Maximise your weight loss with Mounjaro: A guide for men

There are many options for weight loss treatments, including Wegovy, Saxenda, Orlistat, and Rybelsus.

One of the newest and most talked-about treatments is Mounjaro, and for good reason — this medication has shown remarkable success in supporting your weight loss journey.

But how does Mounjaro help achieve better weight loss results? What exactly is it, and how much body weight could you lose when paired with a healthier lifestyle? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (pronounced Mown-JARH-OH) is a powerful medication designed to aid in healthy weight loss, administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection.

Technically speaking, Mounjaro is a long-acting dual receptor agonist targeting both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors [1].

Its active ingredient, tirzepatide, sets it apart from other medications like Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic, which use semaglutide, or Saxenda, which contains liraglutide.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro works a bit differently compared to GLP-1 medications like Wegovy to help you lose weight. It activates both GLP-1 and another hormone called GIP, which plays a role in reducing fat storage, encouraging fat loss, and managing blood sugar levels.

By combining the benefits of GLP-1 and GIP, Mounjaro is more effective at promoting weight loss. It achieves this by curbing appetite, reducing cravings, improving blood sugar control, and boosting fat breakdown.

Simply put, this medication helps you feel full sooner, cuts down on cravings, stabilises blood glucose levels, and aids in burning fat.

A key distinction between tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and GLP-1-based weight loss injections like semaglutide is the dosage. Mounjaro doses range from 2.5 mg to a maximum dose of 15 mg. In contrast, Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg and gradually increases to a maximum of 2.4 mg [2].

How effective is Mounjaro?

Clinical trials show that tirzepatide is among the most effective weight loss medications available today. Studies comparing Mounjaro to other GLP-1 treatments demonstrate its superior results.

For instance, research published in July 2022 reported that patients on tirzepatide experienced an average weight loss of 19.5% after 52 weeks. By comparison, patients taking semaglutide during the same timeframe achieved an average weight loss of 13.8% [3][4].

Keep in mind that Mounjaro is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Can you switch from another GLP-1 medication, like Wegovy, to Mounjaro?

Switching from another GLP-1 medication, such as semaglutide or liraglutide, to tirzepatide is possible, but it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider to determine the best approach.

Regardless of your previous dosage, you’ll need to begin Mounjaro treatment at the starting dose of 2.5 mg and gradually increase it over time.

Who is eligible for Mounjaro?

According to NHS guidelines, Wegovy can only be prescribed to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or a BMI over 27 if they have weight-related health problems

Patients must also agree to follow a diet and exercise plan as part of their treatment.

How to inject Mounjaro

Tirzepatide, like other GLP-1 medications, is given through a subcutaneous injection under the skin. While this might seem daunting at first, most people adjust to it quite quickly.

The most common injection sites include the stomach, upper thigh, or upper arm. This method is used because it allows the medication to be absorbed steadily over time, ensuring a consistent low-dose release into the body.

Additionally, many medications of this kind are not effectively absorbed in the digestive system. Stomach acid and digestive enzymes can break them down, which is why injections are often preferred— they bypass the digestive process entirely [6].

Can you take Mounjaro a day early?

It's generally okay to take your Mounjaro dose a day earlier or later than planned, as long as there's at least a 72-hour gap between doses. Just keep that 3-day rule in mind if you're thinking about shifting your dosing schedule.

Can you take 2.5mg of Mounjaro twice to make 5mg?

It's a good idea to check with your prescriber before taking 2 doses. However, if you're already on the 5mg dose but only have 2.5mg pens, it’s usually fine to use 2 pens to reach your full dose.

Just make sure to inject them in different spots. If you're not yet on the 5mg dose, avoid taking 2 doses of Mounjaro less than 3 days apart.

What are the common side effects of Mounjaro?

Like with any medication, using Mounjaro might come with potential side effects.

The most frequent side effects are similar to those seen with other GLP-1 medications like Wegovy. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, constipation, and indigestion.

The silver lining is that these symptoms usually fade as your body gets used to the medication, often settling down within a few weeks. If the side effects persist, it’s a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

How to manage the side effects of Mounjaro

If you’re dealing with mild or short-term symptoms from Mounjaro, like nausea, here are a few tips that might help [7]:

• Opt for plain, low-fat foods.
• Eat smaller portions and stop as soon as you feel full.
• Boost your water and fibre intake.

For ongoing side effects, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. They may recommend lowering your dose to help ease these symptoms.

Rare but serious side effects

Although rare, there are some serious side effects linked to tirzepatide that you should be aware of. These include [8]:

• Allergic reactions: Serious allergic responses such as anaphylaxis or angioedema may occur. If you suspect a severe reaction, stop taking tirzepatide immediately and get medical help.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Tirzepatide has been linked to potentially severe gastrointestinal side effects.
• Gallbladder problems: Cases of acute gallbladder disease have been seen during clinical trials. Individuals with a history of gallstones who haven’t had their gallbladder removed should avoid using it.

It’s crucial to talk through these risks with your healthcare provider to determine if this treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

Who shouldn't take Mounjaro?

Tirzepatide can't be used by some of the population — below is a list of people who should avoid this medication [8].

• If you have a personal or family history of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• If you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• If you are allergic to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in Mounjaro
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or actively trying to conceive
• If you have type 1 diabetes
• If you have a history of pancreatitis (note: people who have had a cholecystectomy may be able to commence treatment but be sure to discuss this with your practitioner)
• If you take an insulin secretagogue or are on insulin therapy
• If you have non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring acute therapy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, or diabetic macular oedema

What happens when you stop taking Mounjaro?

When you stop taking Mounjaro, you might find that your appetite starts to increase again. This is something to be mindful of as you adjust, so you can work to maintain the weight you’ve lost.

Make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before discontinuing Mounjaro, as they can provide advice and support to help you through the transition.

How long does Mounjaro stay in your system?

Mounjaro typically stays in your system for about 30 days.

Is Mounjaro available in the UK?

Mounjaro is available in the UK and is a medication option included in Compound's programme.

Compound combines medical treatments, diagnostics, prescriber support, and personalised nutrition and exercise plans for an effective programme that helps men unlock body transformation.

• Up to 15% weight loss with clinically-backed treatments
• Lose fat and gain muscle with customised diet and movement plans
• Track metrics and progress within the Compound app

We’re in the middle of building something special for UK men. In the meantime, register your interest and we’ll keep you updated.