Side Effects Coming Off Mounjaro

Many people worry about side effects or regaining weight after coming off Mounjaro. With the right plan, you can minimise sid eeffects and stay in control of your progress.

This guide explains what to expect as your body adjusts, the most common symptoms you might notice, and practical steps to maintain your weight.

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Increased appetite and weight gain

One of the biggest challenges when coming off Mounjaro is increased hunger. Since Mounjaro’s active ingredient (tirzepatide) helps regulate hunger hormones¹, stopping it can lead to a rise in cravings and a stronger appetite, making it harder to maintain weight loss. Some people also experience rapid weight regain², particularly if they don’t adjust their diet after stopping.

 

tip

“To help prevent weight gain, try to stick to structured meal planning, prioritise protein-rich foods, and practice mindful eating to stay in control of hunger cues.”

– Laura

Digestive issues

Mounjaro slows down digestion, which helps you feel fuller for longer. After stopping the medication, your digestive system may adjust in the following ways:

  • Increased hunger and faster digestion
  • Bloating or gas due to dietary changes
  • Mild nausea or stomach discomfort as the gut readjusts
tip

“Eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day and including plenty of fibre can help keep your digestion stable.”

– Laura

Fatigue and low energy

Some people feel tired or sluggish after stopping Mounjaro. This can happen because:

  • Your body is no longer receiving the appetite-regulating effects of the medication.
  • Changes in eating habits can lead to energy fluctuations.
  • Metabolism shifts may impact how efficiently your body burns calories.
tip

“Staying active, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a nutrient-rich diet (with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs) can help fight fatigue.”

– Laura

Mood swings and increased "food noise"

Since Mounjaro helps control appetite and cravings, stopping it can lead to stronger urges for high-calorie, high-carb, or sugary foods. Some people also experience mood swings, frustration, or irritability, particularly if they relied on Mounjaro to manage emotional eating.

tip

“Identify non-food coping strategies for cravings, such as staying active, engaging in hobbies, or practicing mindfulness and meditation.”

– Laura

Gastrointestinal rebound symptoms

While starting Mounjaro often causes nausea or digestive issues, stopping it can also trigger temporary stomach discomfort as your gut adjusts. Some people report:

  • Diarrhea or loose stools
  • Constipation
  • Mild stomach cramps

How to safely come off Mounjaro

If you’re planning to stop Mounjaro, it’s best to do so gradually and with a plan in place. Here’s some advice for coming off the medication while maintaining weight loss:

  • continue healthy eating habits – stick to a well-balanced diet to avoid rapid weight regain.
  • stay hydrated – proper hydration supports digestion and energy levels.
  • increase physical activity – regular movement can help stabilise metabolism and energy levels.
  • monitor appetite changes – be mindful of cravings and plan meals in advance to stay in control.
  • seek medical advice – if you experience Mounjaro side effects, speak to your prescriber.

Final thoughts

Coming off Mounjaro is a major milestone, but it doesn’t mean your journey ends here. The habits you build now will determine whether your progress lasts.

Focus on consistency over perfection – eat balanced meals, move regularly, sleep well, and check in with your aftercare team if anything feels off.

If you’re not sure when or how to stop safely, our clinical team can help you build a tapering and aftercare plan that fits your goals.

About the authors

Dr Adam Abbs is a GP specialising in weight management and digital healthcare. With extensive experience across both NHS and private settings, he is passionate about making safe, effective weight loss treatments more accessible while helping patients build lasting, healthy habits. At Medicspot, Dr Abbs authored the 16-week behaviour change course, designed to give every new patient practical tools and techniques to create sustainable lifestyle changes that last well beyond treatment.

Dr Abby Hyams grew up in Manchester and completed her medical training in Bristol. She has been a GP for 19 years, spending many of those as a partner in an NHS practice in Hemel Hempstead. Dr Hyams loves being a GP because of the wide spectrum of people she encounters every day and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives. She has a particular passion for supporting patients with weight loss and promoting positive behaviour change, helping individuals build sustainable habits that improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

Cited sources

¹ 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]

² Wilding, J.P.H. et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (2022). Last accessed November 2025. [URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35441470/]

 

Disclaimer

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.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See our Terms of Service for more information.