What Happens When You Stop Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a long-term weight loss injection that, at the highest dose, can help you lose on average 22.5% of your starting body weight. Once people reach their goal weight, many choose to stop taking it, while others may remain on a lower maintenance dose to help them maintain their new weight. However, stopping treatment can result in up to 14% of weight being regained, and research shows that many people return to their starting body weight within 1.5 years. The thought of coming off Mounjaro can be daunting, but understanding what to expect and how to stop Mounjaro safely can help you maintain your progress and better plan for life after Mounjaro.

In this guide, we explain what happens when you stop taking Mounjaro, the potential side effects and how to manage them, and how to stop taking it safely to help you maintain your weight loss progress.

When you stop taking Mounjaro, its active ingredient, tirzepatide, will gradually leave your system and will no longer bind to GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It takes between 25 and 30 days for tirzepatide to be completely cleared from your body. Many people notice increased hunger and a return of food cravings within 1 to 2 weeks of stopping Mounjaro due to the hormonal changes taking place in the body.

Because of this, some people find it difficult to maintain their weight loss and may regain some of the weight they have lost with Mounjaro. One study found that weight gain after coming off Mounjaro can be as much as 14% within a year.

Digestive issues

There are several potential digestive issues you may experience when you stop taking Mounjaro, including:

Increased hunger and faster digestion

Mounjaro supports weight loss by suppressing your appetite, which, in turn, can reduce food noise and overeating, particularly through snacking, by slowing digestion and keeping you feeling fuller for longer. However, when you stop taking Mounjaro, food noise can return, and in some cases, may be stronger than before. Despite there being no evidence that stopping Mounjaro makes your appetite stronger, having it reduced for a long period may make it more challenging to manage when it comes back.

Because Mounjaro also slows digestion, when you stop taking it, the digestive process speeds up, which can leave you feeling less full and hungrier between meals. Stopping Mounjaro completely or going cold turkey can increase these hunger pangs, making it difficult to maintain your weight loss progress, but there are things you can do to limit the impact, such as:

• reducing your dose slowly over a prolonged period of time so that the return of your appetite does not feel as intense
• taking a maintenance dose which helps you maintain your weight loss without losing further weight and means you still benefit from tirzepatide as it will continue to reduce your appetite, slow your digestion, and manage your blood sugar levels
• continuing with your diet and exercise plan to help you maintain your progress, and choose foods like protein, fibre, and healthy fats that keep you feeling full for longer between meals to limit snacking

Bloating or gas

As appetite returns, you might eat larger portions or reintroduce foods you may have eaten less of, which can lead to bloating or gas.

You can manage bloating and gas by:

• try reintroducing foods gradually, especially high-fibre or rich foods
• sipping water throughout the day and consider a gentle daily walk to aid digestion

Mild nausea or stomach discomfort

Some people report feeling sick as their gut adjusts to processing food more quickly, but this is usually mild.

If this is a side effect you get, you can:

• eat smaller, more frequent meals
• avoid greasy, spicy, or fatty foods

Fatigue and low energy

As your blood glucose (sugar) levels fluctuate more naturally, you may notice dips in your energy levels or feel more sluggish than usual, also known as the “Mounjaro Blues”.

To manage feelings of fatigue and low energy, you can:

• choose slow-release carbohydrate foods, like oats, wholegrains, and legumes, to help keep your energy levels steady
• aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night and stay physically active because even light exercise can help boost energy and your mood

Mood swings and increase in ‘food noise’

Some people have stronger food cravings or notice “food noise” returning once they stop Mounjaro. This is because the medication helps regulate brain reward pathways related to appetite and fullness.

You can manage this by:

• practising mindfulness or journaling to help you stay aware of emotional or behavioural eating triggers
• planning meals and snacks, and having healthy snacks, like fruit, nuts, and yoghurt, available to prevent impulsive eating

Gastrointestinal rebound symptoms

When you stop taking Mounjaro, your body may go through a rebound of gastrointestinal symptoms as it readjusts to the absence of the medication. Mounjaro works by slowing down digestion, so as your digestive system returns to its normal pace, some temporary discomfort is common. If any symptoms are severe or persist longer than a week or so you should speak with your doctor. Some of the common symptoms and how to manage them are:

• diarrhoea – stay hydrated and take electrolyte-rich fluids if needed, and choose gentle foods, like rice, bananas, and wholegrain toast, until your stools become firmer
• constipation – gradually increase your fibre intake by eating fruit, vegetables, pulses, and wholegrains, and drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water each day and keep moving throughout the day
• mild stomach cramps – apply a hot water bottle or warm compress and avoid large meals and fizzy drinks until symptoms settle

Mounjaro is not known to cause withdrawal symptoms, but its effects gradually wear off after your final dose. Existing side effects may continue while the medication leaves your body, while increased hunger, food cravings and changes in blood sugar may return. Here are some of the practical things you can do to manage side effects after stopping Mounjaro.

