Reaching your goal weight on Mounjaro does not mean that your dose automatically changes to a specific "maintenance" strength. For many people, maintenance means continuing with a dose that is working well for them, based on their response and how well they tolerate treatment. Your prescriber can decide whether you should stay on the same dose or consider a different dose.
This guide explains what a maintenance dose means, what clinical trials have found about continuing Mounjaro after losing weight, and the current prices for doses that may be used for longer term treatment.
Key things to know
- A "maintenance dose" is the dose you continue taking for longer term treatment. It is not automatically a lower dose than the one you used during weight loss.
- Trial evidence suggests that continuing tirzepatide can help maintain weight loss, while stopping treatment can be followed by weight regain.
- There is no single maintenance dose that is right for everyone. Your prescriber will decide what is appropriate based on your response, tolerability and treatment goals.
- Weight regain after stopping treatment does not mean you have failed. It can happen because the effects of the medicine gradually wear off.
- Pricing is shown in three tiers: a regular price, a current price with a discount applied, and a Future Orders price for repeat orders.
What "Maintenance Dose" Actually Means
A maintenance dose is simply the dose you continue taking once your prescriber considers your treatment to be at a suitable long term level. It does not automatically mean moving to a lower strength after you reach your goal weight.
For adults, the approved maintenance doses of Mounjaro are 5mg, 10mg and 15mg once a week. Your prescriber may recommend one of these doses based on your individual response and how well you tolerate treatment. 15mg is the maximum recommended dose for adults.
For example, if you reach your goal weight while taking 10mg and your prescriber considers that dose suitable, you may continue taking 10mg. If you are taking 15mg, your prescriber may also decide that continuing at 15mg is appropriate.
There is no rule that says you must reduce your dose simply because you have reached a target weight. Your dose should be reviewed with your prescriber rather than changed on your own.
What Trial Evidence Shows About Continuing Treatment
The SURMOUNT 4 trial looked at what happened when people continued tirzepatide compared with those who stopped treatment after an initial period. Participants first received tirzepatide for 36 weeks. Those who completed this period were then assigned either to continue tirzepatide or switch to placebo for another 52 weeks.
People who continued tirzepatide lost a further 5.5% of their body weight on average. Those who switched to placebo regained an average of 14.0% of their body weight during the same period.
The study also found that around 90% of people who continued tirzepatide maintained at least 80% of the weight they had previously lost, compared with around 16.6% of those who switched to placebo.
These results suggest that stopping tirzepatide can be followed by significant weight regain. However, trial results are averages and cannot predict what will happen to every individual.
This is important if you are approaching or have reached your goal weight. Reaching that point does not necessarily mean that treatment should end. Your prescriber can help you decide what ongoing treatment may be appropriate for you.
Does Everyone Need to Stay at Their Highest Dose?
No. Not everyone needs to stay on the highest dose of Mounjaro.
During a review, your prescriber may consider whether your current dose is still appropriate. Depending on your individual circumstances, they may recommend staying on the same dose or, where clinically appropriate, changing the dose.
Your response to treatment, side effects, other medicines, health conditions and treatment goals can all be relevant when deciding on the right dose.
Higher doses may provide greater average weight loss in clinical trials, but they can also cause side effects. This is why the highest dose is not automatically the best choice for everyone.
If cost, side effects or another concern is making you think about changing your dose, talk to your prescriber before making any changes. They can help you understand the available options and whether a different dose may be suitable.
How Maintenance Differs from the Titration Phase
When you first start Mounjaro, treatment normally begins at 2.5mg once a week for four weeks. Your prescriber may then increase the dose gradually, usually in 2.5mg steps, with at least four weeks at each dose before an increase.
This gradual process is called titration. It gives your prescriber the opportunity to see how you respond to each dose and how well you tolerate it.
Once you reach a dose that is suitable for you, the focus can move from increasing the dose to continuing at that level. You will still need regular reviews, but you may not need to move to a higher strength.
If you develop new or worsening side effects while taking a stable dose, let your prescriber know. Do not assume that a new symptom is simply part of long term treatment.
Signs Your Maintenance Dose Might Need Review
- Your weight starts to increase consistently after remaining stable for some time.
