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. 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.

Mounjaro is a once-weekly weight loss injection that can also be used to manage type 2 diabetes. It mimics the effects of 2 important hormones involved in appetite and metabolism – glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). At the highest dose, 91% of people lose at least 5% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks.

Mounjaro helps you lose weight by:

• keeping you feeling fuller for longer
• slowing down the time it takes for food to move through your stomach
• suppressing your appetite
• increasing the amount of insulin released from the pancreas after you eat

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. This means your body will go through hormonal changes that can lead to increased hunger and a return of food cravings.

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.

Will I experience withdrawal symptoms when I stop Mounjaro?

No, Mounjaro is not known to cause withdrawal symptoms like some other medications can, but you may notice certain effects as your body gets used to not having tirzepatide in your system. These can include an increased appetite (your appetite returning to normal), changes in blood sugar control, and weight regain.

When you stop taking Mounjaro, its benefits will start to fade as it leaves your body, which can cause some side effects. It can take some time for your body to adjust, and you may notice that your appetite, digestion, and blood sugar levels change. Here are some of the most common effects people experience, along with how to manage them.

Digestive issues

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

Increased hunger and faster digestion

Without Mounjaro’s appetite-suppressing effects, you may notice that you feel hungry more quickly between meals. This is normal and is a sign that your gut hormones are rebalancing.

You can help to manage this effect by:

• stick to a structured and balanced meal plan that includes protein, fibre, and healthy fats, which will help you feel fuller for longer
• avoid skipping meals, which may lead to overeating or 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.

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

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.

One 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?

There is no set timeframe for weight regain after stopping Mounjaro because it can vary from person to person. Some people maintain their weight for several months, while others may notice gradual weight regain within weeks if lifestyle changes are not in place.

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:

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.

Some helpful strategies include:

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.

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.

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.