Mounjaro Dosage for Weight Loss: The Ultimate Guide

If you’ve heard about Mounjaro and its potential impact on weight loss, you’ll likely have several questions to help you determine whether the medication would be a good option for your circumstances. One of these may involve how much solution you’ll need for your journey.

Weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy work in stages, gradually increasing (titrating) the medication's strength until you reach the optimal (“maintenance”) dose. This is done to help your body cope with the side effects the treatment can cause. So, how much Mounjaro will you need to take?

Whether you’re just starting out or considering switching from another treatment, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of Mounjaro dosage for weight loss, enabling you to make informed decisions. Let’s get started. 

START YOUR MOUNJARO CONSULTATION TODAY

How Does Mounjaro Help You Lose Weight?

Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, supports weight loss by mimicking the effects of two natural hormones that are produced in the body when you eat. Known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), these chemicals control your appetite and make you feel fuller for longer, helping you reduce food intake and making it easier to follow a calorie-controlled diet.

Tirzepatide also improves insulin regulation, which can lower the amount of glucose (sugar) and fat that’s stored within the body. This is why Mounjaro is also used to treat type 2 diabetes.  

By increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing hunger pangs, Mounjaro can lead to gradual and sustainable weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. 

What is the Mounjaro Starting Dose?

The starting Mounjaro dose for weight loss is 2.5 mg per week, regardless of whether this is your first time using it or if you are switching from another weight loss medication. This low strength helps your body get used to the medication gradually.

Clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro is most effective for weight loss when the recommended maintenance dose is taken weekly. For example, at the highest tolerated dose of 10 or 15 mg per week, study participants lost, on average, 18.4% more weight than the placebo group. This strength cannot be handled straight away, however, so the dosage is gradually increased over time. It may take you longer to reach the maximum potency than is standard, or you could feel that you’re noticing sufficient progress with a weaker concentration and might not want to move any higher. Everyone’s experience is different.   

What is Mounjaro Titration?

Mounjaro titration is the process of gradually increasing the dose of tirzepatide administered by injection. Each level is represented by a different-coloured injection pen, which you will typically cycle through every four weeks until you reach the maximum potency. 

Why Do You Have to Increase Mounjaro Dose?

Like most weight loss medications, Mounjaro does come with a range of potential side effects. To help you safely reach the maximum and most effective dosage, while also enabling your body to adjust to the medication, it’s important to gradually increase the potency of your injection.

Common Mounjaro side effects include:

• feeling sick (nausea) 
• being sick
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain
• constipation

What is the Mounjaro Maintenance Dose for Weight Loss?

The term ‘maintenance dose’ refers to the strength of medication you’ll stay on for the majority of your journey. Mounjaro is available in three dosage levels: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg. Which one is right for you will depend on how well your body responds to the medication, both in terms of weight loss and in how well it handles side effects.

If you titrate up to the maximum maintenance dose of Mounjaro, you’ll inject 15 mg once weekly. It’s not recommended that you take any more than this. Should you have previously settled on a lower maintenance dose but feel like you have hit a plateau and want to increase the strength, you can do so as long as it has been at least four weeks since your last titration. 

Mounjaro

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

• Approved Weight Loss Treatment
• Suitable for adults with a BMI of +30kg/m²
• Pre-filled injection pen

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

Prices from £179.99 Review More Prices

Start Order More Info

Get Started

Start Order More info

The Mounjaro Dosing Schedule

Mounjaro doses are titrated in increments of 2.5 mg, with a minimum of 4 weeks between increases. You’ll start at 2.5 mg, even if you’ve taken other medications before, and keep moving upwards until you reach your chosen maintenance level or the maximum strength of 15 mg per week.

You may need to remain on a lower dosage for longer than four weeks if you’re:  

• Struggling with side effects and need more time to adjust to them
• Feeling satisfied with your weight loss progress, and don’t feel the need to increase the strength

Mounjaro Dosage Chart

The Mounjaro dosage chart below clearly outlines how your journey typically unfolds. It’s essential that you regularly check in with your clinician to review your progress and how you’re feeling, to determine whether you should follow this schedule or switch to something more personalised. 

How Often Do You Take Mounjaro?

Mounjaro should be taken once weekly, on the same day and at the same time. It’s important to choose a schedule that's easy to stick to. This level of consistency is crucial for ensuring you receive the correct dosage of medication for effective weight loss and minimising the potential side effects by maintaining a consistent strength level. 

How Many Mounjaro Pens Will I Need?

How many Mounjaro pens you’ll need will depend on how long it takes to reach your weight loss targets. Each KwikPen comes with four pre-loaded doses that last for four weeks. If you follow the typical schedule, you’ll need six injection pens to reach the highest maintenance level.

The table below outlines everything in more detail:

What is the Most Effective Mounjaro Dose?

The most effective Mounjaro dosage for weight loss is 15 mg per week, though lower strengths can still have an impact. Monitoring your progress and observing how your body reacts to the different potencies will help you determine the right level for your specific circumstances.

