In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mounjaro as a breakthrough treatment for type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro’s active ingredient is tirzepatide. You take it as a weekly injection.
Researchers classify Mounjaro as a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonist.
GLP-1 and GIP are hormones that your intestines secrete when you eat. They play a pivotal role in regulating blood sugar levels.
What sets Mounjaro apart is its ability to activate both the GLP-1 and GIP pathways, effectively stimulating insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells use energy, or sugar, from your blood.
Mounjaro also stops the production of glucagon, a hormone that spikes blood sugar. Plus, it slows the speed at which your stomach empties, so you feel fuller for longer after eating.
Weight loss is common with Mounjaro treatment, but the medication is not FDA-approved for this purpose. Still, some healthcare professionals prescribe it off label for this purpose.
Will you gain weight back after stopping Mounjaro?
Very little research is available on weight regain after stopping Mounjaro.
A systematic review from 2023 confirms that taking Mounjaro can significantly reduce body weight in people with obesity. The drug’s appetite-suppressing effects may be a reason why you tend to eat less, losing weight as a consequence.
In some people, Mounjaro injections also cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting — side effects that can limit your desire to eat and reduce how much of the energy you consume stays in the body for digestion.
If you plan to stop using Mounjaro, you may wonder if you will regain the weight you’ve lost during treatment. There is limited research on Mounjaro’s after-treatment effects.
For reference, participants in a 2022 study regained two-thirds of their prior weight 1 year after stopping 2.4 milligrams (mg) of weekly semaglutide injections (Wegovy) — a similar but not identical diabetes and weight loss medication.
It is likely that once you stop taking Mounjaro, your appetite will return to your usual. Like with semaglutide, you might regain some weight as a consequence.
To avoid weight regain, you can work with a healthcare professional like a general practitioner or registered dietitian. They can provide strategies to avoid gaining back weight, like a sustainable diet and lifestyle changes.
How long do you have to stay on Mounjaro?
How long you need to take Mounjaro depends on your overall health and the reason you started the treatment.
A healthcare professional will determine the appropriate Mounjaro treatment duration based on factors like:
- your response to the medication
- your blood sugar levels
- your current lifestyle, including diet and exercise
- your medical and family history
- your tolerance to side effects
Some people experience severe side effects from Mounjaro injections. If this is the case for you, you may need to stop using it shortly after starting treatment.
Side effects of Mounjaro may include:
- extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- allergic reactions
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- gallbladder problems
A 2023 article also notes that Mounjaro’s safety in pregnant and nursing individuals is not well understood. Your prescribing doctor may recommend that you stop taking this medication if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant, or nursing a baby.
Does Mounjaro cause withdrawal symptoms?
To date, there are no reported withdrawal symptoms associated with Mounjaro injections.
The American Psychological Association explains that withdrawal symptoms are the mental and physical effects you experience when stopping certain drugs. For example, nausea, insomnia, or mood changes.
When you stop taking Mounjaro, your body may need some time to adjust to the absence of the drug’s effects. For example, it’s possible that your blood sugar may become temporarily less stable. In turn, this can increase your risk of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and other issues related to your type 2 diabetes. It is also possible your appetite returns and you gain weight as a result.
It’s important to work with a healthcare professional. They can make any necessary adjustments to your diabetes and weight management plan. After you stop taking Mounjaro, you will likely need to continue to monitor your blood sugar levels or start a new weight management treatment if it involves any risks to your health.
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Mounjaro is a prescription medication, so you’ll need to see a healthcare professional to obtain it.
To determine if Mounjaro is right for you, they may discuss with you:
- alternative medication options
- lifestyle changes
- possible side effects
- overall risks
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic
Ozempic is a brand-name version of the generic medication semaglutide.
Mounjaro and Ozempic are both GLP-1 receptor agonists that help manage type 2 diabetes and result in weight loss. Unlike Mounjaro, Ozempic does not function as a GIP receptor agonist.
You take both Mounjaro and Ozempic as an injection, though the dosage and frequency may vary.
Neither Mounjaro nor Ozempic are FDA-approved for weight loss, though both lower your body weight, which is why healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe them for it off label.
A 2021 study compared the effectiveness of both medications in over 1,800 people who were also taking metformin, another diabetes medication. Mounjaro caused a significant weight loss among participants and improved their A1C, a marker of blood sugar levels over 3 months.
However, as explained earlier, a 2022 study found that most people regain weight after stopping semaglutide. This is likely also the case when you stop taking Mounjaro, though more research would help validate this.
A healthcare professional can help guide you on which medication is most suitable for you.
Summary
Like Ozempic, Mounjaro is a prescription type 2 diabetes medication. It leads to weight loss because it suppresses your appetite. This is why some healthcare professionals use Mounjaro off label as a weight loss drug for people with obesity.
Although there is little research, it’s possible that stopping Mounjaro may lead to weight regain as your usual appetite returns.
The duration of Mounjaro treatment varies from person to person. If you stop taking the medication, there are likely no withdrawal symptoms, though you may need to continue to monitor your blood sugar levels and refresh your diabetes management plan with a doctor.