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?
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).
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Why Does Weight Regain Occur After Stopping Mounjaro?
Mounjaro works by increasing GLP-1 and GIP hormone levels, which help regulate appetite and food intake. When the medication is discontinued, these hormone levels decrease, leading to increased hunger and potential weight gain.
Lifestyle factors also contribute to weight regain. Returning to previous eating habits or reducing physical activity can further impact weight maintenance.
How to Maintain Weight Loss After Stopping Mounjaro
To help sustain weight loss after discontinuing Mounjaro, consider the following strategies:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Exercise regularly to support metabolism and muscle retention.
- Seek medical guidance from a healthcare provider for personalized weight management strategies.
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.
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
Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
The most common Ozempic side effects with Ozempic include stomach problems, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation. These tend to be mild-to-moderate and usually clear up in a few weeks in most people. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is also a common side effect (when used with certain other diabetes treatments) and it can be serious. Continue reading
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
How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?
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.
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Drug information
- Mounjaro Information for Consumers
- Mounjaro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Mounjaro (detailed)
- Mounjaro user reviews (1,375)
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