According to one clinical trial, the average weight loss on Mounjaro over 72 weeks was as follows:

• 22.5% at the highest maintenance dose of 15 mg/week
• 21.4% at 10 mg/week
• 16% at 5mg/week
• 2.4% with a placebo

How to Take Your Mounjaro Dose

Mounjaro is supplied as an injectable pen with four pre-filled doses, so you don’t need to draw up the medication beforehand. The treatment can be administered into your thigh, abdomen, or the back of your other arm; however, you may need someone to assist with the latter location. It’s important to rotate injection sites to reduce the risk of irritation.

You can find out more about how to take your Mounjaro dose in our dedicated guide. 

What is a Mounjaro ‘Golden Dose’?

The Mounjaro “golden dose”, also known as the “5th dose”, is the amount of liquid left in the KwikPen after you have taken all four shots. Each dose administers 0.6 ml of liquid, but how much of the active ingredient is present in each depends on which pen you have.

There is a small amount of liquid left in the pen after all four doses have been injected, ensuring there is enough liquid to prime the pen before use. But this extra medication is not to be injected; it is just a safety measure to make sure the pen is working properly. 

Can You Microdose Mounjaro?

No, microdosing Mounjaro is not recommended. Microdosing is administering smaller doses of a medication than have been prescribed, usually so you still get the benefits without the side effects. There is no clinical evidence that microdosing Mounjaro is effective, and it is not approved by the FDA, MHRA, or NICE.

The Mounjaro dosage schedule has been designed so that you start treatment at a low 2.5 mg weekly dose and gradually increase it every 4 weeks until you reach the maintenance dose. This allows your body to get used to the medication and minimises the chance of Mounjaro side effects. 

Does Increasing Mounjaro Dose Cause Side Effects?

Yes, increasing your Mounjaro dose can cause side effects because you will be injecting a larger amount of the active ingredient tirzepatide. If you do get side effects when you titrate your dose, they are usually mild and will go away as your body gets used to the medication.

Most people find that Mounjaro side effects last from a few days to a few weeks and improve as they get used to the higher dose. If you are concerned about any side effects you are experiencing, contact your clinician for more advice.

How to Stop Taking Mounjaro

If you are considering stopping Mounjaro, speak with your clinician to plan a gradual taper and maintain your weight loss. You can usually just stop taking Mounjaro without needing to taper down your dose, as there are no withdrawal symptoms.

Although stopping Mounjaro suddenly is safe, you will notice that its effects begin to wear off. So, you may notice your appetite returning and that you begin to regain weight. One study found that significant weight gain occurs 8 to 20 weeks after you stop GLP-1 medication. For this reason, your clinician may suggest gradually reducing your dose or sticking to a maintenance dose that works for you.

It’s also important to reinforce your healthy habits — such as eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise — when you stop Mounjaro, and to continue them long after your treatment has finished. These habits will be critical to your ongoing success after stopping the medication. 

Do You Have to Take Mounjaro Forever?

No, you do not have to take Mounjaro forever. Although Mounjaro is safe for long-term use, with studies showing it is safe to take for 2 years, it is most effective when used to help you reach your weight-loss goals. Once you’ve hit your targets, you can usually discuss stopping Mounjaro with your clinician.

Equally, if you do not feel tirzepatide is working for you, or if you would like to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, this may also be possible under your clinician’s guidance. 

Wegovy vs Mounjaro Doses: How They Compare

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are popular weight-loss treatments administered as once-weekly injections, titrated every 4 weeks. That being said, there are some distinct differences between the Wegovy dosing schedule and the Mounjaro regimen, as shown below:

The values in italics indicate the available maintenance doses for each of the two treatments. If you’d like a more detailed comparison between Mounjaro and Wegovy, please check our dedicated guide. 

Mounjaro Dosage FAQs

If you have questions about the right Mounjaro dose for weight loss, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about the best way to use this medication, when it should be taken, and what to do if you miss a dose. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you get the most out of Mounjaro treatment. 

Can You Start Mounjaro at 5 mg?

No, everyone must start on the lowest Mounjaro dose of 2.5 mg per week for at least the first four weeks of treatment. This is the case whether you’re switching from another weight loss medication or have used Mounjaro in the past.

Once you’ve completed the first four weeks, you can titrate up to 5 mg if you feel that you’re comfortable dealing with the side effects of the treatment. It’s important that you take everything at your own pace and regularly check in with your clinician, who can help you monitor your progress. 

Can You Stay on 2.5 mg of Mounjaro?

Ideally, you shouldn’t stay on the 2.5 mg dose of Mounjaro. The lowest recommended maintenance level is 5 mg per week, so you need to titrate at least once. If you’re struggling with the side effects caused by the starting strength and don’t want to increase your dose, your clinician may recommend an alternative treatment.

Although it is possible to lose weight with the 2.5 mg dose of Mounjaro, the medication will be much more effective if you titrate at least once to the first maintenance strength. It’s extremely rare that a clinician will agree to keep you at the starting level. 

