Whether you’ve just heard about Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) for the first time or you’ve been following news about the drug since its earliest clinical trials, you may be wondering what the day-to-day is like when actively taking tirzepatide. For a while—while we were waiting on tirzepatide’s approval by the FDA—this information was relatively sparse.
Thankfully, now that Mounjaro™ has secured that stamp of approval from the FDA and is distributed across pharmacies in the USA, manufacturer Eli Lilly has released official guidelines for both patients and prescribers that can help you maximize its benefits.
You may already be aware that GLP-1-type drugs, including Mounjaro™, work only when taken while also implementing lifestyle changes (like working on your sleep, exercise, and eating habits). One of the first questions we tend to hear from new members is “What can I eat while taking my GLP-1 medication?”or "what foods to avoid while on Mounjaro?"
You’ll be relieved to learn that there are no known food-medication interactions with tirzepatide, so there are no Foods to avoid while on Mounjaro. There are, however, a few guidelines to be aware of in regards to food when taking Mounjaro™ that will help you minimize side effects and achieve the best possible results.
How does Mounjaro™ work?
Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co., the same company that produces GLP-1 drug Trulicity® (dulaglutide). The drug is delivered in once-weekly subcutaneous injections and is currently indicated for use in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro™ is the first drug of its kind that mimics the effects of not one but two incretin hormones involved in blood glucose control: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
According to a press release published by Eli Lilly, GIP is a hormone that may complement the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. In preclinical models, GIP has been shown to decrease food intake and improve blood glucose metabolism therefore resulting in weight reductions, and when combined with GLP-1 receptor agonism, may result in greater effects on markers of metabolic dysregulation such as body weight, glucose and lipids.” The recommended starting dosage of Mounjaro™ is 2.5 mg. After four weeks, doses may be increased in 2.5 mg increments, as tolerated, up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly. Doses are set and monitored by a healthcare provider and may be adjusted to help patients meet their blood sugar, weight loss, and metabolic health goals.
Who is eligible for Mounjaro™?
All Calibrate members will be considered for Mounjaro™ as clinically appropriate and insurance eligible.
Those with a history of any of the following medical conditions should talk to a healthcare provider prior to starting Mounjaro™:
- Endocrine tumors in the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, pancreas, or adrenal glands
- Family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- History of diabetic retinopathy or vision problems
- Pancreatitis
- Active gallbladder disease, gallbladder problems, or gallstones
- Kidney disease, kidney failure, or other kidney problems
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Thyroid cancer, thyroid tumors, or a family history of thyroid cancer
- Pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to get pregnant
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- History of allergic reaction to tirzepatide
How do I get the best results with Mounjaro™?
Clinical trials of Mounjaro™—specifically, the SURMOUNT-1 trial—have gotten quite a bit of attention from the press. The drug exceeded expectations both in its ability to lower A1C and promote weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.
Participants on a 5 mg dose lost 15.0% of their body weight compared to baseline. Those on a 10 mg dose lost an average of 19.5%, and those on a 15 mg dose lost 20.9% after a 72-week period. This was compared to weight loss of only 3.1% in participants taking a placebo.
Mounjaro™ works best when you can commit to making small but meaningful changes to your day-to-day lifestyle. This includes modifying what you eat, and, in particular, swapping out fast-digesting carbohydrates for foods that provide a more sustainable energy source (such as foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats).
The food program at Calibrate creates a healthy, sustainable way of eating that promotes weight loss and sets you up for long-term health. Calibrate does this by focusing on the quality of foods and making sure your body is getting the building blocks it needs while helping you to feel in control.
Importantly, the Calibrate food program is not a diet: We do not use meal replacements or meal plans. We don’t ask you to count calories or try to restrict your eating. Instead, we help you rebalance it.
Calibrate’s food philosophy will help you achieve the following outcomes:
- Limit disease-promoting foods: eating less sugar, fewer fast-digesting carbs, and fewer processed foods.
- Increase health-promoting foods: eating more quality foods—especially those high in protein, fiber, or health fats
- Develop an overall healthy relationship with food.
Making changes to what you eat doesn’t have to happen overnight. You can start with smaller swaps, like replacing fruit juice with seltzer, white bread with whole-grain bread, or sugary cereals for a homemade frittata.
In addition, consider cutting back on how often you drink alcohol. Doing so will allow your body to function at its best, and you’ll notice positive effects like better sleep and less fatigue during the day.
What side effects should I expect with Mounjaro™?
