Mounjaro maintenance doses

The thing about losing weight is that it’s probably easier to lose weight but harder to keep it off. This is where the concept of a Mounjaro maintenance dose comes in. You gradually increase the dose to allow your body to become accustomed to Mounjaro until you reach the maintenance dose. But what are Mounjaro maintenance doses?

Do you have to increase your dose to reach Mounjaro 15mg to arrive at a maintenance dose? No, not necessarily there are three Mounjaro maintenance doses, Mounjaro 5mg, Mounjaro 10mg and Mounjaro 15mg. You start with Mounjaro 2.5mg for four weeks and titrate up to the maintenance dose suitable for you. In this blog, we will explain the Mounjaro maintenance doses and how you determine which one suits you.

Also in this blog, we will review Mounjaro and its role in weight loss.

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What is a Mounjaro maintenance dose?

Once you find that your appetite is being controlled sufficiently and you are happy with the weight loss and can tolerate the side effects, then you have reached your maintenance dose.

This Mounjaro maintenance dose will be essential in helping you to sustain your weight loss and support you as you adopt healthy lifestyle changes in your diet.

Mounjaro, developed by Eli Lilly, contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which combines two chemically modified gut hormones—glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones, known as incretins, stimulate insulin release in response to food intake, and because Mounjaro includes both GLP-1 and GIP properties, it is often referred to as a “twincretin.”

The combination of GLP-1 and GIP in Mounjaro contributes to weight loss by:

• Suppressing appetite
• Increasing feelings of fullness (satiety)
• Slowing gastric emptying

Early research on diet-induced obese (DIO) mice showed that combining GLP-1 and GIP resulted in significantly greater weight loss. Recognising its potential, Eli Lilly patented tirzepatide in 2016 and later validated its effectiveness in humans through the SURMOUNT trials.

Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, was authorised by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in November 2023.

It is licensed for adults with obesity (BMI ? 30) or those who are overweight (BMI 27–30) with weight-related health conditions (MHRA 2023).

Tirzepatide, Mounjaro’s active ingredient, supports weight loss by regulating appetite. It helps you feel fuller for longer, reduces hunger, and minimises food cravings (MHRA 2023).

Mounjaro dosing schedule

*Mounjaro 2.5mg is the starting dose regardless of whether you have taken Mounjaro before or are moving from a higher Wegovy dose. This slow dose escalation lets your body get used to Mounjaro, minimising potential side effects.

** Mounjaro 5mg, Mounjaro 10mg and Mounjaro 15mg can be used as maintenance doses so long as you are happy with your weight loss and can tolerate the side effects.

Mounjaro dose progression

Once you start Mounjaro, your life will revolve around four-weekly cycles. After every four weeks, you decide to either escalate the dose or remain at the lower dose. Normally, you would increase from a lower dose to a higher dose, except when:

• The side effects you experience with Mounjaro are severe.
• You are happy with your weight loss results at Mounjaro 5 mg or Mounjaro 10 mg.

You can increase your dose any time, provided you’ve been on your current dose for at least 4 weeks.

The maximum Mounjaro dose

The maximum weekly dose is Mounjaro 15 mg. Remember, you don’t necessarily have to reach this dose if you are happy with your weight-loss results on either the Mounjaro 5mg or Mounjaro 10mg pen.

Don’t rush your Mounjaro dosing

Try not to cheat and take higher doses before you have completed four weeks on a lower dose. The Mounjaro dosing regimen is designed specifically to ensure you achieve weight loss safely and with minimal side effects.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us for your FREE Mounjaro weight-loss consultation.

Why you should always start with Mounjaro 2.5mg

This step-by-step increase allows your body to adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of side effects. Studies have shown that most side effects occur during this adjustment phase as the body adapts to Mounjaro.

When starting Mounjaro, the initial dose is always Mounjaro 2.5mg , regardless of whether you’ve used Mounjaro or other weight loss injections before.

For example, you cannot switch directly from a high dose of Wegovy to a high dose of Mounjaro, as their active ingredients differ.

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Mounjaro includes tirzepatide, which targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. These differences require starting with the 2.5mg dose to allow your body to adjust properly

This step-by-step increase allows your body to adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of side effects. Studies have shown that most side effects occur during this adjustment phase as the body adapts to Mounjaro.

If you’re planning to switch and need guidance, contact us for a FREE consultation—our experienced prescribers will help you transition safely and effectively.

Side effects and appetite control when starting lower doses of Mounjaro

During the initial phase of taking Mounjaro, your body adapts to the medication, and it’s common to experience mild gastrointestinal side effects.

The most frequent side effects encountered during the dose escalation period were nausea, constipation and diarrhoea.

Clinical studies have shown that most side effects occur during this early period as the body gets accustomed to Mounjaro.

Can I stay on a lower dose for more than four weeks?

If you experience side effects when transitioning to a higher dose, you can stay on the lower dose for a bit longer to allow your body more time to adjust to Mounjaro. If you’re unsure when to move to the next dose, contact us for a FREE consultation to help you on your weight loss journey with Mounjaro.