Increased hunger and food noise

Mounjaro reduces appetite and helps you feel fuller for longer. When you stop taking it, you may become hungry sooner after eating or notice that cravings and thoughts about food, sometimes called “food noise”, become stronger.

You can manage increased hunger by:

• eating regular, balanced meals rather than skipping meals
• including protein, fibre and healthy fats to help you feel fuller
• planning meals and snacks in advance
• keeping nutritious snacks, such as fruit, yoghurt or a small portion of nuts, available
• eating slowly and checking whether you are physically hungry before having more food

If food noise feels overwhelming, affects your mental wellbeing or leads to binge eating, speak to your doctor for additional support.

Lingering digestive side effects

Digestive side effects such as feeling sick (nausea), diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or stomach discomfort may not disappear immediately after your final injection.

Here are some of the things you can do to manage common digestive side effects:

• feeling sick – eat smaller meals, eat slowly and avoid rich, fatty or spicy foods until you feel better
• diarrhoea – drink water regularly to replace lost fluids and choose plain foods that you can tolerate. Speak to a pharmacist before using anti-diarrhoea medications
• constipation – gradually increase your fibre intake, drink plenty of water, and stay physically active
• bloating or gas – reduce portion sizes temporarily and reintroduce rich or high-fibre foods gradually, also getting some gentle exercise, such as walking, can help
• stomach discomfort – avoid large meals, alcohol and fizzy drinks, and try a warm compress if this feels soothing

Speak to your doctor if digestive symptoms are persistent, getting worse, or making it difficult to eat or drink. Get urgent medical advice for severe or ongoing stomach pain, particularly if it spreads to your back or is accompanied by being sick.

Changes in blood sugar and energy levels

Mounjaro helps lower blood sugar, so levels may rise after treatment stops, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of high blood sugar can include increased thirst, needing to urinate more frequently, blurred vision and tiredness.

To help manage this:

• follow the blood sugar monitoring plan provided by your doctor
• continue taking your other diabetes medications as prescribed
• do not adjust insulin or other diabetes treatments without medical advice
• eat regular meals containing higher-fibre carbohydrates, such as oats, wholegrains, beans and lentils
• contact your doctor if your readings are consistently outside your agreed target range

Your doctor may need to review your diabetes treatment when you stop Mounjaro. The patient information leaflet specifically warns that blood sugar can increase after stopping treatment.

Low mood or anxiety about weight regain

A return of appetite or concern about regaining weight can affect how you feel. This does not mean that you have failed or that stopping treatment was the wrong decision. Obesity is a long-term condition, and ongoing support may make it easier to maintain the progress you have made.

You may find it helpful to:

• remain on a maintenance plan for Mounjaro rather than stopping completely
• focus on routines you can maintain rather than strict dieting
• continue regular physical activity that you enjoy
• speak openly with your doctor about cravings, emotional eating, or low mood
• ask about behavioural, dietary, or weight-management support

It is possible to regain some of the weight you have lost once you stop Mounjaro, but this does not mean you will regain all of it. Because Mounjaro works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 and GIP by binding to their receptors, when you stop taking it, your appetite may increase.

In an analysis of the SURMOUNT-4 trial, 82% of participants who took Mounjaro for 36 weeks and then switched to a placebo regained at least 25% of the weight they had lost, while 9% regained all of the weight they had lost. A more recent study found that after stopping any weight loss medication, including Mounjaro, the average monthly weight regain was 0.4kg, meaning that it takes just 1.7 years to regain all of the weight lost after stopping treatment.

A further study on weight changes after Mounjaro found that the average weight gained within 1 year of coming off Mounjaro was 14%. However, the same study found that switching from Mounjaro to a placebo for 1 year still resulted in a 9.9% weight reduction overall, with 16% maintaining at least 80% of their lost weight. This highlights the importance of continuing healthy eating, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes beyond treatment.

How long does it take to regain weight after stopping Mounjaro?

Not everyone will regain weight after stopping Mounjaro, but research shows that it can take as little as 1.5 to 1.7 years to regain all of your lost weight after stopping weight loss medications, like Mounjaro. However, it can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as appetite and lifestyle.

Some people maintain their weight for several months, while others may notice gradual weight regain within weeks if lifestyle changes are not in place. The same study found that the average monthly weight re-gained after stopping treatment was 0.4kg.

