According to recent NHS studies, 69% of men and 59% of women in the UK are overweight. [1] As a result, many adults throughout the country are on the lookout for healthy and sustainable ways to lose weight. 

While lifestyle and dietary changes play a key role in both weight loss and maintenance, many of those who struggle to lose weight can benefit from the use of weight loss drugs, such as Mounjaro. 

However, what happens when you stop taking Mounjaro? Will you quickly regain any weight you have lost, or will you continue to see the benefits? In this article, we’ll explore what happens after you stop taking Mounjaro. 

What is Mounjaro? 

Mounjaro is a weight-loss aid administered through weekly injections. It contains an active ingredient called tirzepatide, which works as an appetite suppressant by mimicking the release of the incretin hormone, which typically leaves you feeling full and satiated after a meal. 

Studies have found that people lose an average of 20.9% of their body weight in 72 weeks on Mounjaro, with the best results being achieved by those who also make alterations to their diet and lifestyle. [2]

In February of this year, Mounjaro became one of the latest weight loss drugs to become available on the NHS. However, it is also available through private prescription.

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What happens when you stop taking Mounjaro: A Breakdown.

When do you stop taking Mounjaro? 

Mounjaro is typically prescribed for long-term use, with the dosage increasing slightly over time. However, many people stay on Mounjaro until they have achieved specific health goals or a certain body weight.

If you no longer want to take this medication, you must discuss your options with a health specialist beforehand. While there are no reported withdrawal symptoms triggered by ceasing using Mounjaro, this will enable you to make the best decision for your overall health and well-being. 

You should also stop taking Mounjaro if you are experiencing negative side effects. For example, 1 in 10 people have reported dealing with the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling and inflammation at the injection site. [3]

Are there any side effects from stopping Mounjaro? 

As Mounjaro was initially introduced as a tool for managing and treating type 2 diabetes, it can help regulate blood sugar levels among users. As such, when users are no longer taking Mounjaro, they may notice that their blood sugar levels increase to their previous levels. 

However, the most notable side effect associated with ceasing to use Mounjaro is an increase in appetite. This is because the medication itself acts as an appetite suppressant.

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How much weight do people regain when they stop taking Mounjaro?

A recent study from JAVA aims to explore whether or not individuals using Mounjaro will regain any weight loss upon stopping taking the medication. 

To test this hypothesis, the entire group of participants were prescribed the weight loss medication for 36 weeks, with markedly positive results. Half the participants then continued to receive the drugs, while the remaining half were prescribed a placebo. Participants within the placebo group then reported a 14% weight regain, whereas the first group reported additional weight loss over the next 36 weeks. [4]

It's easy to understand why stopping Mounjaro (or other similar forms of weight loss medication) could lead to an increase in weight. After all, an increase in appetite makes it difficult to combat cravings or avoid overeating. 

However, it is possible to maintain a healthy weight when stopping using Mounjaro. This is because it is generally advised to make adjustments to your overall diet and activity levels when taking the medication so that you develop healthier habits moving forward. This can also help you break through a weight loss plateau alongside developing healthy, life-long habits. 

How To Avoid Weight Regain After Mounjaro.

As mentioned above, there are many steps you can take to avoid weight regain after Mounjaro. For example, you should: 

• Maintain a healthy diet. Following a healthy, balanced diet is key to maintaining weight loss in the long term. As a general rule, you should aim to avoid food that is fried, greasy, or highly processed while also eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is also crucial when it comes to bettering your health and maintaining a healthy physique. This is because exercise, of any form, “increases people’s total energy expenditure, which can help them stay in energy balance or even lose weight, as long as they don’t eat more to compensate for the extra calories they burn.” [5]

• Increase water consumption. Increasing your water consumption can help when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight or shedding a few extra pounds. This is because a healthy water intake can suppress your appetite and prevent water retention.

• Practice portion control. Portion control is an excellent way to avoid overeating, as it gives you better control over the amount of food you consume. Some people find that using smaller plates and bowls can be useful in this regard.

• Getting plenty of sleep. Healthy sleeping habits and patterns also play a role in weight loss (or maintenance.) This is because it increases the body’s production of the ghrelin hormone, which increases feelings of hunger. [6] Generally speaking, you should aim to get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. 

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As such, it is important to remember that coming off weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro does not mean that weight regain is unavoidable, nor do you have to stay on this medication indefinitely. By taking an active stand to improve your lifestyle during the course of your treatment, you can ensure that the changes are long-lasting.

If you’d like to find out more about Mounjaro, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.

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