- Your appetite changes noticeably compared with earlier in your treatment.
- You develop new or worsening side effects.
- Your health, medicines or lifestyle change in a way that could affect your treatment.
These signs do not necessarily mean that Mounjaro has stopped working or that you have done anything wrong. They are simply reasons to speak with your healthcare professional.
Keeping track of your weight, appetite and how you feel can help you notice changes over time. Regular reviews with your prescriber can then help you decide whether your treatment needs to be adjusted.
Supporting Your Maintenance Phase Alongside Medication
Mounjaro is intended to be used alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management. The clinical trials also included lifestyle support, so medication was not studied as the only part of the weight management approach.
During maintenance, try to continue the healthy habits that supported your weight loss. A balanced diet can include foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains and sources of protein, depending on your individual nutritional needs.
Regular physical activity can also support your general health. Strength based exercise may be helpful for maintaining muscle strength, while other forms of activity can support fitness and cardiovascular health.
You may also find it helpful to pay attention to hydration and sleep. Individual needs vary, so there is no single amount of water or sleep that is suitable for everyone. If you have specific health conditions or dietary needs, ask your healthcare professional for advice that is appropriate for you.
Maintenance is not about being perfect. The aim is to build healthy habits that you can continue as part of your longer term routine.
Pricing for Doses Commonly Used Long Term
| Dose | Regular price | Current price | Future Orders price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5mg | £254.99 | £224.99 | £229.99 |
| 10mg | £274.99 | £244.99 | £249.99 |
| 12.5mg | £304.99 | £274.99 | £279.99 |
| 15mg | £323.99 | £293.99 | £298.99 |
These are some of the higher doses that may be used for longer term treatment. However, your maintenance dose could be different. The dose your prescriber recommends depends on your individual response and how well you tolerate the medicine.
The regular price is the reference price before any discount. The current price is the first order price shown here, while the Future Orders price applies to repeat orders for existing customers.
Prices can change, so check the current price at checkout before placing an order.
Managing the Cost of Long Term Treatment
If you expect to continue Mounjaro for longer term treatment, it can help to plan for the ongoing cost rather than viewing it as a short course.
Multi pen bundles may offer a saving compared with buying individual pens, depending on the current offer. Check the current bundle price before ordering rather than relying on an older price shown elsewhere.
A free loyalty scheme is also available for returning customers and may offer additional savings, priority approval and free next day delivery, subject to the current terms.
If the cost of treatment is becoming difficult to manage, talk to your prescriber rather than changing or stopping treatment without advice. They can discuss whether there are suitable options for your circumstances.
What Happens If You Do Stop?
There is no evidence that tirzepatide causes chemical dependence or addiction. However, stopping treatment can mean that its effects on appetite and blood sugar control gradually wear off.
The SURMOUNT 4 trial found that people who stopped tirzepatide and switched to placebo regained some of the weight they had previously lost. This does not mean that everyone will regain the same amount of weight, but it shows why weight management may need ongoing support for some people.
If you are thinking about stopping Mounjaro, speak with your prescriber first. They can discuss what you may experience after stopping and whether another approach to weight management would be suitable for you.
Do not change or stop your treatment without discussing it with your healthcare professional.
Getting Started or Continuing with EverydayMeds
Whether you are starting Mounjaro or continuing treatment, each order includes a clinical consultation with our UK registered prescribing team. Your suitability for treatment can be reviewed based on your individual circumstances, medical history and current medicines.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and is given as a once weekly injection under the skin. It is a prescription only medicine used for weight management in eligible adults alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is also used to help manage blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
For weight management, Mounjaro is prescribed following an appropriate clinical assessment. Your prescriber can also review your treatment over time and advise whether your current dose remains suitable.
All treatment is dispensed by our GPhC registered pharmacy in accordance with the applicable UK requirements.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides general information about Mounjaro maintenance dosing and continued treatment. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Your maintenance dose is a clinical decision that should be made with your prescriber based on your individual response, tolerability and treatment goals.
Do not change or stop your Mounjaro dose without speaking with your prescriber first. If you develop severe symptoms or serious side effects, seek appropriate medical advice promptly.
Clinical trial results are averages and do not guarantee a particular amount of weight loss or weight maintenance for an individual.
