- The higher doses of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) typically lead to greater weight loss, with clinical trials showing approximately 6-7% additional weight loss when increasing from 5 mg to 15 mg.
- • Most people will lose more weight as they progress to higher doses, but the relationship isn’t perfectly linear; the jump from 2.5 mg to 5 mg often produces more significant increases in weight loss than the jump from 12.5 mg to 15 mg.
- • Clinical trials show that while the 15 mg maintenance dose of Mounjaro produces the most substantial average weight loss ($\sim$22.5% over 72 weeks), many people achieve impressive results on middle doses, especially when combined with healthy eating habits and physical activity.
- • This is important to consider, since higher doses cost more and may cause more side effects.
- Understanding these differences helps you and your clinician at Smart Pharmacy weigh up whether moving to the next dose is worthwhile for you.
- Important safety information: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only medication for treating type 2 diabetes and managing obesity. This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider—including the clinical team at Smart Pharmacy—before starting any new medication, particularly if you have had your gallbladder removed or have other health conditions.
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�� Evidence from Clinical Trials
Research comparing different tirzepatide doses provides a clear pattern of how weight loss varies by dose.
The landmark SURMOUNT-1 trial studied 2,539 adults without diabetes taking Mounjaro. Results showed:
Tirzepatide Dose Average Weight Loss (72 weeks)
5 mg 15.0%
10 mg 21.4%
15 mg 22.5%
Placebo 2.4%
This trial demonstrated that Mounjaro produced stronger results than other weight-loss medications, with the 15 mg dose producing approximately 6.5% more weight loss than the 5 mg dose. For context, Wegovy (semaglutide) typically achieves around 15% weight loss at its maximum dose of 2.4 mg.
• A direct comparison with Wegovy was conducted in the SURPASS-2 trial (for diabetes patients), showing that Mounjaro’s middle dose of 10 mg outperformed Wegovy’s maximum dose.
• The SURMOUNT-3 trial examined how well people maintained weight loss on Mounjaro after initial weight loss through diet alone. After switching to medication, the 10 mg group lost an additional 10.9% of body weight, and the 15 mg group lost an additional 11.2% of body weight.
This suggests that at the highest doses, the differences between 10 mg and 15 mg may be smaller than the differences between lower doses.
Key points:
• Higher doses consistently produce greater average weight loss.
• The relationship between dose and weight loss isn’t perfectly linear.
• The biggest percentage improvement often occurs between 2.5 mg and 10 mg.
• The 15 mg dose provides approximately 6-7% additional weight loss compared to 5 mg.
• All Mounjaro doses outperform other weight-loss medications at their maximum doses.
�� Dose-Response Relationship
Understanding how your body responds to increasing doses of Mounjaro helps set realistic expectations, a key part of the support you receive from Smart Pharmacy.
The Science Behind Increasing Doses
Mounjaro works through a dual-action mechanism, mimicking two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. Higher doses mean more of the active drug, leading to:
• A greater impact on lowering hunger
• Slower digestion
• Enhanced effects on fat metabolism
• Additional impact on blood sugar control
Mounjaro’s unique dual-action mechanism is likely one reason why tirzepatide leads to greater weight loss than single-mechanism medications. However, our body’s receptors can become partially saturated at certain doses, which explains why doubling the dose doesn’t necessarily double the weight loss effect.
Diminishing Returns at Higher Doses
Research shows a pattern of diminishing returns as doses increase:
• The jump from 2.5 mg to 5 mg often produces a significant decrease in hunger and appetite.
• The increase from 5 mg to 10 mg typically yields substantial additional benefits.
• The step from 10 mg to 15 mg shows more modest improvements.
This relationship explains why some people maintain successfully on middle doses (like 5 mg or 10 mg) without needing to reach the maximum dose. Clinicians, including those at Smart Pharmacy, increasingly recognise that the optimal dose may not always be the maximum dose, particularly when considering cost, side effects, weight loss goals, and individual responses.
Key points:
• Higher doses lead to stronger effects on appetite and metabolism.
• Benefits increase with each dose step, but at a decreasing rate.
• Some people reach their personal ‘optimal dose’ before the maximum 15 mg.
• The ideal dose balances maximum effectiveness with minimum side effects.
• Mounjaro’s dual-action mechanism may contribute to its greater effectiveness compared to single-mechanism medications.
�� Individual Factors Affecting Results
Your personal response to Mounjaro doses depends on multiple factors beyond the medication itself.
Genetic Variation
Research suggests that genetics may partly explain why people respond differently to doses:
• Variations in the GLP-1 and GIP receptor genes can make some people more sensitive to even low doses.
• Differences in metabolism genes affect how quickly Mounjaro breaks down in your body.
Studies suggest that genetic factors may explain why some people achieve exceptional results on lower doses while others require higher doses for similar effects.
Starting Weight and BMI
Your baseline weight significantly impacts both absolute and percentage weight loss:
• People with higher starting weights often lose more total weight (in kg).
• Starting BMI over 35 is associated with greater benefit from reaching maximum doses.
Activity Level and Nutrition
Your lifestyle significantly influences how well each dose works:
• Higher protein intake supports greater fat loss while preserving muscle mass.
• A diet based mainly on whole foods can prevent overeating, even on GLP-1 medications.
• Consistent use of the medication matters more than the dose for many.
Smart Pharmacy provides structured support to help develop healthy habits. Research indicates that added support, like that provided by our program, can encourage more weight loss in the long term.
