How long will I be on Mounjaro?
Tanya Reynard | Last update: 2nd July 2025
Wondering how long you’ll need to take Mounjaro? Studies show big results in 72 weeks, but your timeline will depend on your personal weight loss goals and how committed you are to making lasting changes.
TL;DR
- The answer depends on your goals, your progress, and how your body responds.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not meant to be a forever drug.
- Most people will need it for at least a year to reach their goal — and then, it’s all about maintaining those results with realistic lifestyle changes.
The science: what trials tell us
According to Eli Lilly’s clinical trials, participants using Mounjaro lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight in 72 weeks.
That’s just over 16 months, and it’s the timeline many doctors and healthcare providers now use as a benchmark when starting someone on the medication.
But — and it’s an important but — everyone is different. Some of us may need more time. Others might hit their goal quicker.
It all starts with a goal
The first step? Know what you’re aiming for.
Your weight loss journey isn’t just about the number on the scale. Maybe it’s about reversing pre-diabetes. Or moving better. Or feeling more confident in your body.
Having a goal helps:
- You know when you’ve “arrived”
- You and your doctor can plan the next phase (maintenance, tapering off, or continuing a bit longer)
- You stay motivated
“Once I got within 5kg of my goal, my doctor and I started planning how I’d reduce my dose. It made the finish line feel real.” – SlimrChat user
Mounjaro is a tool, not a lifestyle
Let’s be honest — you’re not meant to be on Mounjaro forever.
These weight loss drugs work best as a bridge. They help you take control of your eating, your cravings, and your weight. But once you’ve done that, the focus should shift to keeping it off without the jab.
No, that doesn’t mean living on lettuce and becoming a gym bunny. It means:
- Making more balanced food choices
- Getting some movement into your routine
- Building habits that don’t feel punishing or extreme
“I realised I didn’t want to rely on a drug forever. So I started meal prepping, going for walks, and finding a rhythm I could stick to after Mounjaro.” – SlimrChat member
Coming off Mounjaro: what to expect
When you’re ready, your doctor or healthcare provider will likely recommend a gradual taper — slowly reducing your dose to give your body time to adjust.
Coming off suddenly can lead to increased hunger and even some weight regain. A slower approach gives you time to lock in the lifestyle changes that will help you stay on track.
“When I stopped taking Mounjaro, I felt hungrier again — but because I had new habits in place, I didn’t panic. I was ready.”
Always speak to your doctor before changing or stopping any medication.
What if it’s not working for you?
Not everyone sees big results. And that’s OK.
If the side effects are too much or the weight isn’t shifting, speak to your doctor. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it just means your body needs a different plan.
“I tried Mounjaro for 3 months and didn’t lose what I hoped. It was disappointing, but I switched focus to movement and better meals — and that’s working for me now.”
The SlimrChat community is full of people at every stage of this journey. You’re not alone.
Final thoughts: your journey, your pace
So, how long will you be on Mounjaro? It might be a year. It might be more. But it should never be forever — and it should always be part of a bigger plan to help you take back control.
Set your goals. Stick with it. And know that when it’s time to come off, you’ll have the tools — and the SlimrChat support — to make it stick.
Share your experiences with the SlimrChat community and help support others. Click the ‘Start Chat’ button below now!