How Mounjaro affects your appetite

Mounjaro works by mimicking GLP-1 and GIP. This means your body produces more insulin (hence why it is used to treat Type 2 Diabetes), meaning our blood sugar is better controlled, and our digestion and gastric emptying is slowed down. All together, this means your appetite is regulated better.

GLP-1 promotes satiety or how full we feel. Essentially you will become full quicker or after less food than you would normally. Alongside this, your gastric emptying being slowed down means you also feel fuller for longer.

Why you might still be hungry on Mounjaro

Although the medication should reduce appetite, and leave you feeling fuller for longer, this does not mean you should not feel any hunger whilst taking it. Your hunger will be reduced but it does not need to be gone in order for the medication to be working. The main thing is that your appetite is reduced, and you feel fuller for longer.

Everyone responds to the medication differently and may experience different levels of appetite suppression so don’t compare with others. This may be due to factors such as health status, genetics, metabolism, and other lifestyle factors.

Although some individuals may feel the effects of Mounjaro quickly, research shows that the majority of people see results after 2-4months. This is also due to the fact that it may take a few months for you to adjust your dose so that you feel sufficient effects. Significant weight loss may take at least 6-12months.

Although Mounjaro can be a very helpful medication, it may not be enough on its own, and it is not advisable to use the medication without assessing and making changes to your lifestyle. Not only to support your weight loss but also to help you to build healthy long term habits that will support you after you decide to stop the medication. Areas you should consider include: nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress. These are all areas one of our Health Coaches can support you with.

What kind of hunger is normal?

It is still normal to feel hungry. For example, in the lead up to dinner, or when you are waiting to have breakfast. Some individuals may be hungry as often as they were before, but they become fuller quicker, meaning they still eat less overall. Your hunger should not be completely gone.

You may also find that hunger levels vary throughout the week after your injection, for example your appetite may be more suppressed for the first half of the week and you may feel it is larger as you get closer to your next injection.

Remember that other factors may affect your hunger levels: sleep, the menstrual cycle, stress, exercise.

How hunger changes over time on Mounjaro

Early weeks: 

Some people may feel effects quickly, whilst others may feel none. Effects may vary from extreme appetite suppression, to feeling fuller quicker, or to having reduced food noise.

Mid-treatment:

Hopefully by this point you have found a dose that works for you and feel your appetite is sufficiently suppressed and consistent.

Between injections:

Hunger may increase slightly as the weekly dose wears off. This may be something to include in your renewal form.

During dose increases:

Temporary appetite changes are common while adjusting to a different dose.

If you are ever experiencing side effects, or are unsure about your dose, please contact the clinical team.

How to manage hunger on Mounjaro

Although the medication helps to manage your appetite, you may need to make some adjustments as you get used to the medication but also as a way of forming healthy habits for the long term.

• Mindful eating, including slow and intentional eating and recognising fullness cues
• Dietary strategies such as a balanced diet rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals or snacks if needed
• Limiting ultra-processed foods and added sugar
• Balanced diet guidance (link to What to eat while on Mounjaro)
• Staying well hydrated
• Regular physical activity
• Stress management techniques

When hunger might signal a problem

Incorrect dosing or timing of Mounjaro injections:

• If you have missed a dose or are not on the suitable dose for you, you may feel more hunger.
• Contact the clinical team

Hunger alongside dizziness, weakness or shakiness:

• The combination of these symptoms may signal hypoglycaemia
• Make sure you are eating enough
• Seek medical help and inform the clinical team

Always seek professional guidance if hunger feels unusual, severe or ongoing.

FAQs

Why am I getting hungry on Mounjaro?

It is normal to feel some hunger on Mounjaro. Make sure you are eating regularly. If it does not feel manageable, speak with the clinical team.

Does Mounjaro suppress your appetite?

Yes, Mounjaro works by reducing your appetite.

Should I eat if I’m not hungry on Mounjaro?

If your appetite is overly suppressed, you may need to eat even though you are not hungry. It is important that you still eat enough. Try eating smaller and more frequent meals.

Does Mounjaro stop boredom eating?

One of the desired effects of Mounjaro is that it reduces ‘food noise’, this may mean emotional eating such as boredom eating is reduced. Equally, you may need to take steps to manage your boredom eating, for example doing a puzzle to occupy your mind.

Why isn’t Mounjaro curbing my appetite?

Everyone responds to the medication differently. It may take some time to adjust to the medication before you feel the effects on your appetite. It is worth scheduling a Health Coach call so you can get started on ways to manage it through your lifestyle. It may also be worth contacting the clinical team to discuss your dose.

How long until Mounjaro stops you feeling hungry?

This varies between individuals, some may feel the benefits within a few hours, or a few days, although others may take a while to adjust and may not see benefits until their 2nd month or more.

Does Mounjaro burn fat or just suppress appetite?

Mounjaro does not burn fat, it impacts your appetite making it easier to have smaller portions and improve the quality of your diet, therefore helping you to lose weight.

How to manage hunger while taking Mounjaro

Consider the quality of your diet. Are you eating sufficiently at meals to manage your hunger? Aiming for the portion plate can help: ½ veg, ¼ protein, ¼ carbs. Book a health coach call to get more tailored advice.

Is feeling less hungry on Mounjaro a sign that it’s working?

Yes, the medication works to reduce your appetite.