Why Do You Have to Increase Mounjaro Dose?

Mounjaro is a highly effective weight loss medication which has gained popularity in the UK thanks to its impressive before-and-after results. As with most treatments of its kind, patients can gradually increase their dosage of Mounjaro according to a specific schedule. But why is this necessary?

Establishing exactly how to use Mounjaro and other weight loss treatments is essential to determining which might be the best option for you, and getting to grips with the dosing schedules is an important part of this. With this in mind, we answer the question “Why do you have to increase your Mounjaro dose?” and other common queries so you can make an informed decision.

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How Do Mounjaro Doses Work?

Mounjaro injections follow a dosing schedule, which starts at 2.5 mg per week. This increases in 2.5 mg increments every four weeks, until you reach the maintenance dose of 15 mg at week 24 of treatment. This is the maximum dose of Mounjaro, and there is no limit to how long you can keep taking this dose.

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which works by imitating the effect of two naturally occurring hormones within the body. This helps weight loss by making you feel fuller for longer and curbing your appetite. 

What Dose of Mounjaro Do You Start On?

The starting dose of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg once a week for four weeks. This dose is for initiating treatment, and it will not lower blood glucose levels or promote significant weight loss. The purpose of the low starting dose and gradual dose increases is to let your body adjust to the medication slowly.

For example, the low starting dose and gradual increase may help to make gastrointestinal side effects (like diarrhoea and vomiting) less severe.

You will always start Mounjaro at 2.5 mg per week, even if you’re switching from a higher dose of a different medication. For example, if you have been taking a maintenance dose of Wegovy, you will still start Mounjaro with a 2.5 mg initiation dose.

Now that you understand the dosage schedule and where to start, why do you have to increase Mounjaro doses to achieve weight loss success? 

Why Do You Have to Increase Mounjaro Dose for Weight Loss?

Increasing your Mounjaro dose is necessary for better weight loss results, as research has found that higher tirzepatide doses produce greater weight reductions. One study reported that tirzepatide patients on the 5 mg dose lost an average of 11.90% of their body weight, while those on 10 mg and 15 mg lost 15.29% and 18.19%.

You don’t necessarily need to take the maximum possible Mounjaro dose to see weight loss results. Studies have found that, when combined with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise, a 5 mg dose can produce significant weight reduction. However, you will likely see the greatest weight loss benefits at higher doses.

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Other Reasons to Increase Mounjaro Dosage

The key benefit of increasing your Mounjaro dosage is to maximise the weight loss potential of the medication. However, you may also experience additional benefits such as enhanced blood sugar control, a boost in energy levels, and improved eating habits.

Enhanced Blood Sugar Control

Mounjaro is an anti-diabetic medication commonly used to improve people’s blood sugar levels. Higher doses of Mounjaro are associated with a greater benefit for blood glucose control, which can minimise your risk of other health conditions such as heart disease and kidney failure.

Improved Energy Levels

Some people experience a boost in energy levels on higher doses of tirzepatide, possibly owing to the health benefits associated with weight loss. An increase in energy can also make it easier to exercise regularly, further contributing to weight loss and other health benefits.

Better Eating Habits

Mounjaro significantly reduces appetite and food cravings, and may help you resist fatty and sugary foods. This can improve the overall quality of your diet, especially if you prioritise foods with high protein and nutrient content instead.

When to Increase Mounjaro Dose for Weight Loss

When you follow the Mounjaro dosing schedule, your dose will increase by 2.5 mg every four weeks. You can’t increase your dose any faster than this, as the dosing schedule is designed to maximise safety and minimise side effects.

Studies have found that a gradual increase in Mounjaro dosage significantly reduces the likelihood that a person will discontinue treatment due to gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, taking more Mounjaro than recommended could lead to more severe side effects and may hinder your weight loss efforts.

Can I Stay on the Same Dose of Mounjaro?

It’s possible to stay on the same dose of Mounjaro longer than the recommended four weeks. Many people lose a substantial amount of weight on a 5 mg or 10 mg dose, and you may find a higher dose unnecessary to achieve your weight loss goals.

People typically choose to maintain a lower Mounjaro dose because they are satisfied with the results or because their side effects become unmanageable at higher doses.

