For weight management, Mounjaro is licensed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
You don't need to become an athlete or spend hours in the gym. The most useful approach is to find physical activities that you can do regularly and that fit into your everyday life.
Here's what to know about exercising while using Mounjaro.
Do you need to exercise while using Mounjaro?
Yes. Physical activity is an important part of weight management while using Mounjaro.
The medicine is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. NICE guidelines recommend encouraging adults to increase their physical activity because it provides health benefits even if it doesn't result in additional weight loss.
This doesn't mean you need to follow a demanding exercise programme.
The best activity is something that you can do regularly and safely.
What type of exercise is best?
There isn't one type of exercise that everyone using Mounjaro needs to do.
Different activities provide different benefits to your health.
Walking and other aerobic activities
Walking is a simple way to become more active and can be built into everyday life.
Other options include:
- cycling
- swimming
- dancing
- jogging
- fitness classes
- gardening
- other activities that get you moving
NICE recommends building physical activity and weaving it into everyday life then working towards achieving the activity levels recommended in the UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines.
Strength and resistance exercise
Strength training is also worth considering while losing weight.
Activities such as bodyweight exercises, resistance bands or weights can help support muscle strength and physical function.
This can be particularly useful because maintaining physical function is an important part of healthy weight management.
You don't necessarily need a gym membership. Simple exercises at home can be a good point to start.
Can exercise help prevent muscle loss while losing weight?
Regular physical activity, particularly resistance exercise, can help support muscle strength and physical function during weight loss.
This is one reason why it's useful to think beyond the number shown on the scales.
Weight loss with Mounjaro is associated with a reduction in both fat mass and lean body mass. In a body composition substudy of SURMOUNT-1, the reduction in fat mass was greater than the reduction in lean body mass.
This doesn't mean that everyone using Mounjaro will lose muscle, or that exercise can completely prevent changes in lean body mass.
Instead, it highlights why maintaining an active lifestyle and including strength-based activity where appropriate can be a useful part of your overall weight management plan.
How much exercise should you do?
There's no single amount of exercise that is right for everyone.
If you're currently inactive, you don't need to go from doing very little to exercising every day.
Start with what feels manageable and gradually increase your activity.
For example, you could:
- take a short walk each day
- walk for a little longer each week
- take the stairs when you can
- add some simple strength exercises at home
- find an activity you genuinely enjoy
- break up long periods of sitting with movement
NICE recommends a managed approach with agreed goals rather than expecting everyone to make big changes immediately.
What if Mounjaro makes exercise difficult?
Some people experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or other gastrointestinal side-effects while using Mounjaro. These side-effects are particularly common during dose escalation and generally become less recurrent over time.
If you're feeling unwell, don't feel that you have to push through a workout.
For example, if you're experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea, maintaining your fluid intake is important because these side-effects can contribute to dehydration.
You can return to your normal activity when you're feeling better.
If side-effects are persistent, severe or making it difficult to carry out normal activities, speak to your prescriber.
Do you need to exercise more as you lose weight?
Not necessarily.
The aim isn't to keep increasing your exercise simply because you've lost weight.
Instead, think about building a level of physical activity that you can maintain over the long term.
NICE recommends physical activity for its wider health benefits, even when it doesn't lead to additional weight loss.
That means exercise shouldn't only be viewed as a way of burning calories. It can also be about staying strong, improving fitness and supporting your overall health.
What if I've never exercised before?
You don't need to be fit before you start becoming more active.
Start small.
A short walk, a few minutes of gentle activity or simple exercises at home can be a starting point.
As your fitness improves, you can gradually increase the amount or intensity of activity.
If you have a health condition, significant mobility problems or you're unsure what type of exercise is appropriate for you, speak to a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise programme.
The takeaway
Mounjaro is not a replacement for physical activity.
It's intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity as part of a wider approach to weight management.
You don't need to spend long hours exercising.
Focus on being more active, building strength where appropriate and finding activities that you can continue doing as part of your everyday life.
Good to know
Move more. Build strength. Start gradually. Keep it sustainable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I exercise while using Mounjaro?
Yes. Physical activity is an important part of weight management while using Mounjaro. If you're experiencing significant side-effects or feel unwell, allow yourself time to recover and speak to a healthcare professional if you're concerned.
Is walking enough while using Mounjaro?
Walking is a useful way to increase physical activity and can contribute to your overall activity levels. You can also consider other aerobic and strength-based activities depending on your fitness and circumstances.
Should I lift weights while using Mounjaro?
Resistance exercise can be a useful part of your activity routine during weight loss because it can help support muscle strength and physical function. If you're new to resistance training, start gradually and use an approach that's appropriate for your fitness level.
Can exercise make Mounjaro side effects worse?
If you're experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, strenuous exercise may be difficult and dehydration can become a concern. Listen to your body and make sure you stay hydrated. If symptoms are severe or persistent, speak to a healthcare professional.
Do I need to exercise to lose weight with Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is intended to be used alongside increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet for weight management. Physical activity also has countless health benefits beyond weight loss.
Related articles
- What Can You Eat While using Mounjaro?
- Mounjaro Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Get Help
- How Does Mounjaro Work?
- Why Am I Still Hungry on Mounjaro?
- When Does Mounjaro Start Working?
Considering Mounjaro?
If you're considering prescription weight management treatment, Genmeds offers an online consultation where a prescriber can assess whether treatment is appropriate for you. If prescribed, Mounjaro should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