Key points:
• Individual genetic factors cause significant variation in dose response.
• Your starting weight and body composition affect your results at each dose.
• Consistency in taking the medication matters more than the dose for many people.
• Lifestyle factors like diet quality and physical activity can enhance or diminish dose effectiveness.
• Structured support programs, like those offered by Smart Pharmacy, can improve outcomes at any dose level.
�� Side Effects at Different Doses
Side effect frequency and intensity typically increase with higher doses of Mounjaro, which may influence your optimal dose and adherence.
Common Side Effect Patterns by Dose
Research shows a clear correlation between dose and side effects:
Dose Nausea Rate Vomiting Rate Diarrhoea Rate
2.5 mg 11-15% 4-6% 7-12%
5 mg 16-21% 6-8% 12-16%
10 mg 22-28% 8-11% 16-21%
15 mg 24-30% 10-12% 20-23%
• These figures from clinical trials indicate that side effects increase with dose, but the relationship isn’t strictly linear.
• Many side effects also tend to improve over time at each dose level, with most people reporting significant improvement after 2-4 weeks.
Balancing Effectiveness with Comfort
When determining your dose with your Smart Pharmacy clinician, you should consider:
• Whether additional weight loss at higher doses outweighs increased side effects.
• If side effects interfere with your daily activities or quality of life.
The right dose is usually the one that gives you results you’re happy with, without side effects becoming too bothersome.
Key points:
• Side effect frequency and intensity generally increase with higher doses.
• Most side effects improve within 2-4 weeks at each dose level.
• Finding your optimal dose often means balancing progress with side effects.
�� How to Find Your Ideal Mounjaro Dose
Making an informed decision about your Mounjaro dose involves multiple considerations beyond just weight loss potential.
When Higher Doses Make the Most Sense
Pushing to higher doses may be particularly beneficial if:
• Your BMI is over 35, where maximum weight loss provides greater health benefits.
• You’ve had minimal side effects during titration.
• You’re experiencing a weight loss plateau at lower doses.
• Cost is not a major concern.
When Remaining at Lower Doses Might Be Preferable
Staying at lower doses (5-10 mg) might be appropriate if:
• You’re losing weight at a sustainable rate of 1-2 lbs (0.5-1 kg per week).
• Side effects are significantly impacting your quality of life.
• You’re approaching your target weight.
• Cost is a concern, as higher doses are more expensive.
The clinical team at Smart Pharmacy is dedicated to personalised dose optimisation. Always discuss dose decisions with your healthcare provider, who can help evaluate your individual circumstances.
Key points:
• Higher doses make most sense for higher BMIs and minimal side effects.
• Lower maintenance doses may be appropriate when you’re already seeing good results.
• The “best” dose is highly individual and depends on your specific circumstances.
• Consider both short-term results and long-term sustainability when choosing a maintenance dose.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose weight on all doses of Mounjaro?
Yes, all doses of Mounjaro from 2.5 mg to 15 mg have demonstrated significant weight loss in clinical trials. Even the lowest therapeutic dose of 5 mg produces an average of 15% weight loss over 72 weeks. The starting dose of 2.5 mg is primarily used for titration to minimise side effects rather than as a long-term treatment dose.
Does Mounjaro wear off around day 5?
Some people report an increase in hunger around 5 days after taking their injection in the first 4-8 weeks. This is because it takes around 4-8 weeks for Mounjaro to reach its ‘steady state’, when the blood levels of the drug remain stable. After this period, hunger levels should remain consistent between injections.
Why might I still be hungry on the highest dose?
Several factors could explain hunger on the highest dose: individual genetic variations, emotional or environmental eating triggers, or development of some tolerance. If you’re experiencing significant hunger on 15 mg, focus on protein intake, sleep quality, stress management, and environmental factors that might be triggering hunger.
How much more expensive are higher doses of Mounjaro?
The cost of Mounjaro typically increases with each dose level. For example, on the Smart Pharmacy programme, prices typically range for the maximum 15 mg dose. When considering dose increases, factor in whether the additional weight loss potential justifies the extra expense.
✅ Take Home Message
The higher doses of Mounjaro typically lead to greater weight loss, with approximately 6-7% additional weight loss when increasing from 5 mg to 15 mg doses.
However, the relationship isn’t perfectly linear, and many people achieve significant results at middle doses. Your optimal dose depends on multiple factors, including your starting weight, side effect tolerance, genetics, and cost considerations.
Working with your healthcare provider at Smart Pharmacy to find your personal ‘sweet spot’ dose—one that balances effectiveness with side effects and cost—often works best in the long run.
Remember that consistency with your medication schedule and lifestyle changes often matters more than reaching the highest possible dose. The best dose is ultimately the one that helps you achieve your health goals while maintaining a good quality of life.
✨ Why Choose Smart Pharmacy for Your Weight Management Journey?
Smart Pharmacy provides Mounjaro or Wegovy as part of our comprehensive, supportive weight-loss programmes.
Because Peace of Mind Matters.
We are committed to helping people take meaningful steps toward a healthier, happier life.
Our programmes are designed to meet people where they are, whether that means support with weight loss through compassionate one-to-one health coaching, or access to the latest weight-loss medications (like Mounjaro and Wegovy) delivered alongside expert care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and personal trainers.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: real, lasting change comes from building better habits, not relying on quick fixes. We're here to support that change every step of the way.
We hope to offer you something invaluable: peace of mind, and the support you need to take that first step.
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