Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has quickly become a leading option for medical weight loss in the UK, offering promising results for patients struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes. If you're thinking about starting treatment—or you're already a few weeks in—you might have heard the terms “starting dose” and “maintenance dose” used in consultations or online forums. But what do they actually mean, and how do the effects compare?
At Southdowns Pharmacy, we offer personalised weight management support, including private consultations for weight loss injections like Mounjaro. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between the starting dose and the Mounjaro maintenance dose, helping you understand how your body may respond at each stage and what you should expect as your journey progresses.
Understanding Mounjaro's Dosing Structure
Mounjaro is taken as a once-weekly injection. The dosing process is designed to gradually introduce the medication to your system while managing side effects and monitoring how your body responds.
The general titration schedule is as follows:
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2.5mg – Starting dose (typically used for 4 weeks)
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5mg – First potential maintenance dose
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7.5mg
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10mg
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12.5mg
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15mg – Maximum licensed dose
The goal is to increase the dose gradually every 4 weeks, if tolerated, until you reach the most effective and sustainable dose for your weight loss and health goals. This may be 5mg or as high as 15mg, depending on your individual response.
The Starting Dose: Setting the Foundation
The starting dose of 2.5mg is not intended for weight loss in itself. Rather, it's a gentle introduction that allows your body to get used to Mounjaro’s mechanism of action. This stage is vital in minimising the most common side effects, such as:
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Nausea
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Bloating
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Constipation or diarrhoea
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Loss of appetite
Because the dose is low, weight loss may be minimal during this first month. However, many patients report a decrease in hunger and an early reduction in snacking. This can build motivation and encourage the development of better eating habits.
This phase is also important for identifying how your body tolerates the medication before stepping up to doses that are more therapeutically active.
The Maintenance Dose: Where Results Take Shape
The Mounjaro maintenance dose is the dose at which you start to see consistent, sustainable weight loss and blood sugar control. For many, this begins at 5mg, while others may need to work up to 10mg or even 15mg to achieve optimal results.
At the maintenance dose, you can expect:
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More significant and consistent weekly weight loss
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Stronger appetite suppression
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Fewer cravings and improved satiety after meals
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Continued improvements in metabolic markers (blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol)
Unlike the starting dose, the maintenance dose is where the medication does its most effective work. Clinical studies have shown that patients can lose up to 15–20% of their body weight over time when using higher maintenance doses, combined with lifestyle changes.
Comparing the Two Stages
Here’s a quick comparison of what to expect at the two stages:
When Are You “On” a Maintenance Dose?
You’re considered to be on a Mounjaro maintenance dose once you've completed titration and are no longer increasing the dose every few weeks. This is usually the point where:
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Weight loss becomes more steady
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Side effects have largely settled
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You’re reviewing your dose less frequently with your prescriber
It’s important to note that your maintenance dose is not necessarily the maximum dose. Some patients achieve their goals at 5mg or 7.5mg and stay there. Others may need a higher dose to break through plateaus or manage strong appetite signals.
Your prescriber will help you determine when you've reached the most effective and tolerable maintenance dose for your needs.
What Else Should You Know?
Even at the maintenance stage, Mounjaro is not a “magic solution.” It works best when paired with lifestyle support, including:
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Balanced, calorie-controlled meals
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Regular physical activity
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Sleep and stress management
At Southdowns Pharmacy, we provide ongoing advice and reviews to help you stay on track during both the titration and maintenance phases. Our weight loss specialists are here to adjust your dose, address side effects, and support your long-term success.
Weight Loss at Southdowns Pharmacy
Reaching your Mounjaro maintenance dose is a major milestone in your weight loss journey. It marks the beginning of steady, measurable progress and a greater sense of control over your appetite and health.
If you’re just starting Mounjaro or feel unsure about your current dose, we’re here to help. Reach out today or book your weight loss consultation with Southdowns Pharmacy today and let us support you from your first injection to lasting results.
This blog was written on behalf of Southdowns Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