How do I know when to transition to a maintenance dose of Mounjaro?

When considering dose escalation, you should focus on two things:

• Can you tolerate the side effects?
• Are you happy with the weight-loss?

This is your personal algorithm for determining whether to move to the next dose.

When starting Mounjaro, your dose gradually increases to help your body adjust. During this time, you should notice a reduced appetite and some weight loss.

Some people may find that the Mounjaro 2.5mg dose has little effect on appetite, but it’s still important to stay on this dose for four weeks to minimise side effects. If you are still experiencing side effects, it’s best to remain on the lower dose longer.

To get the most out of Mounjaro, it’s essential to pair it with regular exercise and a balanced diet.

If you have questions about adjusting your Mounjaro dose, don’t hesitate to contact us for your FREE weight loss consultation.

Which Mounajro maintenance dose should I choose?

Remember the algorithm? If you have no side effects and are happy with the weight loss, you can stop here and remain on one of the three maintenance doses.

Everyone responds differently to Mounjaro, so your ideal maintenance dose will depend on your current dose, how well you tolerate the medication, and your overall health and lifestyle.

The three Mounjaro maintenance doses are:

• Mounjaro 5mg
• Mounjaro 10mg
• Mounjaro 15mg

Which Mounjaro maintenance dose causes the most weight loss?

The SURMOUNT 1 trial studied how well Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works for weight loss in people who don’t have diabetes. The participants were either obese (with a BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (with a BMI of 27 or higher) and had at least one weight-related health issue, like high blood pressure.

Over 72 weeks, people who took the highest dose of Mounjaro (15 mg) lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight. Nearly 90% of participants lost at least 5% of their weight.

For comparison, semaglutide, another GLP-1-based medication, demonstrates an average weight loss of 12.4%,

• Mounjaro 5mg (Tirzepatide ) : Lost 16.4 kg (36.1 lbs)
• Mounjaro 10mg (Tirzepatide): Lost 22.4 kg (49.4 lbs)
• Mounjaro 15mg (Tirzepatide):Lost 23.8 kg (52.5 lbs)
• Placebo: Lost 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs)

Where can I buy Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a prescription-only medication, meaning you need a prescription to get it. At Medical Mojo, you can have Mounjaro delivered right to your door by following these simple steps:

1. Fill out the online health questionnaire.
2. A licensed prescriber will review your information and prescribe Mounjaro if it’s suitable for you.
3. Our pharmacy will dispatch your Mounjaro via Royal Mail’s Tracked 24 service, so you can easily track your order.
4. Receive ongoing weekly support from our weight-loss team to help you stay on track with your weight-loss journey.

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Frequently asked questions about Mounjaro.

Can I drink alcohol while using Mounjaro?

It’s recommended to limit the amount of alcohol you drink whilst on Mounjaro, since the alcohol may increase the risk of side effects like nausea or dizziness.

To learn more about Mounjaro and alcohol, please read our blog, “Can you drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro?”

Can I take Mounjaro with levothyroxine?

Although there are no confirmed interactions between Mounjaro and levothyroxine, monitoring your thyroid levels closely is important. For more information, read our blog, “Can I take Mounjaro with levothyroxine?”

Does Mounjaro cause thyroid cancer?

While there were concerns in pre-clinical trials with rodents, there is very little evidence to suggest that Mounjaro causes thyroid cancer in humans. To learn more, read our blog, “Does Mounjaro cause thyroid cancer?”

How much weight can I lose with Mounjaro?

The following weight loss results were found In the SURMOUNT 1 trial.

Mounjaro weight loss table

Kilogrammes (kgs) Pounds (lbs)

Week	Tirzepatide (5mg)	Tirzepatide(10mg)	Tirzepatide (15mg)	Placebo
0	105 kg	105 kg	105 kg	105 kg
4	101 kg	100.5 kg	100 kg	104.5 kg
8	96.5 kg	95.5 kg	95 kg	104 kg
12	93.5 kg	91.5 kg	90 kg	103.5 kg
16	91.5 kg	89 kg	87 kg	103 kg
24	90 kg	86 kg	84.5 kg	102.5 kg
36	89.3 kg	84.5 kg	83 kg	102.4 kg
48	89 kg	83.5 kg	82 kg	102.4 kg
72	88.6 kg	82.6 kg	81.2 kg	102.4 kg

Does Mounjaro help with sleep apnoea?

Studies suggest that Mounjaro may help improve symptoms of sleep apnoea. To learn more, read our blog,  “Mounjaro and sleep apnoea.”

Does Mounjaro cause hair loss?

Mounjaro has been associated with hair loss in about 5% of users. However, whether this is caused by the medication itself or the rapid weight loss is not entirely clear. To learn more, read our blog,  “Does Mounjaro cause hair loss?”

How long do the side effects of Mounjaro last?

When starting Mounjaro, some people may experience side effects like nausea, bloating, or constipation. These side effects are usually temporary and will subside within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts. For more details, read our blog, “How long do the side effects of Mounjaro last?”

