Mounjaro FAQs

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient Tirzepatide.

It is a groundbreaking weight loss injection, offering a clinically proven method for managing obesity. Developed by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, it is administered once a week via a single-use injection. It works by regulating appetite and metabolism, providing a targeted and sustainable weight loss solution.

Mounjaro is licensed for long-term weight management when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is suitable for adults with a starting BMI of 30 or higher (classed as obesity), or 27 or higher (overweight) if they also have a weight-related health condition.

Tirzepatide functions as both a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist and a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This dual-action mechanism helps suppress appetite, reduce hunger, and facilitate weight loss.

Originally approved for managing type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro has now been authorised by the MHRA for use in weight management in adults and will be available in the UK by the end of the month.

Developed with cutting-edge research, Mounjaro targets the biological processes involved in appetite control, food intake, and insulin sensitivity. By mimicking the actions of key hormones, it helps decrease hunger and improve metabolic health, resulting in significant weight loss and improved markers for conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

For people in the UK seeking an effective and convenient weight loss solution, Mounjaro offers real potential. Being able to access it online has increased its availability, providing a straightforward route to better health with professional guidance and support.

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro and was developed by Eli Lilly. Clinical trials have shown it can lead to substantial weight loss.

Although originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, Tirzepatide is now licensed by the MHRA for weight management in the UK. If you are familiar with Ozempic or

Wegovy, it works in a similar way—by helping you feel fuller for longer, reducing cravings, and lowering your calorie intake.

Its effectiveness is due to its dual mechanism: acting on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors to increase insulin, reduce glucagon, slow digestion, and suppress appetite. In phase 3 clinical trials (e.g., SURPASS), weight loss ranged between 11% and 17% over 52 weeks—greater than seen with other treatments.

However, individual results may vary.

There are several factors to consider when switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro. Not all weight loss medications work the same for everyone. If you’ve experienced side effects or limited weight loss on Wegovy, it may be worth considering a change.

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, whereas Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, making it the first of its kind. This difference may lead to improved results for some people.

It’s important to follow a reduced-calorie diet and maintain regular physical activity with either medication. While both drugs are effective and safe, studies suggest Mounjaro may lead to greater overall weight loss than Wegovy.

Doses:

Wegovy comes in 5 strengths, Mounjaro in 6. Both are injected once a week. You must start Mounjaro at the lowest dose (2.5mg), and only increase as needed. If you’re switching from Wegovy, you might be eligible to start Mounjaro at a higher dose, depending on your previous regimen. This will be reviewed during your consultation.

Switching treatments:
Do not stop or start medication without first consulting us. You’ll need to stop taking Wegovy before beginning Mounjaro. Specific guidance will be given after your consultation.

Starting Mounjaro:
You may need to restart at the lowest dose and build up gradually. This helps reduce side effects and ensures your body adjusts safely.

Both medications are safe, effective, and designed to support weight loss by reducing appetite and cravings.

Mounjaro:

• Active ingredient: Tirzepatide
• Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
• Dual action (GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist)
• Once-weekly injection
• Approved for weight management alongside diet and exercise

Wegovy:

• Active ingredient: Semaglutide

• Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk

• GLP-1 receptor agonist

• Once-weekly injection

• Originally prescribed off-label as Ozempic; now approved as Wegovy for weight loss

Both treatments are recommended for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 and above with a weight-related health condition.

There is currently no confirmed waiting period between stopping Wegovy and starting Mounjaro. Wegovy has a long half-life, so it may take a few weeks to clear from your system, depending on your dosage. Once this timeframe is established, we will inform you during your consultation.

You may notice some symptoms after stopping Wegovy—such as increased appetite, weight gain, mood changes, or digestive issues. To help prevent this, it may be advisable to taper your dose gradually before stopping. Continue to follow a healthy lifestyle with a reduced-calorie diet and regular activity during this time.

Mounjaro mimics GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate appetite and is released in the gut after eating. It targets areas in the brain responsible for hunger, helping reduce food intake.

It also acts on another hormone—GIP—further supporting appetite control and weight loss. This dual-action mechanism makes it unique among current treatments.

As with all medicines, Mounjaro can cause side effects. Most are mild and resolve over time as your body adjusts.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Burping

• Indigestion

• Gastritis

• Heartburn

• Gallstones

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

A full list of side effects is available upon request. If needed, we can offer support to help manage them.

Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine and must be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.

You may be eligible if you are:

• Aged 18–75

• BMI of 30 or higher (or 27.5+ for certain ethnicities)

• BMI of 27 or higher (or 24.5+ for certain ethnicities) with a weight-related condition

Exclusion criteria include:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2

• Liver or kidney failure

• Pancreatitis

• Use of insulin

• Allergy to Tirzepatide or any ingredients in Mounjaro

In studies, average weight loss on Mounjaro was around 10% after 6 months, compared to 6% with Ozempic. After 12 months, participants lost up to 15% of their body weight, compared to 8% on Ozempic.

One-year data shows that 42.3% of people taking Mounjaro lost at least 15% of their body weight, compared with 19.3% on Semaglutide.

UK Slimming Club makes it simple to begin a medical weight loss programme that works. With our online consultation form, you can get started quickly and safely. Our experienced medical team will assess your suitability and provide tailored support to help you achieve your weight loss goals and maintain long-term success.

Weight loss varies by individual, but many people notice a difference within the first few weeks. Sustainable weight loss takes time, and consistency with your treatment plan and lifestyle changes is key.

