If you’re here, you’ve likely heard the hype: Diabetes and weight loss medications like tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound) and semaglutide (sold as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy) can help you lose a quarter of your body weight. But are the headlines accurate? Let’s look at the scientific studies and get the facts about how much weight you can lose with Mounjaro.
How much weight do people lose when taking Mounjaro?
Two 2023 studies completed by Eli Lilly enrolled people with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. None of the participants had type 2 diabetes. Here are summaries of the results:
In one study, called SURMOUNT-3, all participants ate a low-calorie diet, exercised, and received weekly counseling for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the study participants who had lost 5% or more of their body weight were split up into two groups for 72 weeks—one group took Mounjaro and one group took a placebo (a shot containing no medication):
- The Mounjaro group lost, on average, 18.4% of their body weight.
- The placebo group gained back, on average, 2.5% of their body weight.
How much is “18.4% of their body weight”?
If a person weighs 230 pounds, 18.4% of their body weight is about 42 pounds.
In another study, called SURMOUNT-4, all participants took Mounjaro for 36 weeks. After this 36-week period, the participants were put into one of two groups: One group took Mounjaro for 52 weeks and one group took a placebo for 52 weeks.
- The group who continued taking Mounjaro lost, on average, an additional 5.5% of their body weight. Altogether, the participants who were on Mounjaro for the full 88 weeks (about 1 year and 8 months) lost an average of 25.3% of their body weight.
- The group who switched to placebo gained back, on average, 14.0% of their body weight.
How much is “25.3% of their body weight”?
If a person weighs 230 pounds, 25.3% of their body weight is about 58 pounds.
How does Mounjaro help you lose weight?
Losing weight comes down to burning more calories than you eat—and Mounjaro makes this easier to do. By decreasing your appetite, Mounjaro helps you eat less without dealing with strong cravings for food.
Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables will help ensure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. Staying active is also recommended, and ideally you’ll get your heart pumping on some days and work on increasing your strength on other days.
How much does Mounjaro cost?
Like most GLP-1 agonists, Mounjaro is quite expensive. In the US, Mounjaro costs about $1,000 for a one-month supply of four syringes, called pens. To compare prices in your area, visit the GoodRX Mounjaro page.
How can I get a prescription for Mounjaro?
QuickMD providers can prescribe weight loss medications, including Mounjaro, via telemedicine.
Talk to a QuickMD provider to see if Mounjaro is a good solution for you.
