Key takeaways:
- You start losing weight with Mounjaro between 4 - 8 weeks.
- Eating well, staying active, and taking your dose on time will help you get better results.
- Notice how your sleep, energy, and health improve with weight loss.
- Everyone's journey is different. Trust the process and stay consistent for best results.
Watching the scale move for the first time, fitting into old jeans, or finally feeling good when you look in the mirror—we know, you too, want the same.
With a weight loss drug like Mounjaro now available in India, you can finally turn your weight loss dreams into a reality.
But we know what’s causing that hesitation. Before taking Mounjaro, you want to know if it is worth it. You want to know how long it will take to see the results.
We have the answer.
How much weight can you lose on Mounjaro?
The 72-week SURMOUNT-1 trial[1], done on 2,539 adults with obesity, weighing 104.8 kg on average, showed the following results:
Key Finding:
Higher doses correlated with greater weight loss. On the 15 mg dose, 57% of participants achieved ≥20% body weight reduction
85% participants lost ≥ 5% weight
89% participants lost ≥ 5% weight
50% participants lost ≥ 20% weight
91% participants lost ≥ 5% weight
57% participants lost ≥ 20% weight
In comparison, people on a placebo lost only about 3% of their body weight on average.
A week-by-week weight loss timeline with Mounjaro
Yes, weight loss is possible with Mounjaro. The studies prove it. But what changes can you expect with every new dose?
Your answer is just a scroll away.
Weeks 1 to 4: The start (2.5 mg dose)
- You’ll start with a 2.5 mg dose once a week.
- A low dose helps your body adjust to the medication.
- You may feel full sooner.
- There are fewer cravings for sweets, fried foods, or starchy carbs.
- You may experience mild, but temporary side effects, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea.
- Once you learn to manage the side effects, they begin to improve with time.
- You may notice a slight increase in weight during this stage.
Weeks 5 to 8: The shift (5 mg dose)
- Your dose increases to 5 mg once a week.
- You feel like eating smaller portions.
- You don’t crave high-calorie comfort foods as often.
- You begin to lose weight.
- Any side effects from the dose increase usually settle within two weeks.
Weeks 9 to 12: Building momentum (5 mg - 7.5 mg dose)
- Your doctor may keep you at 5 mg or increase the dose to 7.5 mg.
- Weight loss continues.
- Blood sugar levels improve for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Your clothes may fit better now.
Weeks 14 to 26: The optimal dose (10 mg - 15 mg dose)
- Your dose may increase to 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg a week.
- Studies show many people lose 10 - 15% of their starting weight at this point.
- You may feel lighter, more energetic, and even enjoy light movement.
- Side effects are minimal or gone entirely.
Weeks 27+: Maintenance (optimal dose)
- By this time, you would have lost upto 15 - 20% of your original weight.
- Your weight may plateau.
- Balanced meal plans and regular exercise prevent weight gain.
- Your blood sugar, blood pressure, insulin levels, and cholesterol levels are better.
Factors that may affect Mounjaro results
Even when two people take the same dose, eat similar foods, and start on the same day, weight loss can still look very different.
Many factors affect this, including:
Starting weight:
In the initial stages of the weight loss journey, you will lose weight quickly.
The closer you are to your healthy weight, the slower your weight loss becomes.
Why this happens
Your body starts to sense weight loss as a threat and begins to conserve energy to protect itself.
Age:
When we are younger, we tend to lose weight quickly. But the pace of weight loss slows down as we continue to age.
Why this happens
Hormones, metabolism, and muscle mass naturally decline with age.
This leads to slower calorie burn and weight loss.
Diet and activity:
A healthy, protein and fibre-rich diet, paired with physical activity, helps you lose weight steadily.
Why this happens
A healthy diet stabilises hunger hormones and blood sugar, which is the ideal environment for weight loss.
Daily habits:
Poor sleep, chronic stress, alcohol, or smoking can make cravings stronger and slow down weight loss.
Why this happens
These negative habits spike ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and cortisol (the stress hormone).
So you feel hungry more often and burn fewer calories.
Medical history:
Conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism, or insulin resistance can slow progress.
Why this happens
These conditions can disturb your hormones and slow your metabolism, which makes weight loss harder.
How to know you’re actually losing weight?
The scale isn’t the only way to measure success. Sometimes your body is making changes you can’t see in numbers, yet.
Look for these signs:
- You’re less tired during the day. You can focus better, with fewer afternoon slumps.
- Falling asleep is easier now! You wake up refreshed with fewer restless nights.
- Blood sugar, cholesterol, or other health markers are improving.
- Your body measurements change. This happens when you gain muscle.
Keep a log or take monthly photos. Small changes over time add up, and seeing them can help you stay motivated during plateaus.
Not losing weight on Mounjaro? Here’s what to do
You notice you are not losing weight on Mounjaro. This could be because:
- You have just started or are at a low dose.
- You are missing a dose or not injecting yourself correctly.
- Your diet consists of refined carbs, fried foods, or sugary snacks.
- You find it hard to dedicate 20-30 minutes daily to light physical activity.
- You have any health issues that can slow down your weight loss efforts.
So, what can you do?
If the scale isn’t moving, don’t panic. It doesn’t always mean the medicine isn’t working.
Sometimes, a few changes are all you need.
- Finding the best dose for you can take time, so keep checking in with your doctor.
- Take your injections on the same day each week. Ask your doctor if you feel unsure.
- Make sure your daily meals are balanced with protein, fibre, and whole foods.
- Move your body for at least 20–30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week.
- Conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism, or insulin resistance can slow weight loss, so your doctor may adjust your plan.
To conclude
Mounjaro works. The evidence proves it. But the most important thing is to know that the timeline may be different for everyone.
Some may see quick results, while others may need more time. Both are normal.
The scale shows just one part of your weight loss. If you notice your sleep, energy levels, and the way your clothes fit have improved, it is a victory!
The best results are achieved when you pair Mounjaro with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, good sleep habits, and effective stress management.
In weight loss, consistency matters far more than speed.
Looking for weight loss that is safe, effective, and easy to maintain?
Your search ends with Aktive.
We understand that losing weight takes more than just willpower.
That's why our weight loss plans are guided by doctors, designed around your routine, with support whenever you need it.
No restrictive diets. No intense workout schedules.
Just pure weight loss, right from the comfort of your home.
Check if you are eligibleFAQs
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Will I lose weight faster if I start with a higher Mounjaro dose?
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When will I start to notice a decrease in appetite on Mounjaro?
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Why is my weight loss slow after the first few months on Mounjaro?
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What can I do to accelerate slowed progress on Mounjaro?
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Will I gain weight back after stopping Mounjaro?
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What kind of exercises can I do while on Mounjaro, especially in the first few weeks?
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Is it normal to not lose weight in the first 4 weeks on Mounjaro?
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How long should I stay on Mounjaro for weight loss?
References:
- [1] Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M. C., & Stefanski, A. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2206038