A doctor has broken down exactly how your body adjusts to the weight loss drug Mounjaro during the first month of treatment.
This comes after weight loss injections have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with even celebrities admitting to using the treatment.
One popular drug is Mounjaro, from American pharma giant Eli Lilly, and is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist.
The medication works by regulating blood sugar and appetite and is administered through a weekly injection.
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And one expert, Dr Donald Grant, who is a GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has revealed what people can actually expect during their first month on Mounjaro - although, this can differ from person to person.
Week one on Mounjaro
First of all, the doctor noted that people tend to be a ‘little nervous’ when starting weight loss treatment.
He said: “Before people take their first dose, it’s important to read the instructions carefully so they know exactly how the injection works.”
Once the drug is injected, it can take anywhere between eight and 72 hours to reach ‘peak levels’ in our systems.
But, Dr Grant warns, ‘some may notice a decrease in appetite even sooner’.
He added: “People could also begin to experience common Mounjaro side effects like headaches, nausea, diarrhoea and indigestion, although these should ease as the body gets used to the medication.”
Week two on Mounjaro
Week two means a second dose on the medication - and we might notice it where cravings are concerned.
“After people take their second dose, they could begin to find fatty and sugary foods less tempting and that they feel fuller for longer,” Dr Grant explained.
While this is usually a good sign, it does run the risk of some dangers.
He said: “As people are probably eating and drinking less, they could become dehydrated or tired more easily. I recommend reducing these effects by eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.
“Some may notice some of the same side effects that they experienced in week one - though they may be milder as the body adjusts to the medication.”
Week three on Mounjaro
By the third dose, people’s bodies will be starting to adjust to Mounjaro, with their side effects becoming ‘milder or disappearing completely’.
Although Dr Grant warns some may find that their symptoms are more ‘stubborn’.
“Though some may not notice any weight loss just yet, they could find that their appetite is consistently reduced and they’re eating less than normal,” he explained. “It takes time to see results, especially on the lowest dose of the treatment.”
Completing a month on Mounjaro
The first month might be a bit of an adjustment, but hopefully your body is used to the medication by now.
Dr Grant continued: “On average, people taking Mounjaro lose less than 4% of their starting body weight by the end of the first month.”
So ultimately, there is some movement that would keep momentum and motivation going.
He added: “It is essential to speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any weight loss medication. They can provide personalized, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that the chosen treatment is safe and suitable for specific health needs.”
LADbible Group has contacted Eli Lilly for comment.