At Cloud Pharmacy, we understand that maintaining your weight loss is just as important as achieving it. Many of our patients have successfully reached their goals and are now transitioning to maintaining their results with Mounjaro. We want to ensure our maintenance approach is patient-focused, clear, and addresses all of your concerns effectively.
What is Maintenance on Mounjaro?
Maintenance is about keeping your weight steady by eating enough calories to fuel your body. Mounjaro helps during this phase by controlling your appetite and reducing the likelihood of overeating, making it easier for you to stay at your ideal weight.
When Should I Consider Moving to Maintenance Phase?
You should consider moving to the maintenance phase once you reach a healthy BMI (below 25). At this point, our goal shifts from weight loss to keeping your weight stable within the healthy BMI range and ensuring your ongoing health is the best it can be.
We also welcome patients switching to Cloud Pharmacy for maintenance prescriptions. Simply provide us with evidence of your previous prescribing, even if you're already below a BMI of 25.
What Are the Benefits of a GLP-1 Maintenance Dose?
We understand that maintaining your hard-earned weight loss can be a real challenge, and a maintenance dose of Mounjaro can support you on this journey:
- Defends Against Weight Bounce-Back: After significant weight loss, your body often ramps up hunger signals to regain weight. A steady maintenance dose helps curb cravings and makes it easier to hang on to your progress.
- Supports Habit Formation: As you build lasting routines around eating, exercise, and mindset, a maintenance dose can smooth the transition, so you’re not navigating this phase entirely on your own.
- Offers Emotional Stability: If you’ve faced challenges keeping weight off in the past, having that consistent dose can help give you structure and peace of mind.
- Continues Metabolic Benefits: Beyond appetite control, Mounjaro supports healthier blood sugar and insulin responses. Staying on a maintenance dose allows you to sustain these metabolic improvements even after the bulk of weight loss is behind you.
What Dose Should I Go On for Maintenance Therapy on GLP-1?
Everyone is unique, and at Cloud Pharmacy, we believe in creating a personalised maintenance plan that suits you. There are several flexible options available, and we will work together to find the best one for you:
1. Continue on a Steady Dose
If your current dose is effectively maintaining your weight without unwanted changes, staying on it could be your best choice. This option is ideal for patients who wish to continue using Mounjaro long-term. Alternatively, you might consider moving to the nearest licensed maintenance dose of 5mg, 10mg, or 15mg. If these aren't quite right, we can also prescribe an "off-label" dose (2.5mg, 7.5mg, or 12.5mg). "Off-label" simply means these doses aren't specifically licensed by the manufacturer for maintenance.
2. Gradually Taper Down
If you prefer not to remain on Mounjaro indefinitely but are concerned about the recurrence of "food noise" (persistent thoughts about food), gradually tapering your dose at a pace you're comfortable with might be ideal for you. We'll guide you carefully through this process to support your transition.
3. Stop Altogether
You always have the choice to stop Mounjaro entirely, and it's safe to do so at any time. This option allows you to fully shift your focus towards diet and exercise. However, be aware that studies show about a 14% weight regain within one year after stopping medication. While we generally recommend trying a maintenance approach first, if you prefer to stop altogether, we'll support your decision fully.
When Should I Adjust My Maintenance Dose?
It is important to continue monitoring your weight and appetite while on a maintenance dose. If you notice your weight starting to increase, or experience a significant rise in appetite, it may be appropriate to increase your dose, even if only temporarily. On the other hand, if your weight begins to decrease, you might need to reduce your maintenance dose to prevent falling into an unhealthy weight range. If you're unsure or have any questions, we're here to guide you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for advice.
Ensuring Safety at a Healthy BMI
Once you’re within a healthy BMI range or reach a BMI of 22, we’ll keep in close touch with you to make sure everything stays on track. This includes monthly check-ins and progress updates through images. These regular check-ins help us ensure that you're feeling well, eating enough, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you're not already on a maintenance plan at this stage, we’ll gently encourage you to consider it. This can help prevent you from unintentionally entering an underweight range, which may come with risks like lower immunity, vitamin deficiencies, and weaker bones.
Can I Use Mounjaro Long-Term?
Absolutely. You can safely continue Mounjaro long-term (beyond two years) as long as it's beneficial and you're not experiencing significant side effects. We'll carry out regular reviews to ensure ongoing safety.
If I Stop Mounjaro, Can I Restart if My Weight Starts Increasing?
If you notice your weight has increased after stopping treatment, there is no need to wait until your BMI reaches the threshold before restarting treatment. You are welcome to contact us at any time, and we will be happy to support you in returning to a plan that works for you.
Diet & Exercise
It is important to remember that diet and exercise are key to long-term success with Mounjaro. This becomes especially important during the maintenance phase, particularly if you choose to stop taking Mounjaro altogether. We encourage all patients to follow a balanced, healthy diet and remain physically active to help support the benefits of treatment and maintain their weight. Our team is always here to offer advice and support if you have questions about making these healthy lifestyle changes.
Key Takeaways on Weight Maintenance using GLP-1s
- Start Maintenance at a Healthy BMI: Once your BMI is below 25, the focus shifts from losing weight to maintaining it in a healthy range.
- Why Stay on a Maintenance Dose: Maintenance dosing helps prevent weight regain, sustain the metabolic and appetite benefits of Mounjaro, provide ongoing psychological support, and bridge you to lasting healthy habits.
- Choose the Maintenance Option That Suits You: You can continue your current dose, gradually reduce it, or stop Mounjaro completely. Your plan should reflect your goals and how you feel.
- Regular Monitoring Helps You Stay on Track: We will stay in touch with monthly check-ins to ensure your weight, appetite and wellbeing remain stable.
- Adjustments May Be Needed Over Time: If your weight or appetite changes noticeably, your dose might need to be increased or decreased. We are here to help guide those decisions.
- You Can Restart if Needed: If you stop Mounjaro and notice your weight increasing again, you can return to treatment at any time.
- Lifestyle Habits Make a Difference: Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity is key to long-term success, especially if you decide to stop taking Mounjaro.
At Cloud Pharmacy, your health, wellbeing, and ongoing success matter most to us. If you have any questions about your maintenance plan or need personalised support, our team is always here to help.
References:
- Mounjaro KwikPen 2.5mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen. Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15481/smpc#gref
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, et al. Effect of Tirzepatide vs Placebo Added to Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Body Weight in Adults With Obesity: The SURMOUNT-3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023;330(22):2161–2171. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.22140
