Mounjaro Before and After Transformations

Weight loss medications like Mounjaro have helped countless people achieve their weight loss goals, improve their health and find new confidence. Here, our experts unpack how Mounjaro works, what to expect on your journey as well as real patient transformations to help you figure out if weight loss medication is right for you.

Overview of Mounjaro

Mounjaro is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. While it is currently under review for the treatment of obesity, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for this use. [1]

Mounjaro is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin) and should be used alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.

It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which mimics the effects of two naturally occurring gut hormones: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). These hormones help regulate blood sugar levels, slow digestion, and promote a feeling of fullness.

Mounjaro and Diabetes Management

Role in blood sugar regulation

Mounjaro helps manage type 2 diabetes through:

• Boosting insulin release - After a meal, Mounjaro enhances insulin secretion, helping lower blood sugar levels.
• Lowering glucagon release - Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar when you’re not eating. Mounjaro decreases its release, keeping your blood sugar levels balanced.
• Slowing digestion - Mounjaro slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach. This helps control how fast sugar enters your bloodstream, preventing sudden blood sugar spikes. [2]

Impact on insulin sensitivity

Mounjaro helps the body manage blood sugar more effectively by improving the function of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (called beta cells). It makes these cells work more efficiently, so they release insulin in a more balanced way. Mounjaro also lowers insulin levels when fasting, reduces insulin resistance, and boosts hormones that help the body use insulin better. [3]

User Experiences

Zion’s success story

Since starting her weight loss journey with Levity, Zion has lost 25 lbs in 6 months using Mounjaro. 

For the past seven years Zion has struggled to lose weight, impacting her confidence and her desire to date. However, since starting weight loss medication she has found herself going to more social events which she used to avoid and is more hopeful about dating. “It’s been great for my confidence and even my friends have been noticing that in me as well. So, it's done wonders,”  says Zion.

Plus, when it comes to continuing her weight loss journey Zion feels hopeful because she knows she’s only just getting started. “It honestly really has made me feel like I can definitely move goal posts and it makes me feel like I'm definitely going to be able to get to my goal… and I just didn't think that was ever possible before.” 

Comparisons with Other Medications

Mounjaro vs. other weight loss drugs

Clinical trials indicate that Mounjaro may result in greater weight loss compared to Wegovy, with participants losing up to 20.9% of their body weight over 72 weeks on Mounjaro, [4] versus 14.9% over 68 weeks on Wegovy. [5] Both medications can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine which medication is best suited for their specific needs.

Efficacy in different populations

Mounjaro is highly effective across different populations for weight loss and blood sugar control. In clinical trials, there were no differences observed in the efficacy of Mounjaro in elderly populations. 

Although Mounjaro has not been studied in human pregnancy, it shouldn’t be used by pregnant women as it has been shown to cause reproductive toxicity in animal studies. Due to this, Mounjaro should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. 

Typical Outcomes in the First Few Months

Mounjaro has been shown to help people lose up to 20.9% of their body weight in 72 weeks. [4] 

Expected weight loss milestones

Based on the above clinical trial, you can expect to lose an average of around 6% of your body weight by your second month of treatment, 9% by your third month and 21% after 16.5 months (72 weeks) of long-term treatment.

Factors influencing initial results

As with any medication, individual responses to Mounjaro can vary greatly. Some people may experience rapid weight loss, while others may see slower results. Your starting weight and body composition can impact the rate and extent of weight loss.

Lifestyle factors could influence initial weight loss results. Eating a healthy, calorie-controlled diet is crucial for maximizing weight loss on Mounjaro. Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods while avoiding processed foods is so important.

In addition, regular physical activity, including a mix of aerobic exercises and strength training, can enhance weight loss outcomes.

Potential Side Effects of Mounjaro

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Mounjaro are gastrointestinal. At the highest dose (15 mg), nausea was reported in 31% of patients, diarrhoea in 23%, vomiting in 12.1%, constipation in 11.7%, and indigestion in 11.3%. [4]

Rare but serious reactions

Serious side effects with Mounjaro are rare, but it’s important to be aware of them. Here’s what to look for.

• Pancreatitis: Mounjaro can cause inflammation of the pancreas, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, and vomiting.
• Gallbladder problems: These can include gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder (known as cholecystitis). Symptoms include severe upper stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Thyroid tumours: There is a potential risk of developing thyroid tumors, some of which could be cancerous. Symptoms may include swelling or a lump in the neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.
• Severe allergic reactions: These can be life-threatening and include symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and severe itching or rash.

