Mounjaro doses explained

A doctor’s guide to Mounjaro dosing

Medically reviewed by Dr. Allyson Betts Written by Dr. Caroline Fontana Last reviewed 30-07-2026

Time to read: 8 min

Mounjaro is available in multiple doses, which can be confusing if you’re starting or thinking of taking it. I understand that it may seem daunting, but the dosage schedule is simpler than most people realise.

In this guide, I’ll explain Mounjaro doses so you can be confident in your weight loss journey, whether you have already started your treatment, or still undecided.

Information on this page

Key takeaways
What are the doses of Mounjaro?
What is the starting dose of Mounjaro?
What is the dosage schedule of Mounjaro?
What dosage of Mounjaro is best for weight loss?
What is the maximum dose of Mounjaro?
When to increase Mounjaro dosage?
Do you have to increase the Mounjaro dose?
What is the maintenance dose of Mounjaro?
What happens if you miss a dose of Mounjaro?
Final thoughts

Key takeaways

Mounjaro comes in 6 doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg, and everyone starts on the lowest dose.
You stay on each dose for at least 4 weeks before you may be moved up to the next one.
There is no single "best" dose — the right dose is the lowest one that provides you with the desired results, with manageable side effects.
Most people move up gradually to help their body adjust and to keep side effects to a minimum.
Your maintenance dose is decided with your doctor and will be reviewed regularly as your treatment progresses.

What are the doses of Mounjaro?

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and is available in 6 different doses:

2.5 mg
5 mg
7.5 mg
10 mg
12.5 mg
15 mg

Each dose is available as its own pen, so you do not need to adjust the dose yourself like with other weight loss pens.

What is the starting dose of Mounjaro?

The starting dose of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg.

Everyone starts at this dose to let your body adjust to the medicine. While lower doses are generally less effective, doing it in this way reduces the risk and severity of side effects. However, if you are switching from another weight-loss treatment, you can start on an equivalent dose.

What is the dosage schedule of Mounjaro?

The Mounjaro dosage schedule is designed to help you lose weight gradually and allow your body to adjust to the medication.

You take Mounjaro once weekly, on the same day.
You take one dose for at least 4 weeks
Then, you may increase to the next dose if it is the right plan for you.

Tip: Try setting a reminder on your phone each week to help you remember to take your dose.

What dosage of Mounjaro is best for weight loss?

Your ideal dosage depends on several factors, including:

how your body responds to the medication
the side effects you experience
your starting weight and weight loss goals
other existing health conditions or medications

This is why I always recommend discussing with your doctor to find your ideal dose, rather than aiming straight for the highest one.

What is the maximum dose of Mounjaro?

The maximum dose of Mounjaro is 15 mg once weekly. You should not take more than that, as it can cause side effects and will not help you achieve further weight loss.

Some people may not need to take the maximum dose. Others may need to stay on lower doses due to side effects. It all depends on your individual health profile and your needs.

Read more: Mounjaro side effects article

When to increase Mounjaro dosage?

You can move up to the next dose once you have been on your current dose for at least 4 weeks. This gives your body enough time to adjust and lets you and your doctor see how you are responding before increasing your dose.

Signs that it may be time to increase your dose:

you have been on your current dose for 4 weeks and your side effects have settled down and are manageable
your weight loss has plateaued and you would like to see further progress

Do you have to increase the Mounjaro dose?

The starting dose is meant to help your body get used to the medication and will therefore not result in much weight loss. So, it is recommended that you increase the dose beyond the 2.5 mg dose to help you achieve successful, gradual weight loss.

But once you reach 5 mg, you do not have to increase the dose, although I generally recommend it.

Some reasons you may want to stay on the same dose include:

experiencing persistent side effects
not feeling ready to move up a dose
achieving steady weight loss on your current dose

What is the maintenance dose of Mounjaro?

The right maintenance dose of Mounjaro is the lowest dose that helps you achieve desirable weight loss results in the long-term. For some people it is 5 mg or 7.5 mg; for others it's the maximum dose of 15 mg.

There is no fixed maintenance dose that applies to everyone. It is simply the dose that allows you to maintain steady weight loss with minimal side effects.

What happens if you miss a dose of Mounjaro?

It’s important you take your dose at the same time each week to help you get most of your treatment

But if you forget, don’t worry, this can happen to everyone. Here’s what you need to do:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If more than 4 days have passed since you were meant to take it, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day.

Important: Do not take two doses of Mounjaro within 3 days of each other.

Final thoughts

Mounjaro works best when the dosing schedule is approached as a gradual, step‑by‑step process. Each dose increase is designed to give your body time to adjust, support steady progress, and minimise side effects along the way.

Your ideal schedule may look slightly different from someone else’s, and that’s completely normal. What matters is that the plan fits you, your health history, your goals, and how your body responds over time.

If you ever feel unsure about your dose, you’re switching between treatments, or this is your first weight loss treatment, our doctors can help you decide the best dose for you during our online consultation. They will also regularly check in on how you’re feeling during your weight loss journey and make sure each step forward is safe and comfortable.

Also read: Foods to avoid during weight loss treatment: a practical guide