Jump to: Understanding nausea on Mounjaro | Evidence-based solutions | Eating strategies | Lifestyle changes | When to seek help | Take home message
Eating a diet based on whole foods, mindful eating habits, and strategic timing of your Mounjaro injection can effectively manage nausea while taking the medication.
Clinical trials show that nausea affects 12-22% of people taking Mounjaro, particularly when starting treatment or increasing doses.
While this side effect can be uncomfortable, most people find their symptoms improve within a few weeks as their body adjusts to the medication.
Understanding why nausea occurs and implementing some healthy habits can help to reduce this common side effect.
Understanding nausea on Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can trigger nausea in two key ways:
- It slows down your stomach emptying, which means food stays in your stomach longer
- It affects how your brain processes hunger and fullness signals
These effects are central to how Mounjaro supports weight loss, but they can initially cause feelings of nausea as your body adapts to these changes.
The severity and duration of nausea vary significantly between individuals.
Some people experience minimal symptoms, while others might need to make more changes to their eating patterns and daily routines.
Evidence-based solutions for managing nausea
Timing your injection
The timing of your Mounjaro injection could potentially impact nausea symptoms:
- Try taking your injection in the evening before bed
- Maintain a consistent weekly schedule
- Consider taking it after a meal rather than on an empty stomach
Foods and drinks to avoid vs recommended options
Avoid |
Choose Instead |
Deep fried foods |
Roasted or baked lean proteins |
Spicy dishes |
Meals with fewer ingredients |
Citrus juices |
Herbal teas, water-rich fruits |
Carbonated drinks |
Still water, clear broths |
Heavy sauces |
Light seasonings, herbs |
Eating strategies
Adapting your eating patterns can significantly reduce nausea:
- Eat smaller portions in your main meals, and include protein-rich snacks in between
- Start meals with protein-rich foods
- Take 20 minutes to eat your main meals
- Chew thoroughly and eat slowly
- Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating
Example meal structure
- Breakfast: 250g of Greek yoghurt with a small portion of berries and chia seeds
- Mid-morning: A small handful of nuts
- Lunch: Ploughman’s lunchbox
- Afternoon: Apple slices with nut butter
- Dinner: Pesto chicken
Lifestyle changes
Beyond our eating habits, several lifestyle strategies can help manage nausea:
- Take gentle walks after meals
- Practice deep breathing exercises
- Get fresh air regularly
- Stay well-hydrated with still water
- Consider ginger or other herbal teas
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating
When to seek help
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe nausea lasting more than 1-2 weeks
- Frequent vomiting or inability to keep food down
- Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea that significantly impacts your daily activities
These symptoms might require adjusting your treatment plan or additional medical support.
Take home message
While nausea is a common side effect of Mounjaro, it’s usually temporary and manageable with the right strategies.
Focus on eating smaller, frequent meals, choosing meals with fewer ingredients, and maintaining good hydration.
Remember that everyone’s experience is different, and finding the best strategies for you may take some time.
Second Nature’s medication programme
Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other providers, assuming you’re eligible?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programme focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
Please note: We generally recommend speaking with your GP/doctor before you start taking any new medication like Mounjaro. If you do sign up for Second Nature's Mounjaro programme, then we'll also send your GP a letter to let them know you've started a medication-supported weight-loss journey.