Most people taking GLP-1 or dual GIP-GLP-1 medication experience few side effects. However, the most common side effects are mild and tend to improve with time. Side effects of Mounjaro™ may include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach (abdominal) pain.
If you’re worried about hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), rest assured that tirzepatide poses a relatively small risk when combined with other diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas or insulin.
Rarely, Mounjaro™ may cause more severe side effects such as kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or changes in vision. If you have severe abdominal pain or other serious side effects while taking Mounjaro™, seek emergency medical services and contact your Calibrate doctor right away.
Mounjaro may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptive medications. It is recommended that you change to an alternative form of birth control for contraceptive purposes while on Mounjaro.
Foods to avoid while on Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) to reduce side effects
As much as we might be craving some of our usual comfort foods, eating them while taking a GLP-1-type medication can lead to some unpleasantness: It’s not uncommon to experience a difference in taste, a lack of sense of satisfaction, bloating, nausea, flatulence, reflux, stomach cramps, and other less-than-enjoyable digestive side effects.
Here’s where a few food guidelines come into play. Some simple swaps can make taking Mounjaro™ easier for your mind and body and can prevent most side effects from becoming bothersome. Take these tips from the Calibrate medical team for a spin:
- Avoid fried, greasy, or fatty foods and foods high in sugar: These tend to be the toughest for your body to digest and the most likely to cause nausea while taking a GLP-1 medication.
- Eat slowly, and eat smaller meals.
- Eat foods that are light and bland.
- Drink clear or ice-cold drinks (like water or unsweetened tea).
Talk to your Calibrate doctor about any side effects that become bothersome or that don’t go away. Your Calibrate Medical Team can offer recommendations and supportive care for any issues that arise. Again, if you experience any severe side effects (such as anaphylaxis or shortness of breath), seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Should I eat before taking Mounjaro™?
You do not have to eat before taking Mounjaro™. The medication can be taken at any time of day, regardless of the timing of your meals.
Mounjaro™ comes in prefilled pens that are easy—and relatively painless—to inject into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your Calibrate doctor will provide clear instructions regarding your dose of tirzepatide and how to inject it.
Tirzepatide availability: Is Mounjaro™ available to Calibrate members?
Mounjaro™ recently (as of June 2022) began to be distributed across pharmacies in the USA. Calibrate doctors are now prescribing this medication where available and clinically appropriate. Having new, even more effective tools for our members is incredibly powerful and will continue to accelerate the way we change the way the world treats weight. Eligibility will be determined based on each patient’s unique medical history.
Other GLP-1 medications currently available to Calibrate members include Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Saxenda®, and Trulicity®. Calibrate doctors will prescribe whichever medication will work best for you based on your unique needs and health insurance coverage.
When you join Calibrate, you’ll complete a Comprehensive Health Intake, including blood work, that your Calibrate doctor will carefully review before customizing your treatment plan and prescribing your medication. You may be eligible for tirzepatide even if you are already taking another type 2 diabetes medication such as metformin.
Ready to get started with Calibrate? Find out if you’re eligible today.
Want to learn more about GLP-1s prescribed as a part of the Calibrate program? Read about medications.
Footnotes
- https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04184622
- https://www.mounjaro.com/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34170647/
FAQs
Can you drink when taking Mounjaro? ›
Limit alcohol while using this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar.
What time of day should you take Mounjaro? ›Use Mounjaro 1 time each week, at any time of the day. But we know schedules can change. 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.
Who should not take Mounjaro? ›- diabetic retinopathy, a type of damage to the eye from diabetes.
- dehydration.
- stomach muscle paralysis and decreased function.
- disease of the gallbladder.
- decreased kidney function.
- pancreatitis.
- medullary thyroid cancer.
- multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.
Median time to achieve ≥5% weight reduction: 12 weeks (Mounjaro 10 mg and 15 mg), 16 weeks (Mounjaro 5 mg), 24 weeks (injectable semaglutide 1 mg)
What should you eat while taking Mounjaro? ›- Ground lean meat or poultry.
- Flaked fish.
- Eggs.
- Cottage cheese.
- Cooked or dried cereal.
- Rice.
- Canned or soft fresh fruit, without seeds or skin.
- Cooked vegetables, without skin.
You do not have to eat before taking Mounjaro™. The medication can be taken at any time of day, regardless of the timing of your meals. Mounjaro™ comes in prefilled pens that are easy—and relatively painless—to inject into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Does Mounjaro make you tired? ›Serious allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face. Dangerously low blood sugar: feeling hungry, fast heartbeat, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, tingling, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, confusion.
