Foods to Avoid While on Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)

Whether you’ve just heard about Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) for the first time or you’ve been following news about the drug since its earliest clinical trials, you may be wondering what the day-to-day is like when actively taking tirzepatide. For a while—while we were waiting on tirzepatide’s approval by the FDA—this information was relatively sparse.

Thankfully, now that Mounjaro™ has secured that stamp of approval from the FDA and is distributed across pharmacies in the USA, manufacturer Eli Lilly has released official guidelines for both patients and prescribers that can help you maximize its benefits. 

You may already be aware that GLP-1-type drugs, including Mounjaro™, work only when taken while also implementing lifestyle changes (like working on your sleep, exercise, and eating habits). One of the first questions we tend to hear from new members is “What can I eat while taking my GLP-1 medication?” or "what foods to avoid while on Mounjaro?"

You’ll be relieved to learn that there are no known food-medication interactions with tirzepatide, so there are no Foods to avoid while on Mounjaro. There are, however, a few guidelines to be aware of in regards to food when taking Mounjaro™ that will help you minimize side effects and achieve the best possible results.  

How does Mounjaro™ work?

Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co., the same company that produces GLP-1 drug Trulicity® (dulaglutide). The drug is delivered in once-weekly subcutaneous injections and is currently indicated for use in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro™ is the first drug of its kind that mimics the effects of not one but two incretin hormones involved in blood glucose control: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). 

According to a press release published by Eli Lilly, GIP is a hormone that may complement the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. In preclinical models, GIP has been shown to decrease food intake and improve blood glucose metabolism therefore resulting in weight reductions, and when combined with GLP-1 receptor agonism, may result in greater effects on markers of metabolic dysregulation such as body weight, glucose and lipids.” The recommended starting dosage of Mounjaro™ is 2.5 mg. After four weeks, doses may be increased in 2.5 mg increments, as tolerated, up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly. Doses are set and monitored by a healthcare provider and may be adjusted to help patients meet their blood sugar, weight loss, and metabolic health goals.

Who is eligible for Mounjaro™?

All Calibrate members will be considered for Mounjaro™ as clinically appropriate and insurance eligible.

Those with a history of any of the following medical conditions should talk to a healthcare provider prior to starting Mounjaro™: 

• Endocrine tumors in the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, pancreas, or adrenal glands
• Family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• History of diabetic retinopathy or vision problems
• Pancreatitis
• Active gallbladder disease, gallbladder problems, or gallstones
• Kidney disease, kidney failure, or other kidney problems
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Thyroid cancer, thyroid tumors, or a family history of thyroid cancer
• Pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to get pregnant
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• History of allergic reaction to tirzepatide

How do I get the best results with Mounjaro™?

Clinical trials of Mounjaro™—specifically, the SURMOUNT-1 trial—have gotten quite a bit of attention from the press. The drug exceeded expectations both in its ability to lower A1C and promote weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.

Participants on a 5 mg dose lost 15.0% of their body weight compared to baseline. Those on a 10 mg dose lost an average of 19.5%, and those on a 15 mg dose lost 20.9% after a 72-week period. This was compared to weight loss of only 3.1% in participants taking a placebo.

Mounjaro™ works best when you can commit to making small but meaningful changes to your day-to-day lifestyle. This includes modifying what you eat, and, in particular, swapping out fast-digesting carbohydrates for foods that provide a more sustainable energy source (such as foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats).

The food program at Calibrate creates a healthy, sustainable way of eating that promotes weight loss and sets you up for long-term health. Calibrate does this by focusing on the quality of foods and making sure your body is getting the building blocks it needs while helping you to feel in control.

Importantly, the Calibrate food program is not a diet: We do not use meal replacements or meal plans. We don’t ask you to count calories or try to restrict your eating. Instead, we help you rebalance it.

