Embarking on a weight loss journey is deeply personal, and for those considering medical interventions like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), it is essential to be well-informed. Mounjaro, originally approved for type 2 diabetes management, has gained attention for its significant weight loss benefits. However, its use for weight loss alone is a topic of debate, with some critics labelling it a ‘quick fix’ or even ‘cheating.’
The reality is that those who are most vocal in their negativity often lack understanding or lived experience of the complexities surrounding weight struggles. Your journey is unique to you, and it is not my place to judge your choices. Instead, I am here to support you in making the best decision for your long-term well-being.
Understanding Mounjaro: How Does It Work?
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable medication that mimics two hormones—GLP-1 and GIP—to regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. This dual action not only helps manage diabetes but also promotes weight loss by reducing hunger and caloric intake. Clinical studies have shown that individuals using Mounjaro experience substantial weight loss over time (GoodRx).
Key Considerations Before Starting Mounjaro
Eligibility Criteria
Mounjaro is currently approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. While it has shown promise for weight loss, its use specifically for this purpose may be off-label. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine whether Mounjaro is the right option for you (FDA).
Dosage and Administration
Mounjaro comes in different dosages, including Mounjaro 2.5mg and Mounjaro 7.5mg, with treatment typically starting at the lowest dose and increasing over time based on individual tolerance and medical guidance. Treatment typically begins with a 2.5 mg injection once weekly for four weeks. The dosage is then increased incrementally, based on tolerance and response, up to a maximum of 15 mg weekly. The injection is administered subcutaneously in areas such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm (Medical News Today).
Expected Weight Loss Progression
Weight loss with Mounjaro varies among individuals. Clinical trials have demonstrated that participants lost between 15% to 20% of their starting body weight over approximately 72 weeks (16.5 months). This translates to an average loss of between 16.1 kg (35.5 lbs) and 23.6 kg (52.0 lbs), depending on dosage (GoodRx).
Where to Inject Mounjaro? Mounjaro Injection Sites Explained
Mounjaro injections should be administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It is essential to rotate injection sites weekly to prevent irritation or discomfort. Many users prefer the abdomen as it tends to be the least painful option, but personal preference varies. Ensuring proper injection technique can help minimise side effects and improve medication absorption.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Like any medication, Mounjaro is not without risks. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, and abdominal discomfort. These symptoms are often mild to moderate and may lessen over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, more serious concerns exist, including:
Thyroid Tumours: Animal studies have suggested a potential risk of thyroid cancer, though its relevance to humans remains unclear.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Some users report severe bloating, acid reflux, or delayed gastric emptying.
Injection Site Reactions: Redness, swelling, or irritation may occur at the injection site.
Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks (Verywell Health).
The Missing Piece: Psychological Support
While Mounjaro can be a powerful tool for weight loss, addressing the psychological aspects of eating behaviours is crucial for long-term success. The reality is that many people regain weight once they stop taking weight loss medications. If underlying emotional and behavioural patterns around food are not addressed, the cycle of dieting, weight loss, and regain is likely to continue.
Many (though not all) people who struggle with weight issues may have binge eating disorder (BED) or patterns of compulsive eating. While one of the most appealing aspects of Mounjaro is the way it quietens ‘food noise’ and reduces appetite, this does not address the underlying emotional drivers of binge eating. If food has been used as a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, or emotional regulation, those feelings will still be there even when hunger is diminished. Without working through the root causes, individuals may find other ways to self-soothe, or struggle with weight regain when stopping the medication.
Many providers, such as Voy and Juniper, recognise this gap and offer coaching alongside their weight loss treatments:
Voy combines weight loss medication with dedicated health coaching to help individuals build sustainable habits and overcome emotional eating triggers.
Juniper provides clinical support alongside behavioural coaching, focusing on long-term results and muscle maintenance during weight loss.
However, even with coaching, many individuals benefit from deeper psychological work. This is where working with a specialist—such as an eating disorder therapist—can make all the difference.
Why Psychological Support Matters
If you have struggled with disordered eating, simply losing weight will not fix the emotional or psychological relationship you have with food. Without addressing:
Emotional Eating: Using food as a way to cope with stress, boredom, or sadness.
Binge Eating Tendencies: Feeling out of control around food, particularly after restricting.
Negative Body Image: The internal dialogue that tells you you’re still ‘not good enough’ no matter how much weight you lose.
…then even with weight loss, the deeper struggles remain. Without the right support, it is all too easy to fall back into old habits once the medication is stopped.
As a fully qualified eating disorder therapist with ADHD and lived experience of an eating disorder, I understand first-hand how complex weight struggles can be. My role is not to judge your choices, but to help you develop a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food—one that supports lasting change, rather than temporary results.
Final Thoughts
Considering Mounjaro for weight loss is a significant decision. Understanding its benefits, risks, and the necessity of psychological support is essential for long-term success. While medication can help you lose weight, lasting change happens when you address the root causes of your struggles with food.
If you are considering Mounjaro and want to ensure your journey is about more than just numbers on a scale, I’d love to help. Book a consultation to explore how tailored psychological support can complement your weight loss journey and set you up for lifelong success.
About the author
Claire is a fully qualified eating disorder therapist with a deep understanding of binge eating, emotional eating, and the psychological complexities of weight loss. With ADHD and lived experience of an eating disorder, she offers compassionate, non-judgemental support to those struggling with their relationship with food. Her approach goes beyond quick fixes, helping clients create sustainable change through tailored psychological support.
💡 Want to break free from emotional eating and develop a healthier relationship with food? Book a consultation to get personalised guidance on your journey.