There are six different doses available, ranging from the starting dose of 2.5mg to the maximum dose of 15mg.

You must always start at the lowest dose of 2.5mg which you will inject once a week for a month (4 weeks) this will allow your body to adjust to the medication and help reduce the risk of potential side effects.

After this dose, if necessary, you might move on to the next dose which is 5mg, and gradually increase your dose by 2.5mg every 4 weeks. The maximum dose is 15mg. It is important to remember NOT to titrate to the next dose if the current dose you are taking is managing your hunger and cravings. Gradually increasing your dose (titration) helps your body adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of potential side effects.

What dose of Mounjaro will I need? (Dose Escalation Chart)

The simple answer is no; you cannot start with the highest dose of Mounjaro.

You must start at the lowest starting dose of 2.5mg and gradually increase (titrate) through doses until you find the right dose that works for you.

You need to allow your body to adjust to the medication, and by starting at the lowest dose, you allow your body to experience the effects of reduced hunger, feeling fuller for longer, and any potential side effects should you have them.

If, after the first 4 weeks on the dose of 2.5mg, you feel that you are still hungry and are craving foods, then your dose will be discussed and you will may titrate to the next. You will go through the same process to ensure that your body is steadily adjusting to the new dose without causing any potential side effects.

Some people may think that starting at the highest dose will increase their chances of losing weight, but this is not the case. You are more likely to experience serious unwanted side effects as you have not allowed your body to get used to the medication.

To make any changes to your medication or dose, please speak to our team of experts.

For more information about managing your side effects, please refer to your patient area in your account.

• Mounjaro is considered safe for long-term use.
• The benefits of sustained treatment often outweigh the risks, particularly when overseen by a qualified healthcare professional.
• Clinical trials also revealed a reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks or strokes.
• The Virtual Slimming Clinic will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure that long-term use is appropriate for your specific medical condition.
• It is crucial to remain vigilant for any side effects and report them to us.
• This allows for timely adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring that you continue to benefit from the medication.

• Obesity is considered to be a long-term chronic health condition, just like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. If you were taking medicines to help manage those diseases and you stopped them, you would expect your blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol to go back up too. Obesity is the same type of chronic disease and the leading cause of those other diseases, so we fully expect that if you stop the medication, over time you will gradually start to regain weight because your appetite will return.

• Combining changes in lifestyle will also help patients remain at a healthy weight.

Mounjaro should NOT be taken with other weight-loss drugs, such as Saxenda or Wegovy. This will increase the risk of unwanted side effects.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN OR VUNERABLE ADULTS

Storing your Mounjaro correctly will ensure it remains effective and safe so that you can get the most from your medication.

How should I store my Mounjaro pen? Follow these guidelines to store Mounjaro properly:

• Keep Mounjaro in its original packaging, in order to protect it from light, moisture, and other external factors.
• Store Mounjaro in the refrigerator between 36°F (2°C) and 46°F (8°C) – However, Mounjaro can be stored at room temperature (but below 30 degrees) for 6 weeks whilst in use, without having any effect on the efficacy of the drug (see side of box to clarify).
• Avoid freezing Mounjaro, as extreme temperatures can render it ineffective.
• Protect from light, as Tirzepatide is sensitive to light exposure, so it’s essential to keep Mounjaro in its packaging and store it away from direct sunlight or brightly lit areas.
• Do not leave the needle attached after each injection, as this could be dangerous and poses a risk of infection.

Each Mounjaro pen will last until its expiration date, but once used for the first time, it will last 6 weeks. Always check the medication through the glass window on the pen before use, to make sure it’s not cloudy or coloured.

How long does a Mounjaro pen last?

Each Mounjaro pen contains enough medication for four doses, and as Mounjaro is injected once weekly, one pen will last 4 weeks

What should I do if I have missed a dose of Mounjaro?

It is important that you take your Mounjaro each week, in order to maintain a consistent level of medication in your system.

• If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, inject the next dose as soon possbile as long as it is within 4 days (96) hours after the missed dose.
• If you miss a dose of Mounjaro and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away (48 hours), do not administer the dose. Take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
• If you miss doses of Mounjaro for more than 2 weeks, take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day or call your health care provider to talk about how to restart your treatment.

Important: Do not double up on your dose to make up for the missed dose!

It is advisable to stop or limit alcohol consumption while using Mounjaro.

Alcoholic beverages can be high in calories and counterproductive to weight-loss efforts.

Eating a Balanced Diet with Mounjaro

Making sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs for optimal functioning while taking Mounjaro can be achieved by eating a balanced diet. It may also reduce the risk of undesirable side effects while supporting the drug’s effects on blood sugar regulation and weight loss.

What should I eat while taking Mounjaro? A balanced diet typically includes eating a variety of foods from all the major food groups. These include:

• Fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grains.
• Lean proteins.
• Healthy fats or dairy.

Mounjaro can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. The choice is entirely yours.

The important thing to remember is that you inject Mounjaro on the same day each week.

You will inject Mounjaro once a week.

If you want to change the day of the week you take your dose, make sure there are at least 3 days (72 hours) between doses.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection.

You will start your weight loss journey on the lowest dose; follow the dosing schedule until you reach a dose that is suited to you. You will not need to move up to the highest dose if your appetite is reduced by a lower dose.

You should always make sure that you pick a date and time that works best for. Make sure that you take your dose of Mounjaro on the same day each week as this allows the medication levels to remain steady in your body and work effectively.