Can you take Mounjaro long term? ›Yes, it's likely that you'll take Mounjaro long term. This drug helps manage type 2 diabetes, which is a long-term condition. So, if Mounjaro works for you, your doctor will likely recommend taking it long-term.
What happens when you stop taking Mounjaro? ›In a study that allowed patients to stop taking Mounjaro after one year, most patients regained the weight they lost, indicating a need to take a maintenance dose. To maintain results, research is needed to determine maintenance dose vs. treatment dose.
Can Mounjaro cause heart problems? ›Episodes of sinus tachycardia (associated with a concomitant increase from baseline in heart rate of at least 15 beats per minute) were reported in 4.6%, 5.9%, and 10% of patients treated with 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg, respectively, compared to 4.3% treated with placebo; for patients enrolled in Japan, these episodes ...
Does Mounjaro make you gassy? ›
What are the side effects of Mounjaro? Like many diabetes medications, Mounjaro does come with some “gastrointestinal side-effects” including: Gas. Bloating.
Can metformin be taken with Mounjaro? ›Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between metformin and Mounjaro.
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been shown to lead to weight loss when used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. While not approved for weight loss, participants treated with Mounjaro in studies lost between 5.5 kg (12 lbs) to 11 kg (25 lbs) on average.
Why does Mounjaro cause weight loss? ›It leads to induced satiety, so therefore people eat less, and it promotes the release of our own insulin so you have better glucose control, better sugar control for the treatment of diabetes.
Does Mounjaro give you energy? ›Mounjaro is a type of medicine called a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. GIP has been shown to decrease food intake and increase energy expenditure which results in weight loss.
Can you drink wine with Mounjaro? ›Doctors usually recommend limiting the use of alcohol while taking medications that lower blood sugar, such as Mounjaro. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people with diabetes.
Can you do Keto on Mounjaro? ›A keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to be very effective for weight loss. When combined with Mounjaro, patients can see even greater results.
What is bland food? ›- Milk and other dairy products, low-fat or fat-free only.
- Cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables.
- Potatoes.
- Canned fruit as well as apple sauce, bananas, and melons.
- Fruit juices and vegetable juices (some people, such as those with GERD, may want to avoid citrus and tomato)
Studies have shown that losing even 3% of your body weight — significantly less than most of the overweight participants taking Mounjaro lost — can result in a drastic decrease in metabolism, which can often lead to “weight-cycling,” and even more weight gain down the line.
What medicines can you not take with Mounjaro? ›Patients receiving MOUNJARO in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Who should not take tirzepatide? ›
Do not use this drug if you have a health problem called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you or a family member have had thyroid cancer.
Is tirzepatide better than Ozempic? ›The 1,900-patient pivotal Surpass-2 study found that all doses of tirzepatide tested were statistically significantly better than a 1mg dose of Ozempic in terms of HbA1c reduction and weight loss – without adding much, if anything, in terms of toxicity.
Is tirzepatide approved for weight loss? ›In October 2022, the FDA granted tirzepatide the Fast Track designation for the treatment of obesity and overweight. This means the FDA may approve it for weight loss much sooner than expected. As with any medication, it has side effects and risks to be aware of.
Does Mounjaro make you feel full? ›It slows down emptying of the stomach, so it allows one to feel more full, eat less, and lose weight. And it also has effects on hunger and satiety in the brain (the signals that tell you when to stop eating), leading to weight loss.
What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill? ›Phentermine-Topiramate extended release (Qsymia) is the most effective weight loss drug available to date. It combines an adrenergic agonist with a neurostabilizer. Daily doses with four strengths start at 3.75/23mg to 15mg/92mg. Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight loss medication.
Which is better for weight loss Ozempic or Mounjaro? ›Mounjaro demonstrated significant weight reduction across all three weekly doses (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg) compared to Ozempic 1 mg.
Does Mounjaro cause stomach pain? ›The most common possible side effects of Mounjaro include: Nausea, vomiting. Diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, indigestion, abdominal pain.
Does Mounjaro cause heart palpitations? ›Heart Rate Increase
In the pool of placebo-controlled trials, treatment with MOUNJARO resulted in a mean increase in heart rate of 2 to 4 beats per minute compared to a mean increase of 1 beat per minute in placebo-treated patients.
While on Mounjaro, if you overeat, it's not going to be comfortable. It's actually going to make your stomach upset. It's very uncomfortable feeling that full. I learned to stop overeating and have kept it up since then.
Can you drink alcohol with tirzepatide? ›Do not use this medicine for at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant. It is very important to carefully follow any instructions from your health care team about: Alcohol—Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar.