In another study, a clinical trial on continued treatment and maintenance on Mounjaro (SURMOUNT-4 randomised clinical trial) found that patients who experienced 21% weight loss on average on Mounjaro after 36 weeks regained 14% of their body weight after stopping Mounjaro and taking a placebo for 16 weeks. Patients in this trial who continued on Mounjaro continued to lose a further 5.5% of their body weight. Over 88 weeks, the group that stopped taking Mounjaro and switched to the placebo only lost an average 10%, in comparison, the group that continued to take Mounjaro lost an average 25% of their body weight.

Although Mounjaro is approved for long-term use, there are several reasons why people stop taking Mounjaro, including costs, side effects, and not getting the results they expected. Here are some of the most common reasons people stop taking Mounjaro:

• cost – Mounjaro can be expensive, especially as it is mostly accessed through private services because the NHS has a strict rollout programme in place, so some people find it difficult to keep paying for treatment
• side effects – Mounjaro can cause side effects, like feeling sick, being sick, constipation, and diarrhoea, and if these are persistent or severe, they can affect your daily life, making it challenging to continue treatment
• disliking injections – some people feel anxious about needles, find injections uncomfortable, or feel uneasy about having to inject themselves each week
• not seeing the results they expected – not everyone will get the same results on Mounjaro, which can be affected by your dose, how long you have used it, other health conditions, and whether you stick to the healthy diet and lifestyle changes necessary for Mounjaro to be effective
• they have reached their target weight – some people choose to stop taking Mounjaro once they have reached their target weight, but it is possible to continue on a maintenance dose if your doctor agrees it is safe to do so
• pregnancy – Mounjaro must not be used during pregnancy, so you must stop taking it if you become pregnant or for at least 2 months before trying to conceive

If you’re considering stopping Mounjaro, the first step is to speak with your doctor. They can help you decide the right time to take your final dose and whether to stop, reduce slowly, or move to a lower, maintenance dose. What is right for you will depend on your weight loss goals, current progress, and how your body has responded to Mounjaro.

At Superdrug Online Doctor, we recommend gradually reducing your dose or moving to a lower, long-term maintenance dose to help you maintain your weight loss and allow your body to adjust to lower levels of the active ingredient. Though you can also choose to stop Mounjaro without reducing the dose first.

It’s also important that you continue with the lifestyle changes you have made, even if you stop Mounjaro completely, to help prevent weight regain. Some of these changes include:

✓ eating a healthy, balanced diet

✓ continuing to get regular exercise

✓ cutting down on your alcohol intake

✓ managing stress

✓ prioritising sleep

Coming off Mounjaro does not mean your weight loss journey has to end. Many people successfully maintain their results long term by focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes and gradual adjustments that support both their bodies and minds.

Sustainable lifestyle habits

When you stop taking Mounjaro, your metabolism and appetite will naturally shift, making it even more important to build healthy routines to help stabilise your weight. It is key to maintain the eating and activity habits developed during treatment, which can help you manage these changes and reduce the likelihood of weight regain. Focus on realistic routines you can continue over the long term rather than restrictive diets or intensive exercise plans.

Follow a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

Although food is unlikely to reproduce the effects of Mounjaro, eating meals that contain protein, fibre, and nutrient-rich whole foods can help you feel satisfied while providing the nutrients you need.

Important foods and nutrients that you should prioritise include:

• protein – foods such as chicken, eggs, fish, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, tofu, beans, and lentils help keep you feeling fuller for longer and support muscle maintenance during weight loss
• soluble fibre – found in foods like oats, barley, beans, lentils, apples, carrots, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, soluble fibre absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the digestive system, which slows digestion and may help keep you feeling fuller for longer and reduce bad cholesterol
• high-fibre carbohydrates – provide longer-lasting energy than more refined carbohydrates. Choose wholegrain bread and pasta, brown rice, oats, beans or potatoes with their skins on
• fruit and vegetables – add fibre, vitamins and minerals to meals without being calorie dense. Aim to include a variety of colours and include fresh, frozen, and tinned options without added salt or sugar
• healthy fats – foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and oily fish can make meals more satisfying and are energy dense, so be mindful of portion sizes

Try to build meals around a source of protein, add vegetables or fruit, and include an appropriate portion of higher-fibre carbohydrates or healthy fats. Eating regular meals, planning snacks and eating slowly can also make a returning appetite easier to manage.

