Starting Mounjaro - what to expect?

[bakingmad123]

Hello! I’ve just received my mounjaro starter pack - 4 weeks of 2.5, then 4 weeks of 5.

Would anyone be happy to share their experience of what to expect - in terms of side effects (what, how bad, how soon did they start, did they go away, etc) and also how successful your weight loss has been?

I have about 5st to lose.

Thank you in advance! Xx

Didn't get any side effects on 2.5mg, only had some on around the third week of 5mg. Then again on 7.5mg second or third week, then nothing since then. Both times it was bouts of diarrhea, but nothing unmanageable. Been on Mounjaro for about 15 months now, lost 10st 2lbs so far, gone from BMI 50 to BMI 26.9, 22stone to 11st 9lbs.

It's worth pointing out that you don't have to move up to 5mg after the first 4 weeks on 2.5mg, if it is working for you and you are losing weight well. Not everyone loses weight on the 2.5mg dose of course, but it can be effective for some.

A bit of nausea is all I’ve had. And a constant state of amazement at how easy it is! I’ve lost 16lb in two months.

Can I ask what day and time you are going to inject?

I've been on them 9 months and lost 6 stone.

My side efffects...

Mild nausea on 2.5
When I moved up to 5 horrendeous sulphur burps for about a week.
Nothing much on 7.5
Instances of diarrehea even now on and off super randomly sometimes...
If i drink alcohol I will throw up I just cant mix MJ and alcohol.
Overall up and down with symptoms the last 9 months.
Currently on 10mg x

I bought a starter pack too (16 months ago), thinking the done thing was 2.5mg was just a starter dose then I "should" move up to 5mg. Later realised that wasn't the case and 16 months on still haven't done 5mg!

Stay on as low a dose as allows you to work with the medication to keep to your calorie deficit until you need to move up. Makes sense for both success and financially.

It takes us all time to work out what "work with" the medication means to us individually for success and to help reduce side effects. To me, it means don't rely on appetite suppression which eventually wears off for many, tune into its more subtle effects - reduced food noise, reduced obsessive cravings and portion control when eating slowly and mindfully, stop before you are full. It means cutting as much addictive, soft, craving inducing UPF out as possible/practical. Eat protein focused at all meals where possible, reduce carbs, minimal sugar/sweeteners. Know and aim for your protein target every day. Eat whole foods that need some proper chewing, chicken, steak - and plenty of veg or salad to bulk meals up, soups with lentils/pulses are great. Eat protein. Work up to at least 2L of water a day. Did I mention protein?

Remember it is the not the dose that determines weight loss it is calorie deficit. If you are not familiar with TDEE yet, look into it so you know what you calorie deficit you are aiming for. Use an app for at least a few weeks to see your weekly calorie deficit and macros (protein!) until you get into the swing of things.

I have lost over 9st (43% of my body weight) in 16-17 months. The time has flown by while on it, I've never been able to stick to any form of weight loss for this long.

Side effects for me were minor in the first months and manageable (mostly a bit of fatigue and constipation), only one now is low blood pressure (previously high and medicated) which I am not sure if it is the medication or the weight loss.

There is a >5st to lose thread you could also join which will have people with similar weight and longer journeys before they get to their target weights.

I got my first dose today and took it at lunchtime

Thank you that’s really helpful!

Lost just over six stone in about a year, been maintaining for 3 months. No side effects apart from a couple of days of burps, I think that was maybe on 7.5mg? Latterly it seemed to get more effective and I needed to reduce the dose, but I was planning on doing that anyway. And my blood pressure is low, but I’m hoping that might recover a bit if I can get off MJ. (The BP probably also down to weight loss in general and maybe also B12 deficiency, so might not be a Mounjaro thing.)

Good luck and try to relax and enjoy the process with no expectations. And do what @WeAllHaveWings says, that’s good advice. And join us on the >5st thread!

My only side effect has been constipation. Get some kiwi fruit! 🥝

I’ve been on MJ since May and have lost 4 stone. I took my time increasing doses and did 3.75 then 4mg before going up to 5mg. I’m now on 6.2mg and still losing. Best thing I ever did.

Thank you all - could someone send the link to the >5st thread? X

Good luck! My only side effect is constipation, I barely drink so my own fault, and totally manageable.

I've lost 3.5 stone in 5 months on 2.5.

Don't automatically move up to the 5 if the 2.5 is working well for you.

Here you go…

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5431986-mounjarowegovy-with-5-stone30kg-to-lose-thread-11?page=4&reply=148392704