Calibrate’s food philosophy will help you achieve the following outcomes:

1. Limit disease-promoting foods: eating less sugar, fewer fast-digesting carbs, and fewer processed foods. 
2. Increase health-promoting foods: eating more quality foods—especially those high in protein, fiber, or health fats
3. Develop an overall healthy relationship with food.  

Making changes to what you eat doesn’t have to happen overnight. You can start with smaller swaps, like replacing fruit juice with seltzer, white bread with whole-grain bread, or sugary cereals for a homemade frittata.

In addition, consider cutting back on how often you drink alcohol. Doing so will allow your body to function at its best, and you’ll notice positive effects like better sleep and less fatigue during the day.

What side effects should I expect with Mounjaro™?

Most people taking GLP-1 or dual GIP-GLP-1 medication experience few side effects. However, the most common side effects are mild and tend to improve with time. Side effects of Mounjaro™ may include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach (abdominal) pain.

If you’re worried about hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), rest assured that tirzepatide poses a relatively small risk when combined with other diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas or insulin. 

Rarely, Mounjaro™ may cause more severe side effects such as kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or changes in vision. If you have severe abdominal pain or other serious side effects while taking Mounjaro™, seek emergency medical services and contact your Calibrate doctor right away.

Mounjaro may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptive medications. It is recommended that you change to an alternative form of birth control for contraceptive purposes while on Mounjaro. 

Foods to avoid while on Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) to reduce side effects

As much as we might be craving some of our usual comfort foods, eating them while taking a GLP-1-type medication can lead to some unpleasantness: It’s not uncommon to experience a difference in taste, a lack of sense of satisfaction, bloating, nausea, flatulence, reflux, stomach cramps, and other less-than-enjoyable digestive side effects. 

Here’s where a few food guidelines come into play. Some simple swaps can make taking Mounjaro™ easier for your mind and body and can prevent most side effects from becoming bothersome. Take these tips from the Calibrate medical team for a spin: 

• Avoid fried, greasy, or fatty foods and foods high in sugar: These tend to be the toughest for your body to digest and the most likely to cause nausea while taking a GLP-1 medication. 
• Eat slowly, and eat smaller meals. 
• Eat foods that are light and bland. 
• Drink clear or ice-cold drinks (like water or unsweetened tea).

Talk to your Calibrate doctor about any side effects that become bothersome or that don’t go away. Your Calibrate Medical Team can offer recommendations and supportive care for any issues that arise. Again, if you experience any severe side effects (such as anaphylaxis or shortness of breath), seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional. 

Should I eat before taking Mounjaro™?

You do not have to eat before taking Mounjaro™. The medication can be taken at any time of day, regardless of the timing of your meals. 

Mounjaro™ comes in prefilled pens that are easy—and relatively painless—to inject into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your Calibrate doctor will provide clear instructions regarding your dose of tirzepatide and how to inject it.

Tirzepatide availability: Is Mounjaro™ available to Calibrate members?

Mounjaro™ recently (as of June 2022) began to be distributed across pharmacies in the USA. Calibrate doctors are now prescribing this medication where available and clinically appropriate. Having new, even more effective tools for our members is incredibly powerful and will continue to accelerate the way we change the way the world treats weight. Eligibility will be determined based on each patient’s unique medical history. 

Other GLP-1 medications currently available to Calibrate members include Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Saxenda®, and Trulicity®. Calibrate doctors will prescribe whichever medication will work best for you based on your unique needs and health insurance coverage.

When you join Calibrate, you’ll complete a Comprehensive Health Intake, including blood work, that your Calibrate doctor will carefully review before customizing your treatment plan and prescribing your medication. You may be eligible for tirzepatide even if you are already taking another type 2 diabetes medication such as metformin.

Ready to get started with Calibrate? Find out if you’re eligible today.

Want to learn more about GLP-1s prescribed as a part of the Calibrate program? Read about medications.

Footnotes

• https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04184622
• https://www.mounjaro.com/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34170647/