Increase fibre gradually and drink enough fluid, particularly if you ate less fibre while taking Mounjaro. Increasing it too quickly may cause bloating, wind or stomach discomfort. For meal ideas and further practical guidance, see our Mounjaro diet plan.

Combine cardio and strength training

Exercise can support weight maintenance by increasing your energy expenditure, preserving muscle mass, and improving your physical and mental health. Combining aerobic, or cardio, activity with muscle-strengthening exercise provides broader benefits than relying on one type alone.

Cardio exercise

Cardio raises your heart rate and increases the amount of energy you use during the activity. Regular cardio can also improve stamina, heart health, and blood sugar control.

Examples include:

• brisk walking
• cycling
• swimming
• jogging or running
• dancing
• aerobics classes
• rowing
• playing sports such as tennis

Choose an activity you enjoy and can do consistently. Shorter sessions still count, so three 10-minute brisk walks may feel more manageable than one continuous 30-minute workout.

Muscle-building exercise

Strength training helps maintain or build muscle. This is particularly important after weight loss because some of the weight lost may have come from muscle as well as body fat. Preserving muscle supports strength, mobility, and your ability to remain active.

Examples include:

• lifting weights
• using resistance bands
• bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, press-ups, and planks
• using resistance machines at a gym
• climbing stairs
• carrying heavy shopping
• Pilates or other resistance-based classes

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, alongside strengthening exercises for all major muscle groups on at least 2 days a week. Spread activity across the week and break up long periods of sitting where possible.

Psychological and behavioural adjustments

Weight loss and maintenance are not just physical changes but also psychological. Some people find that food cravings, emotional eating, or “food noise” increase after stopping or reducing Mounjaro.

Practice mindful eating

Mindful eating involves paying attention to what, when and why you are eating. It can help you recognise physical hunger, notice when you are becoming satisfied and identify times when stress, boredom, or habit influences your food choices.

You can practice mindful eating by:

• eating at a table rather than while working, driving, or watching television
• slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and putting your cutlery down between mouthfuls
• checking how hungry you feel before eating and how satisfied you feel during the meal
• pausing before having a second portion to give your body time to register fullness
• paying attention to the taste, texture, and enjoyment of your food
• avoiding long gaps between meals, which may make it harder to respond calmly to hunger

Mindful eating is not about judging yourself or labelling foods as “good” or “bad”. It is a way to become more aware of your eating patterns so you can make deliberate choices.

Prepare for food noise and cravings

Food noise may become more noticeable once Mounjaro is no longer reducing your appetite. Planning ahead can reduce the number of decisions you need to make when you are hungry or experiencing a craving.

Useful strategies include planning meals, keeping filling snacks available, and avoiding shopping when hungry. When a craving occurs, pause briefly and consider whether you need food or whether another factor, such as stress, tiredness, or boredom, is contributing. If you are physically hungry, choose an appropriate meal or snack rather than trying to ignore it.

You do not need to avoid your favourite foods completely. Overly restrictive rules can be difficult to maintain and may increase preoccupation with food. Instead, consider how they can fit into an overall balanced eating pattern.

Set realistic, flexible goals

Once you have reached your target weight, the aim may shift from further weight loss to maintaining your progress. It is normal for body weight to fluctuate, so your doctor may recommend focusing on an agreed weight range rather than one exact number.

Behaviour-based goals are often easier to control than weight alone. For example, you might aim to prepare balanced lunches on weekdays, complete two strength sessions each week, or take a walk after dinner. Start with one or two manageable changes and review them regularly.

It may also help to track progress that is not shown by the scales, such as improved fitness, strength, sleep, energy, mobility, or blood sugar control. If you monitor your weight, agree a suitable frequency with your doctor. Weighing yourself too often can increase anxiety for some people.

Ask for ongoing support

You do not have to manage the transition off Mounjaro on your own. Depending on your needs, support may come from:

• your doctor or prescribing service
• a registered dietitian or nutritionist
• a weight-management programme
• a counsellor, psychologist, or behavioural therapist
• supportive friends, relatives, or community groups

Speak to your doctor if thoughts about food or weight are affecting your mood or daily life.

Remaining on a maintenance dose

In some cases, your doctor may suggest staying on the lowest effective dose of Mounjaro, also known as the maintenance dose, to help you maintain your weight loss. This decision will depend on several things, such as:

Your doctor will discuss a Mounjaro maintenance plan with you to find the best solution for you.

➤ See our weight loss maintenance hub for more information.

Treat underlying conditions

If you find it difficult to maintain your weight after stopping Mounjaro, even while following your eating and activity plan, speak to your doctor. Weight is influenced by many factors, and certain medical conditions can increase appetite, affect energy levels, or make it harder to stay active. Identifying and treating these conditions may support weight management, although treatment does not always lead directly to weight loss.

