Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works best when introduced slowly.
You’ll start on the lowest dose (2.5mg once a week) to give your body time to adjust and reduce the risk of nausea or other side effects.
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Written by
Dr Adam Abbs
Doctor
Reviewed by
Dr Abby Hyams
Doctor
Last Updated:
Next Review: Oct 30, 2026
Guide contents
01Why dose increases are important
02When might you increase your Mounjaro dose?
03How often can you increase your dose?
04Final thoughts
05About the authors
06Sources
07Disclaimer
Articles related to Why You Have To Increase Your Mounjaro Dose Gradually
When starting Mounjaro, your body needs time to get used to how the medication works. The 2.5mg starting dose minimises side effects and ensures you can tolerate treatment before moving to higher doses¹.
Each increase gives your body a chance to adapt to the appetite-suppressing and metabolic effects of tirzepatide. This slow, steady approach:
“Everyone responds differently to Mounjaro. Some people achieve excellent results on lower doses, while other people need a higher dose (up to 15mg) to reach their goals. There’s no single “correct” dose. The right approach depends on your individual tolerance and progress.”
– Laura
Your clinician may recommend increasing your dose if:
However, dose changes should only happen under medical supervision. Your prescriber will consider your symptoms, side effects, and overall progress before approving an increase.
Based on the results of a clinical study with 806 participants.
You should not increase your Mounjaro dose by more than 2.5mg every 4 weeks². This is the maximum safe escalation rate recommended in the official product information.
Gradually increasing your dose helps you stay comfortable while achieving the best appetite control and weight loss results.
Your Mounjaro journey is personal. The goal isn’t to reach the highest dose as quickly as possible – it’s to find the lowest effective dose that helps you lose weight safely and sustainably.
Work closely with your clinician, listen to your body, and take each step at your own pace. Alongside your dose adjustments, focus on building healthy habits around food, movement, sleep, and stress. These lifestyle changes strengthen your results and make them last long after treatment ends.
With the right medical guidance and consistent lifestyle support, you can stay on track and achieve lasting results.
¹ Lilly. How to Dose Mounjaro. Last accessed November 2025. [https://mounjaro.lilly.com/hcp/getting-patients-started]
² Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). Mounjaro KwikPen 2.5mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Last accessed November 2025. [https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15481/smpc]
This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.
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