Should I stop taking Mounjaro once I’ve reached my target weight?

Stopping Mounjaro after reaching your target weight may make it harder to maintain your weight loss and could lead to a rebound effect. This means your appetite may increase, and you might return to unhealthy eating habits, potentially causing you to regain the weight you’ve worked hard to lose.

Can I start Mounjaro at 5 mg?

No, the starting dose of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg. Following the recommended dosing schedule is important to minimise side effects and help your body adjust safely to the medication.

Can I stay on 2.5 mg of Mounjaro?

It is generally not recommended to stay on Mounjaro 2.5 mg long-term. After about 4 weeks, the dose should be increased to 5 mg. If you experience severe side effects at 2.5 mg, contact us to discuss potential adjustments or alternative treatments.

Can you lose weight on 2.5 mg of Mounjaro?

Some weight loss may occur at Mounjaro 2.5 mg, but more significant results are typically seen with the higher maintenance doses.

When do you move from 2.5 mg to 5 mg of Mounjaro?

Typically, after 4 weeks on the Mounjaro 2.5 mg dose, you will increase to 5 mg. If you experience side effects, consult us to discuss the next steps and dose escalation.

Can you take Mounjaro every 14 days?

No, Mounjaro should be taken once a week, at the same time and on the same day each week. Taking it every 14 days could lead to hunger between doses. You may stay on a lower maintenance dose if necessary but must continue the weekly schedule.

Which Mounjaro maintenance dose produces the most weight loss?

The results from the SURMOUNT 1 trial suggest you get the most weight loss with Mounjaro 15mg ( weight loss of 23.8kg over 72 weeks), then Mounjaro 10mg (weight loss of 22.4kg over 72 weeks) and finally Mounjaro 5mg (weight loss of 16.4kg over 72 weeks).

Have questions about Mounjaro?

Get a FREE telephone consultation with one of our pharmacists, who will call you and help you understand what the right options are for you.

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Week	Tirzepatide (5mg)	Tirzepatide(10mg)	Tirzepatide (15mg)	Placebo
0	231 lbs	231 lbs	231 lbs	231 lbs
4	222.2 lbs	221.3 lbs	220.5 lbs	230 lbs
8	212.7 lbs	210.5 lbs	209.4 lbs	229 lbs
12	206 lbs	201.6 lbs	198.4 lbs	228 lbs
16	201.6 lbs	196.2 lbs	191.8 lbs	227 lbs
24	198.4 lbs	189.6 lbs	186.2 lbs	226 lbs
36	196.8 lbs	186.3 lbs	183 lbs	225.8 lbs
48	196.2 lbs	184 lbs	180.7 lbs	225.8 lbs
72	195.3 lbs	182.1 lbs	179 lbs	225.8 lbs

Medical Mojo’s customised weight loss program

At Medical Mojo, we offer a tailored weight loss coaching service designed to help you achieve your goals. Our program includes:

• Weekly check-ins to track progress and maintain motivation.
• Expert advice for setting realistic and achievable goals.
• Personalised coaching to provide continuous support throughout your journey.
• FREE needles and sharps bins to ensure you have everything you need.

Let Medical Mojo help you achieve your weight loss goals. With expert guidance, individualised plans, and the right resources, successful weight loss has never been more achievable. Take the first step today and see how we can support your path to a healthier, happier you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

References:

• Bokvist, K.B., Finan, B., Friedrichsen, S., & Heise, T. (2016). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists combined with glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonists for the treatment of metabolic disorders. United States Patent US9474780B2. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9474780/en.
• Coskun, T., Sloop, K.W., Loghin, C., Alsina-Fernandez, J., Urva, S., Bokvist, K.B., Cui, X., Briere, D.A., Cabrera, O., Roell, W.C. and Kuchibhotla, U., 2018. LY3298176, a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: from discovery to clinical proof of concept. Molecular metabolism, 18, pp.3-14.
• Jastreboff, A.M., Aronne, L.J., Ahmad, N.N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M.C. and Stefanski, A., 2022. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), pp.205-216.
• Medicines.org.uk. (n.d.). Summary of Product Characteristics: Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Retrieved from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15481/smpc#about-medicin
• MHRA, 2023. MHRA authorises diabetes drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management and weight loss. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-authorises-diabetes-drug-mounjaro-tirzepatide-for-weight-management-and-weight-loss [Accessed 30 Nov. 2024].
• Sinha R, Papamargaritis D, Sargeant JA, Davies MJ. Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide in Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity Management. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2023 Mar 30;32(1):25-45.
• Unick, J.L., Pellegrini, C.A., Dunsiger, S.I., Demos, K.E., Thomas, J.G., Bond, D.S., Lee, R.H., Webster, J. and Wing, R.R., 2024. An Adaptive Telephone Coaching Intervention for Patients in an Online Weight Loss Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 7(6), pp.e2414587-e2414587.
• Wilding, J.P., Batterham, R.L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L.F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B.M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M.T., Wadden, T.A. and Wharton, S., 2021. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), pp.989-1002.