Mounjaro is a prescription drug that may be used off-label for weight loss. Learn how long it takes to start seeing results, when the drug reaches its peak effectiveness, and more.
Mounjaro is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The drug is not currently approved for weight loss or weight management, but it may be prescribed off-label for this use. (With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
Mounjaro starts working after you take your first dose. Some people may notice that their appetite is reduced within days of starting Mounjaro. (A reduced appetite can lead to a lower calorie intake, which may cause weight loss.) But in general, appetite suppression may begin within the first few weeks of treatment and is ongoing with continued treatment.
Weight loss often begins after appetite suppression starts and may continue for several months.
If you have questions about when you should start to see results from Mounjaro, talk with your doctor.
Mounjaro starts to work within hours of your first injection. It takes the drug about 8 to 72 hours to reach peak levels in your system, but it may take several weeks before you begin to lose weight.
You’ll inject a dose of Mounjaro once per week throughout your treatment. It’s important to take your dose on time to keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps the drug work effectively.
There isn’t a specific amount of weight loss that’s expected week by week with Mounjaro. Most people lose weight during their treatment, but how quickly weight loss occurs can vary by person. But in general,
Also, keep in mind that Mounjaro is prescribed along with a balanced diet and exercise. So your diet and exercise routine could affect how much weight you lose with the drug. The dose you’re prescribed could also affect the amount you lose.
When used along with a balanced diet and exercise, Mounjaro can be an effective off-label treatment for weight loss and long-term weight management. How quickly the drug starts to work and the amount of weight loss can vary between people.
To learn more about what to expect when using Mounjaro for weight loss, talk with your doctor. They can tell you how soon you may see results and help determine what a safe weight-loss goal is for you based on your specific health factors.