

In studies like the SURMOUNT-4^[5] trial (that lasted up to 72 weeks), most common side effects diminished after 16–24 weeks, but some users reported mild, intermittent symptoms with continued use.

Serious side effects like pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or kidney issues do not resolve spontaneously and need a different approach/medical intervention.

Practical tips to feel better while your body adjusts

In addition to the advice above, here are some simple tips you can try:

• Eat light and nutritious foods. For example, swap ice cream with fruits, or a wheat roti for a millet one.
• Try to get a minimum of 7 hours of good-quality sleep.
• Make sure you do a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity daily. You can break it down to small 10-minute workouts if you like.
• Add small, simple stress management techniques to your routine, like deep breathing, journaling, or meditation.

Everybody reacts differently, and that's okay.

Some people feel completely at ease while taking Mounjaro. Others may feel tired, nauseous or off-balance before things settle. But knowing what to expect and when to reach out for help can make all the difference.

We hope this guide gives you the information you need so you can have a more open conversation with your doctor about Mounjaro.

Yes, side effects are real, but are also manageable in most cases. You don't have to tough it out alone.

Aktive connects you with doctors, nutritionists, and real people who understand the ups and downs of this process.