Do you gain weight back after stopping Mounjaro?
Key Points
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication used alongside diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes.
- Weight loss is a common side effect, with clinical studies showing up to 7.8 kg (17.1 lb) lost in 40 weeks.
- Weight regain is likely after stopping Mounjaro.
- Mounjaro is not FDA-approved for weight loss; however, its active ingredient, tirzepatide, is approved for weight management under the brand name Zepbound.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), is an FDA-approved injectable medication for type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed in combination with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control. While not officially a weight loss drug, weight loss is a common side effect. In clinical trials, participants lost up to 7.8 kg (17.1 lb) over 40 weeks.
How Much Weight Do You Gain Back After Stopping Mounjaro?
Many users wonder, “Do you regain weight after stopping Mounjaro?” There is limited research on weight regain after stopping Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. However, a study on tirzepatide (the active ingredient) in adults without diabetes found that participants regained about 14% of their lost weight within a year after stopping treatment. This was an average weight gain of 11.1 kg (24.5 lb).
Why Do People Gain Weight After Stopping Mounjaro?
While on Mounjaro, the medication suppresses appetite by mimicking natural hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that promote satiety and reduce food cravings. Once Mounjaro is stopped, hormone levels return to baseline, leading to the return of previous hunger signals. This is why gaining weight after stopping Mounjaro is common, especially if lifestyle changes aren't well established.
Other factors include:
- Reduced resting metabolism after weight loss
- Emotional or stress-related eating
- Lack of an ongoing structured plan
How to Stop Mounjaro Without Gaining Weight
Users frequently ask: "How do I come off Mounjaro without gaining weight?" A strategic discontinuation approach can make a significant difference. Here’s how to approach it:
- Transition gradually, if medically appropriate, by slowly reducing the dose under medical supervision.
- Work with a nutritionist to maintain a high-protein, high-fiber diet.
- Exercise regularly to support metabolism and muscle retention.
- Track weight weekly; early regain detection enables timely action.
- Seek medical guidance from a healthcare provider for personalized weight management strategies.
If you are wondering "Can I stop Mounjaro after losing weight?"—you can. But long-term success requires planning. If you notice significant weight regain after stopping Mounjaro, consult your doctor. They can help develop a plan to maintain a healthy weight and prevent further weight gain.
Related questions
- What is the natural Mounjaro recipe for weight loss?
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
- Zepbound vs. Mounjaro: Comparison Guide for Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment
How to Maintain Weight Loss After Mounjaro
Even after stopping Mounjaro, you can keep the weight off, especially with structured behavioral support. Here are some tips to help you keep the weight off after stopping Mounjaro:
- Meal spacing: Avoid long gaps between meals to prevent intense hunger surges and accidental overeating.
- Behavioral tools: Consider cognitive behavioral strategies or weight loss apps.
- Routine follow-ups: Schedule check-ins with an obesity medicine specialist or primary care doctor.
Is Weight Regain Inevitable After Mounjaro?
No, it’s not inevitable. But it is very common unless ongoing lifestyle modification and behavioral tools are in place. With support and structure, you can avoid weight regain. However, studies show that up to a 14% weight regain can happen within a year if lifestyle changes are not sustained. That’s why medical providers increasingly treat obesity as a chronic condition, often recommending long-term support or pharmacotherapy.
Can You Restart Mounjaro if You Regain Weight?
If weight regain occurs and medical criteria are still met, you can typically restart Mounjaro or Zepbound. However, insurance coverage may differ depending on your starting weight and indication. Consult your provider to evaluate eligibility, especially after a pause longer than 4 weeks.
References
- Aronne, L. J. (2023). Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity. The SURMOUNT-4 Randomized Clinical Trial. In: JAMA. Accessed 06/08/2024 at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812936
- Mounjaro [package insert]. Updated September 2023. Eli Lilly and Company. Accessed on 06/08/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d2d7da5d-ad07-4228-955f-cf7e355c8cc0
Read next
Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?
It takes time, about 8 to 12 weeks to see a 6% to 8% weight loss in adults using Mounjaro. Other reasons include the need to follow a reduced calorie diet and exercise program, your dose may need to be increased, or side effects may affect your treatment. Continue reading
Ozempic Mounjaro Wegovy & Zepbound: Weight Loss Compared
Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound can all lead to long-term weight loss, but only Wegovy and Zepbound are approved by the FDA for this use. In studies, Zepbound has led to a 21% weight loss in adults using the highest dose, while Wegovy has led to about a 15% weight loss.
Continue reading
Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
There’s no evidence that hair loss is a direct side effect of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound. Hair loss is more likely due to the stress of rapid weight loss on your body, which can lead to temporary shedding of hair over several months, a condition known as telogen effluvium. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- How long does it take for Mounjaro to start working?
- Can you switch between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
- Mounjaro side effects you need to be aware of
- Which GLP-1 drug is best for weight loss?
- Mounjaro constipation: Why it happens and how to get relief?
- How does Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss?
- Can you get tirzepatide from a compounding pharmacy?
- Is Mounjaro covered by insurance or Medicare?
- Do GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro cause sulfur burps?
- Where is the best place to inject Mounjaro?
- Does Mounjaro need to be refrigerated?
- How long does Mounjaro stay in your system?
- If Mounjaro has no diet plan, what food should you eat?
- Is there a best time of day to take Mounjaro?
- Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Which works best for weight loss?
- Does Mounjaro cause blurry vision?
- Why does Mounjaro require a gradual increase in dosage?
- Does Mounjaro cause fatigue?
- What is the Mounjaro Coupon or Savings Card?
- Does the Mounjaro injection hurt?
- Can I take antibiotics with Mounjaro?
- Trulicity vs Mounjaro: How do they compare?
- Can Zepbound and Mounjaro be used for heart failure?
Drug information
- Mounjaro Information for Consumers
- Mounjaro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Mounjaro (detailed)
- Mounjaro user reviews (1,409)
Related support groups
- Mounjaro (53 questions, 123 members)
- Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) (861 questions, 1,512 members)
- Diabetes, Type 2 (511 questions, 1,429 members)