If you want to stay on the same dose of Mounjaro, you should consult a clinician for guidance. This will help you make a fully informed decision about your treatment plan and allow you to realise the maximum benefits of using Mounjaro.

Signs Your Current Mounjaro Dose is Working

You may want to stick with your current dose of Mounjaro if:

• You’re satisfied with the amount of weight you are losing at this dose
• You have uncomfortable side effects, and don’t want to intensify them by increasing your dose
• You’re able to maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan at your current dose

If you feel that your current Mounjaro dose is working for you, seek the guidance of a clinician before making alterations to your treatment plan. A medical professional can expertly assess your individual situation and needs and can offer advice that helps you make the best decision for your health goals.

What are the Signs that I Need to Increase My Mounjaro Dose?

If your current Mounjaro dose is working for you, you may not need to increase it. However, if you reach a weight plateau (i.e., your weight loss has slowed down or stopped completely), you may need to increase your dose to continue losing weight.

It’s normal for the rate of weight loss on Mounjaro to decrease over time. However, several factors influence the time it takes to reach a weight plateau. One study found that higher doses of tirzepatide (10 mg and 15 mg) were associated with longer periods of weight loss. You may need to increase your Mounjaro dose if:

• You experience a significant decrease in weight reduction, and you have not yet reached your weight loss goal
• You’ve stopped losing weight, despite maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen
• You notice an increase in hunger and food cravings

Frequently Asked Questions

“Why do you have to increase Mounjaro doses?” is just one question individuals will have about the dosage schedule. For example, many people ask if they can reduce their Mounjaro dose, if they can increase their dose more quickly than recommended, and what they should do if they experience unmanageable side effects during a dose increase.

Can You Go Down a Dose on Mounjaro?

You can reduce your Mounjaro dose if your healthcare provider recommends it. People typically choose to reduce their dose if their side effects feel unmanageable, or if they are happy with their rate of weight loss on a lower dose. You may also want to consider reducing your dose if your appetite is significantly reduced, making it difficult to eat enough, which can lead to fatigue.

If you want to make a change to your dosing schedule, discuss this with a clinician before taking action. The advice of a healthcare professional will help you make an informed decision about your treatment plan, allowing you to achieve the best possible health outcome.

Can I Increase Mounjaro Dose After 2 Weeks?

You should not increase your Mounjaro dose any faster than stipulated in the recommended dosing schedule. Rapid dose increases can cause severe side effects, which can make it impossible to continue treatment.

Following the dosing schedule is imperative for your safety and effective Mounjaro treatment. If you have questions or concerns about your rate of weight loss on Mounjaro, seek the advice of a licensed clinician.

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 £159.99 Review More Prices

Start Order More Info

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What Happens if I Can’t Manage the Mounjaro Dose Increase?

If your Mounjaro side effects are unmanageable or persistent, reach out to a clinician for advice. They may recommend reducing your dose and allowing your body more time to adjust to the medicine before returning to the original dosing schedule. Alternatively, you might find that a different weight loss treatment is more suitable.

Mounjaro side effects are most likely to flare up at the start of treatment and during dose increases. These symptoms often fade after a few days, but in some cases, they may continue to cause discomfort. As you continue your treatment, your body should become more adjusted to the side effects, making them more manageable. 

Reliable Weight Loss Guidance from Prescription Doctor

Embarking on a weight loss journey may seem like a challenging prospect, full of various things to learn and several twists and turns. The good news is, however, that you don’t need to go through it all alone.

At Prescription Doctor, we’ve helped countless individuals achieve their goals, and we’re ready to do the same for you. We offer a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your weight loss journey, from supplying medications and answering queries to scheduling regular follow-ups to monitor your progress.

We provide a wealth of useful information, such as fielding questions like “why do you have to increase Mounjaro doses” and “where to inject Mounjaro?”, while also offering essential tips for success and information on diet and exercise plans. Whatever you need, you can rely on us for support.

What’s more, our prescribing pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. This means that you can be completely confident in the quality of our service and products.

Ready to start your Mounjaro journey? Register for your weight loss consultation today.

Authored By

Kate Latham

Medical Content Writer

Kate has been a scientific content writer since 2017. With a BSc in Biology and a background in cancer research, she is adept at identifying the latest findings in medical research and utilising these

Published on: 14/08/2025

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: 14/08/2025