Why Am I Not Losing Weight On Mounjaro?

By Kayley George, RDN, LD

If you're taking Mounjaro for weight loss, but not seeing the desired results, you may be wondering:

“Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?” 

While Mounjaro has been effective for many individuals, it's important to understand that weight loss can be influenced by a number of factors. If you’re on Mounjaro or curious about its effects, we will explore possible reasons why you may not be losing weight on Mounjaro in this post. We will also discuss alternative options to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

What Is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a prescription medication that is used in tandem with diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes. The primary active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide, which is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mounjaro acts on GLP-1-hormone receptors to lower blood sugar levels and promote a feeling of fullness, and it further activates GIP-hormone receptors to release insulin to further regular blood sugar. 

This dual action makes it effective for weight loss because the regulated blood sugar levels and reduced appetite leading to a feeling of satiety mean that you can eat less, which indirectly triggers weight loss. 

It's important to note that while Mounjaro has shown effectiveness for weight loss, it’s only an approved diabetes medication - the FDA has not yet approved of its use for weight loss; however, it is being heavily considered for approval given its positive effects on weight loss and overall health. For now, doctors can prescribe Mounjaro “off-label”, which is legal so long as the purpose of prescription is medically advised. When prescribed Mounjaro, it’s helpful to work with a dietitian to track your hunger and fullness to make sure you’re still in a caloric deficit while on the drug.

Why Does Mounjaro Help Some People Lose Weight But Not Others?

It is essential to recognize that Mounjaro cannot guarantee automatic success with weight loss. The effectiveness of Mounjaro relies heavily on your commitment to making and maintaining appropriate lifestyle changes that support weight loss. Several factors can influence that outcome, so we will review some of those reasons.

Reason 1: Previous Weight and Health Status

Your starting weight and overall health prior to starting Mounjaro can impact your rate of weight loss. People with a higher starting weight may experience more significant weight loss.

Reason 2: Medications and Health Conditions

Certain medications and underlying health conditions can affect weight loss. It's important to consider any potential food-medication interactions or medical issues that may hinder your weight loss journey or otherwise affect your health while taking the drug.

Reason 3: Lifestyle Habits

While Mounjaro is incredibly effective, it is not a cure-all. Results are most successful when complemented with diet and exercise, so it's important to adopt healthy habits such as following a well-balanced diet and engaging in regular, moderate exercise to maximize your weight loss.

Reasons You Are Not Losing Weight On Mounjaro

Are you taking Mounjaro but not losing weight? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are several reasons why you may not be experiencing your desired weight loss on Mounjaro.

Inadequate Dosage

Mounjaro follows a conservative dosage regimen to maximize its effectiveness, starting at 2.5 mg per week for one month to acclimate the body to the medication and reduce the risk of any adverse effects; then the dosage is accelerated to 5.0 mg per week for the next one to three months. Higher doses up to 15 mg per week may be gradually prescribed, but that prescription is generally recommended if further glycemic control is needed (there is no protocol indicated for higher dosages for weight loss).

So, ensuring that you are following the recommended dosage regimen as outlined above is crucial for optimal results; if you suspect your dosage may be incorrect or you think you need to increase your prescription above 5 mg, consult your healthcare provider.

Incorrect Caloric Intake

While Mounjaro can help with weight loss, it is not a cure-all, meaning it won’t work if you are still consuming more calories than your body burns.

Calorie intake plays a significant role in weight loss. A caloric deficit is crucial alongside Mounjaro use to reach your physical and weight goals.

Inadequate Exercise

Mounjaro works best when complemented with regular physical activity; the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise and 2 days per week of strength training. Incorporating an adequate exercise regimen that still suits your fitness level is essential for achieving successful weight loss, and it benefits your overall health! Not a bad deal.

Metabolic Factors & Medical Issues

Everyone's metabolism is different, and certain medical conditions can affect weight loss. If you're not losing weight on Mounjaro, it's worth consulting with your healthcare provider to rule out any undiagnosed medical issues that may be slowing you down.

Possible Negative Interactions

Certain medications, like Ozempic or Phentermine, can have a detrimental effect on your health when taken with Mounjaro. Additionally, alcohol can interact negatively with Mounjaro. Visit your healthcare provider to review your current medications and ensure that there are no potential interactions.

If Mounjaro Is Not Working For Weight Loss, What Can I Do Instead?

While Mounjaro has shown effectiveness in weight loss, it is primarily (and legally) a treatment for type 2 diabetes. If you are not achieving desired results with Mounjaro and do not have diabetes, alternative options may be worth exploring.

One such option is Wegovy, a semaglutide-based medication specifically approved for obesity and weight loss at higher dosages. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss alternative approaches that may be better suited for your weight loss journey. Another option is to try the old-fashioned, slow-but-steady method: diet, exercise, and overall healthy lifestyle modifications!

Should I Keep Taking Mounjaro For Weight Loss If I'm Not Losing Weight?

If you have reached the maximum Mounjaro dosage (15 mg), adhered to a healthy lifestyle, and are still not achieving the desired weight loss results, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your progress and explore other potential avenues to address your weight loss concerns.

Can Mounjaro Cause Weight Gain?

The medication itself has not seen weight gain - only stagnation or weight loss. However, after discontinuing Mounjaro, studies have shown that most individuals tend to regain weight very soon after administration concludes. This highlights the importance of not relying solely on Mounjaro for your weight loss goals.

Integrating Mounjaro into a comprehensive, extensive weight loss plan helps enhance your progress on the drug and ensures that you maintain notable progress when off the drug. Developing healthy lifestyle choices, such as adopting a balanced diet, participating in regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, and staying hydrated can help sustain weight loss even after discontinuing the medication.

If You Are Not Losing Weight On Mounjaro, Remember There Are Other Options You Can Implement To Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals

Before starting any medication, ensure you follow the recommended protocols, undergo necessary health assessments, consult with a physician and registered dietitian, and address individualized dietary needs. By approaching your weight loss journey holistically, you can increase your chances of long-term success.

Moreover, remember that not everything is about weight loss! Developing healthy habits, like upping your intake of fiber, healthy fats and protein, prioritizing sleep, and exercising regularly is a step in the right direction to ultimately improving your health and extending your lifespan.

As a reminder, Mounjaro helps lower blood sugar levels, so it's pretty handy for people with diabetes. It can also be helpful for people without diabetes who want (or need) to lose weight.

Mounjaro slows down digestion and suppresses appetite, which helps individuals maintain a caloric deficit necessary to meet their weight loss goals. However, Mounjaro is not magic and should not be taken lightly.

People considering taking Mounjaro should speak to their healthcare provider about whether it’s right for them. Those on Mounjaro that are not noticing weight loss should speak with their healthcare provider regarding any discrepancies.

Those taking Mounjaro can also work with a dietitian to ensure they are following necessary lifestyle changes to promote sustained, long-term weight loss. To explore weight loss options with a registered dietitian you can book a FREE discovery call with me today!

Published on Nov 8, 2023 at 11:17 am