Mounjaro should never be used in people who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). This is due to the potential risk of thyroid cancer associated with Mounjaro. As a result, Mounjaro carries an FDA black-box warning. 

Factors Influencing Weight Loss Success with Mounjaro

Lifestyle changes and habits

Mounjaro is approved for use when used alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. Lifestyle changes and habits that can influence your weight loss success include:

1. Maintain a healthy diet

Make sure you are eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. [6] Avoid or limit processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats. Include high-fibre foods to help keep you full and support digestive health. [7]

2. Engage in regular exercise

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise in a week. This can be broken down into 30-minute sessions over 5 separate days. Include activities like walking, cycling, or swimming to get your heart rate up and burn calories. [8]

Be sure to include some strength training too - muscle training helps maintain muscle mass and metabolism, supporting long-term weight management. [9]

3. Mindful eating

It’s a good idea to try and eat slowly and mindfully. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating, and use smaller plates and measure out food portions to ensure you maintain a calorie deficit. [10]

4. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water each day helps control hunger and supports metabolism. Current recommendations are that adults consume about 2.7 liters (11.5 cups) of total fluid per day for women and 3.7 liters (15.5 cups) for men. This includes fluids from all sources, including water, other beverages, and food. [11]

5. Get adequate rest

By prioritising your sleep and aiming for 7-9 hours per night, your overall health will improve. Evidence also suggests it helps to balance hormones involved in appetite regulation. [12]

Importance of diet and exercise

Mounjaro is approved for weight loss when combined with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.

To get the best results, focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of high-fiber foods, whole grains, and lean proteins. This will help you feel full and ensure you're getting the nutrients your body needs.

Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. This could include activities like brisk walking, cycling, or dancing. Adding resistance training to your routine can also help build muscle mass, which boosts metabolism and supports weight management.

Ready to Start Your Weight Loss Journey?

Levity can help boost your results alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. Weight loss injections need to be prescribed by a healthcare professional, who assesses whether these medications are suitable for you. Find out if you’re eligible here.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2022. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) prescribing information. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf [Accessed 7 Feb. 2025].
2. Liu QK. Mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024 Jul 24;15:1431292. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1431292. PMID: 39114288; PMCID: PMC11304055.
3. Thomas MK, Nikooienejad A, Bray R, Cui X, Wilson J, Duffin K, Milicevic Z, Haupt A, Robins DA. Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Tirzepatide Improves Beta-cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021 Jan 23;106(2):388-396. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa863. PMID: 33236115; PMCID: PMC7823251.
4. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. Epub 2022 Jun 4. PMID: 35658024.
5. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33567185.
6. Barr SB, Wright JC. Postprandial energy expenditure in whole-food and processed-food meals: implications for daily energy expenditure. Food Nutr Res. 2010 Jul 2;54. doi: 10.3402/fnr.v54i0.5144. PMID: 20613890; PMCID: PMC2897733.
7. Kelly RK, Calhoun J, Hanus A, Payne-Foster P, Stout R, Sherman BW. Increased dietary fiber is associated with weight loss among Full Plate Living program participants. Front Nutr. 2023 Apr 17;10:1110748. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1110748. PMID: 37139446; PMCID: PMC10150096.
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. Physical activity guidelines for adults. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html [Accessed 7 Feb. 2025].
9. Lopez P, Taaffe DR, Galvão DA, Newton RU, Nonemacher ER, Wendt VM, Bassanesi RN, Turella DJP, Rech A. Resistance training effectiveness on body composition and body weight outcomes in individuals with overweight and obesity across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2022 May;23(5):e13428. doi: 10.1111/obr.13428. Epub 2022 Feb 21. PMID: 35191588; PMCID: PMC9285060.
10. Fuentes Artiles R, Staub K, Aldakak L, Eppenberger P, Rühli F, Bender N. Mindful eating and common diet programs lower body weight similarly: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2019 Nov;20(11):1619-1627. doi: 10.1111/obr.12918. Epub 2019 Aug 1. PMID: 31368631.
11. Mayo Clinic, 2023. Water: How much should you drink every day? Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256 [Accessed 7 Feb. 2025].
12. Papatriantafyllou E, Efthymiou D, Zoumbaneas E, Popescu CA, Vassilopoulou E. Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Nutrients. 2022 Apr 8;14(8):1549. doi: 10.3390/nu14081549. PMID: 35458110; PMCID: PMC9031614.