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 of the solution you’ll need to use during the course of your journey.

Weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy work in stages, gradually increasing (titrating) the strength of the medication until you reach the optimum (“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 — so you can make informed decisions. Let’s get started. 

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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 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.  

By increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing hunger pangs, Mounjaro can result in gradual and sustainable weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and 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 the first time you are using it or you are switching from another weight loss medication. This low strength helps your body get used to the medication gradually.

Clinical trials have proven that Mounjaro is most effective for weight loss when the recommended maintenance dose is taken on a weekly basis. For example, at the highest tolerated strength of 10 or 15 mg per week, study participants lost 18.4% more weight on average compared to a 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 you administer into your body. Each level is represented by a different coloured injection pen, which you will typically cycle up 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 has three such 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 the handling of side effects.

If you titrate up to the maximum maintenance dose of Mounjaro, you’ll be injecting 15 mg each week. 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 are able to do so as long as it has been four weeks since your last titration. 

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

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

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The Mounjaro Dosing Schedule

Mounjaro doses are titrated in increments of 2.5 mg, with at least four weeks between each increase. 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 displays how your journey will typically look. It’s important that you regularly check in with your clinician to review 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 time. It’s important to choose a schedule that is easy to stick to. This level of consistency is crucial to ensuring you’re getting the right amount of medication for effective weight loss and reducing the potential impact of side effects by keeping the strength at a consistent 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 individual 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 seeing how your body reacts to the different potencies will help you find the right level for your 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  — though you may need someone to help 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. 

Wegovy vs Mounjaro Doses: How They Compare

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are popular weight loss treatments that are administered in the same way, as once-weekly injections which titrate every four weeks. That being said, there are some distinct differences between the Wegovy dosing schedule and the Mounjaro regimen, as shown below:

The values listed in italics indicate the various maintenance doses that are available 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, regularly checking in with your clinician who can help you monitor 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 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 point during the day, with or without food — though some people like to have a meal beforehand to try and combat 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

More info

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

Prices from £159.99 Review More Prices

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 three days (72 hours) after your last dose before you make the switch. You should try not to amend 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 back 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 could make your weight loss journey take even longer. 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 my Mounjaro on Holiday?

Yes, it is possible to travel with Mounjaro. There are several factors to take into account, such as ensuring the pen remains below 30°C and isn’t exposed to direct sunlight. You’ll also need to work out how you’re going to store the medication while you’re away and be wary 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 starting with a trusted and reliable partner 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

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: 15/05/2025