Conditions that may contribute include:

• an underactive thyroid – hypothyroidism can cause tiredness, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. Your GP can arrange thyroid blood tests and prescribe medications, such as levothyroxine if needed
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – PCOS can be associated with insulin resistance and may make weight management more difficult. Other symptoms include irregular periods, acne, and excess facial or body hair
• obstructive sleep apnoea – disrupted sleep can cause severe daytime tiredness, making healthy eating and physical activity harder to maintain. Symptoms include loud snoring, interrupted breathing and waking with headaches
• Cushing’s syndrome – this is a rare condition caused by excessive levels of the hormone cortisol. Symptoms can include weight gain around the stomach and upper body, a rounded face, easy bruising, and wide purple stretch marks
• mental health or mobility conditions – depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and joint problems can affect appetite, motivation, and activity. Your GP can discuss treatments or refer you to services such as physiotherapy, pain management, or psychological therapy

It is important to avoid self-diagnosing based on weight changes alone. Your doctor will consider your other symptoms, medical history, and whether tests or a specialist referral are appropriate.

Some medications can also contribute to weight gain by increasing appetite, causing fluid retention, changing how your body handles glucose, or making you feel too tired to remain active. Examples include:

• some diabetes medications, particularly insulin, sulfonylureas and pioglitazone
• some blood pressure medications, including certain beta blockers
• some antidepressants, including certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants
• antipsychotic medications
• corticosteroids, such as prednisolone
• some medications used to manage epilepsy or nerve pain

Not everyone taking these medications will gain weight, and medications within the same category can have different effects. The benefits of treatment may also be more important than its effect on weight.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication or change its dose yourself. Ask your GP, prescribing specialist, or pharmacist for a medication review. They can assess whether a medication may be contributing, check that you still need it, and discuss an alternative treatment if appropriate.

Stopping Mounjaro can be daunting, and many people worry about Mounjaro weight regain. However, there are several things you can do to help maintain your weight loss, including continuing with the lifestyle changes you have already made during your treatment.

Before coming off Mounjaro, discuss your options with your doctor. They will need to supervise your transition onto a Mounjaro maintenance plan if this is what you want to do next.

How long do side effects last after stopping Mounjaro?

When you stop taking Mounjaro, most side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues, will resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks. The medication’s effects will subside as it leaves your system. It can take up to 30 days for tirzepatide to completely leave your body.

Can I restart Mounjaro later if I regain weight?

Yes, you can usually restart Mounjaro later if you regain weight, but you will need to speak to a doctor or pharmacist, so they can make sure it is safe and suitable for you. However, if more than 2 weeks have passed, you will need to restart Mounjaro on the lowest starting dose.

Is weight loss with Mounjaro permanent?

Mounjaro weight loss can be permanent if you make the right lifestyle changes and stick to them once your treatment ends. If you do not, it is likely that you will regain some of the weight you have lost.

Does Mounjaro stop working after a while?

No, Mounjaro does not stop working after a while, but it is common to experience a weight loss plateau or a slower rate of weight loss over time. If you are not seeing the progress you expected or are no longer losing weight while taking Mounjaro, you may need to reassess your lifestyle habits and make additional changes or consider if alternative treatments may be more suitable for you.

Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

Yes, it is possible to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy under the guidance of a doctor who will tailor a transition plan to make sure the switch is safe and minimises the chance of side effects. You can usually stop Mounjaro, then take your first dose of Wegovy after 7 days (the usual break between injection times). This means you do not have to stop your weight loss journey just because you want to switch.

Is it safe to stop Mounjaro?

Yes, it is safe to stop Mounjaro, and there is no need to taper your dose. However, you should let your doctor know if you want to come off Mounjaro.

Is it harder to maintain weight after stopping Mounjaro than after losing weight normally?

Maintaining weight loss is challenging whether or not you use weight loss medications, like Mounjaro. Although studies show that it is possible to regain all of your lost weight within 1.5 to 1.7 years after stopping treatment, 30 to 35% of people who lose weight without medication regain their weight within a year.

That’s why it is important to continue with the healthy lifestyle changes you have made, such as following a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise, to help keep your weight down.

Why am I still losing weight after stopping Mounjaro?

Mounjaro can remain in your body for around a month after your final dose, so its effects on appetite and digestion may continue temporarily. You may also keep losing weight if you maintain a reduced-calorie diet and regular activity. If you are concerned about the amount of weight you are still losing, speak to a doctor for advice.