Does Mounjaro help with fatty liver? ›
Medical imaging, like in the MRI below, showed a significant drop in liver fat content (LFC) in adults on Mounjaro, dropping on average around 8% LFC from the beginning of the clinical trial. Dr. Gastaldelli showed the patient below who dropped almost 25% LFC.
When will tirzepatide be obese? ›Tirzepatide was approved as Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) by the FDA on May 13, 2022. Mounjaro is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
How can I lose weight with Mounjaro prescription? ›- Book a visit with a doctor to discuss Mounjaro. Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
- Talk to your physician regarding a tirzepatide prescription. ...
- Pick up your tirzepatide prescription, if prescribed.
Mounjaro, a drug approved in 2022 to treat type 2 diabetes, has also shown remarkable weight-loss effects, reducing trial participants' weight by over 20%. Regulators have taken notice, granting the medication a fast-track designation for its review for the treatment of obesity.
How often do you take Mounjaro? ›MOUNJARO is a single-dose prefilled pen. MOUNJARO is used 1 time each week. Inject under the skin (subcutaneously) only. You or another person can inject into your stomach (abdomen) or thigh.
What causes weight loss with Mounjaro? ›The novel thing about tirzepatide is that it also works on GIP receptors. When you eat food, GIP hormones cause your body to release insulin. But when your blood sugar falls, they stimulate glucagon secretion. Controlling these processes can help support weight loss beyond what GLP-1 medications alone can do.
What medicines can you not take with Mounjaro? ›Patients receiving MOUNJARO in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].
What happens when you stop taking Mounjaro? ›In a study that allowed patients to stop taking Mounjaro after one year, most patients regained the weight they lost, indicating a need to take a maintenance dose. To maintain results, research is needed to determine maintenance dose vs. treatment dose.
Can you drink alcohol with tirzepatide? ›Do not use this medicine for at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant. It is very important to carefully follow any instructions from your health care team about: Alcohol—Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar.
Does Mounjaro make you not hungry? ›It slows down emptying of the stomach, so it allows one to feel more full, eat less, and lose weight. And it also has effects on hunger and satiety in the brain (the signals that tell you when to stop eating), leading to weight loss.
Does Mounjaro decrease appetite? ›
Therefore, you also see significant improvement in decreasing in insulin resistance and also improvement in the glucose control and the sugar control in the blood because it works in conjunction. You have the stimulation of the pancreas and decrease in appetite.
Does Mounjaro make you sleepy? ›Serious allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face. Dangerously low blood sugar: feeling hungry, fast heartbeat, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, tingling, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, confusion.
Who should not take tirzepatide? ›Do not use this drug if you have a health problem called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you or a family member have had thyroid cancer.
Is tirzepatide better than Ozempic? ›The 1,900-patient pivotal Surpass-2 study found that all doses of tirzepatide tested were statistically significantly better than a 1mg dose of Ozempic in terms of HbA1c reduction and weight loss – without adding much, if anything, in terms of toxicity.
Does Mounjaro make you gassy? ›What are the side effects of Mounjaro? Like many diabetes medications, Mounjaro does come with some “gastrointestinal side-effects” including: Gas. Bloating.
How much weight can you lose on Mounjaro? ›Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been shown to lead to weight loss when used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. While not approved for weight loss, participants treated with Mounjaro in studies lost between 5.5 kg (12 lbs) to 11 kg (25 lbs) on average.
Is tirzepatide approved for weight loss? ›In October 2022, the FDA granted tirzepatide the Fast Track designation for the treatment of obesity and overweight. This means the FDA may approve it for weight loss much sooner than expected. As with any medication, it has side effects and risks to be aware of.
Does Mounjaro give you energy? ›Mounjaro is a type of medicine called a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. GIP has been shown to decrease food intake and increase energy expenditure which results in weight loss.
Can you drink wine with Mounjaro? ›Doctors usually recommend limiting the use of alcohol while taking medications that lower blood sugar, such as Mounjaro. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people with diabetes.
How long do you take Mounjaro for weight loss? ›The starting dose is 2.5 mg, which is taken once weekly for a month. The dose can then be increased to 5 mg, also taken for a month. The dose can be further increased by 2.5 mg every month, up to a maximum dose of 15 mg. This process can take up to 20 weeks.
What happens when you stop tirzepatide? ›
Jastreboff's study participant from the tirzepatide trial. “The research says that when you stop the medication, you gain the weight back, so I'm likely to be on medication for the rest of my life,” she says. “But what will insurance cover?