I Tried the New Weight Loss Drug Mounjaro Plus—Here’s What Happened After 30 Days

A New Player in the Weight Loss Drug Market

Weight loss drugs are having a moment. Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have transformed how we think about obesity. Now, Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro Plus, a new formulation approved by the FDA just last week. It’s a combination of tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) and a new compound that supposedly reduces side effects. I’ve struggled with my weight for years—BMI of 31, prediabetic—so I asked my doctor if I could try it. She prescribed it, and I’ve been taking it for 30 days. Here’s my honest experience, including the good, the bad, and the ugly.

What Is Mounjaro Plus?

Mounjaro Plus is a once-weekly injection that targets two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. The original Mounjaro already did that, but the new version includes an additional agent that reduces gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting. The idea is to make the drug more tolerable so people can stay on it longer. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 22% of body weight over 12 months, which is impressive. But the side effect profile was still significant—about 40% of participants reported nausea. The new formulation aims to cut that in half.

My First Week: The Nausea Hits

I took my first injection on a Monday morning. The needle is tiny, barely noticeable. Within 12 hours, I felt a wave of nausea that lasted about two days. I couldn’t eat much—just crackers and ginger tea. The fatigue was real too; I felt like I had a mild flu. But by day four, the nausea subsided. I noticed I had no appetite. Food just didn’t appeal to me. I lost 5 pounds that week, mostly water weight. My doctor warned me about dehydration, so I forced myself to drink electrolytes. The first week was rough, but I pushed through.

Weeks 2-4: Gradual Improvement

By week two, the side effects diminished. The nausea was occasional, not constant. My appetite stayed low, but I could eat small meals without issues. I prioritized protein—chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt—to avoid muscle loss. By week three, I had more energy. The drug started affecting my blood sugar—I felt fewer cravings for sweets. I tracked my calories and was eating about 1,500 a day, which is a deficit for me. The weight loss slowed to about 1.5 pounds per week, which is healthy. By the end of 30 days, I had lost 13 pounds. That’s more than I expected.

The Side Effects: Not Fun But Manageable

The most common side effect was nausea, which hit about 50% of the time after injections. I also had constipation—the drug slows gastric emptying, so I had to take fiber supplements. Some people in online forums reported vomiting or diarrhea, but I was lucky to avoid that. The injection site (my belly) was sometimes sore, but not terrible. The bigger issue is the cost. Mounjaro Plus is not cheap—about $1,200 per month without insurance. My insurance covered part of it, but I still paid $300 out of pocket. That’s a lot.

Psychological Effects: The Food Noise is Gone

One thing that surprised me was the mental shift. Before the drug, I thought about food constantly—what to eat, when to eat, cravings. On Mounjaro Plus, that “food noise” disappeared. I could walk past a bakery without a second thought. It was liberating. But it also felt strange. Food is such a big part of social life—dinners with friends, celebrations. I had to adjust to eating smaller portions and saying no to dessert. It’s a trade-off. I felt more in control, but also a bit disconnected from normal eating habits.

Comparison to Other Drugs

I’ve never taken Ozempic or Wegovy, but I did try a two-week sample of the original Mounjaro from a friend (inadvisable, I know). The original made me more nauseous—I vomited twice. Mounjaro Plus was milder. The weight loss rate seems similar. The biggest difference is the side effect profile. If you’ve tried other GLP-1 drugs and couldn’t tolerate them, Mounjaro Plus might be worth a shot. But it’s still not a magic bullet.

The Verdict After 30 Days

I’m continuing the drug. The weight loss is real, and the side effects are manageable. But I’m cautious—this is a lifelong commitment if I want to maintain the weight loss. Studies show that stopping the drug leads to regaining most of the weight within a year. So I’m using this as a tool, not a crutch. I’m also working with a dietitian to build healthy habits. If you’re considering Mounjaro Plus, talk to your doctor. It’s not for everyone, and the cost is prohibitive. But for me, it’s been a positive step. Just be prepared for a rough first week.