How Long Can I Take Mounjaro For?

There’s no time limit when it comes to how long you can take Mounjaro for. Clinical research has shown that the medication is safe for long-term use, so you should be fine to continue with the treatment until you reach your weight loss goals. 

When is the Best Time to Take Mounjaro?

There’s no best time to take Mounjaro. It can be administered at any time of day, with or without food; however, some people prefer to have a meal beforehand to help reduce side effects. The true key to success is consistency, so it’s important to create a schedule you’ll be able to stick with in the long run.

If you’re prone to forgetting when it’s time to take medication, you may find it useful to set alarms or use a reminder app to keep you on track. 

Mounjaro

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

• Approved Weight Loss Treatment
• Suitable for adults with a BMI of +30kg/m²
• Pre-filled injection pen

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

Prices from £179.99 Review More Prices

Start Order More Info

Get Started

Start Order More info

Can I Change My Mounjaro Injection Day?

Yes, you can change your Mounjaro injection day if you’re struggling to keep to your current schedule. However, you must wait at least 3 days (72 hours) after your last dose before making the switch. You should avoid changing your itinerary too often, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

For example, if you usually inject your medication on a Monday at 9am, but want to change to Wednesday at 9am, you’ll need to wait until the following Wednesday (9 days).

What Happens if You Miss a Dose of Mounjaro?

How you deal with missing a Mounjaro dose depends on how long it’s been since your last injection:

• Four days or less: Take the missed dose immediately and revert to your usual schedule for the following week
• More than four days: Skip the dose you missed and administer the next one at your normal day and time

It’s essential that you don’t double-dose on Mounjaro to make up for a missed injection, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects. 

Can I Split My Mounjaro Dose?

No, you must never split your Mounjaro dose, as this means you’re not getting the correct amount of medication. This will render the treatment less effective and may prolong your weight loss journey. Splitting doses regularly also puts you at risk of more severe side effects.

For safety reasons, it’s important that you don’t leave a needle in a pre-filled pen for any length of time. Instead, it should be removed after each and every injection. 

Can I Take Mounjaro a Day Early?

Yes, you can inject Mounjaro a day early if necessary—for example, if you have an event or you’ll be travelling on your usual injection day—but you must make sure it has been at least 3 days (72 hours) since your last dose.

If you do not leave 72 hours between doses, it can increase the chance of serious side effects, including pancreatitis, kidney issues, and low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). If you’re unsure about taking your dose, contact your clinician, who will be happy to help. 

Can You Take Mounjaro Twice a Week?

No, you must not take Mounjaro twice a week. It is prescribed and approved as a once-weekly injection, and doubling the dose will not increase its effectiveness. Instead, it is dangerous and can lead to overdose and serious side effects.

If you are not losing weight on Mounjaro or do not think it is working for you, speak to your clinician. It may be that you are not at the maximum maintenance dose yet, have not been using it long enough, or need to make some lifestyle changes. They may also suggest an alternative weight loss medication if they think Mounjaro may not be right for you. 

How Many Doses are in Mounjaro Pens?

Each Mounjaro KwikPen contains four pre-measured 0.6 ml doses. With one dose being administered per week, each pen will last for one month. After this, you will usually increase your dose to the next strength, or you will remain on the current dose and start a fresh pen. 

Can You Go From 2.5 to 7.5 on Mounjaro?

No, you cannot jump from the lowest Mounjaro dose to 7.5 mg. The Mounjaro dosage schedule is gradually increased to help your body get used to the medication and minimise the risk of side effects. Typically, the strength is increased every four weeks until you reach the maximum dose, usually in week 21 of treatment. 

Can I Take my Mounjaro on Holiday?

Yes, it is possible to travel with Mounjaro. Several factors should be considered, including keeping the pen below 30°C and avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. You’ll also need to determine how you’ll store the medication while you’re away and be aware of any restrictions imposed by your destination country.

Any medications, including weight loss treatments, should be kept in your hand luggage for the duration of your journey. You may also want to consider investing in a storage bag to keep your Mounjaro refrigerated. Finally, it may be necessary to show proof of your prescription and medical insurance, so it’s important to ensure you’re fully prepared before you travel. 

Start Your Mounjaro Journey Today with Prescription Doctor: Your Trusted Weight Loss Partner

Embarking on your weight loss journey with Mounjaro is a big step, and partnering with a trusted, reliable provider like Prescription Doctor can make all the difference. Our clinicians are here to ensure that you receive expert advice and care throughout your treatment plan.

From ensuring you’re on the most suitable Mounjaro dosage for weight loss, to providing helpful guidance on dealing with side effects or even recommending a healthy meal plan, we have the expertise you need to maximise results.

Since 2013, we’ve been helping people just like you to make the most of their journey and achieve lasting results. Our dispensing pharmacy is also fully regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), so you can be completely confident in the service we provide.

Ready to take the first step? Start your Mounjaro weight loss journey today with our simple online consultation. 

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 15/05/2025 Re-Published on: 28/10/2025

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 28/10/2025