The Side Effects Of Mounjaro Explained (Bloating & IBS)

Most of us have heard of Mounjaro, also known as Tirzepatide, which is used to help manage Type 2 diabetes and weight loss. 

Mounjaro works by mimicking the two hormones GLP-1 and GIP. This helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. 

If you’ve started taking Mounjaro recently, or perhaps you’re curious about the side effects of Mounjaro, bloating and IBS can be symptoms you may experience due to slower digestion. 

What Are The Common Side Effects Of Mounjaro?

As your body adapts to Mounjaro, it is normal to experience side effects like bloating or gas; they are normally temporary and will decrease as your body gets used to the medication. 

These are some common Mounjaro injection side effects –

• Bloating – Fullness and tightness in your stomach can be due to slower digestion.
• Burping – One of the common Mounjaro side effects is burping as gas builds up in the stomach. 
• Stomach pain – Cramps and pain can accompany bloating and IBS symptoms.
• Constipation/diarrhoea – Irregular or loose bowel movements can occur when fibre and water intake is low.
• Loss of appetite – Changes in hunger hormones and slower gastric emptying can cause loss of appetite.
• Nausea – This is the most common side effect right after taking the Mounjaro injection and will disappear over time. 

Why Do Mounjaro Injection Side Effects Cause Bloating & IBS? 

Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor antagonist. 

GLP-1 is naturally released into the gut after you eat and slows digestion by reducing stomach contractions, meaning food is pushed more slowly into your small intestines. It also relaxes the pyloric sphincter, which means food takes longer to pass through the valve at the end of your stomach.

The slower digestion means better blood sugar control.

It also affects the brain, reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. GIP helps with insulin release, which indirectly helps slow digestion. 

Dietary Tips To Help Reduce Side Effects Of Mounjaro 

If you are experiencing uncomfortable side effects of Mounjaro, there are some dietary changes you can make to help reduce and eliminate them. 

Adjust Fibre Intake 

Gradually introduce some more soluble fibre into your diet, such as oats and bananas, and limit insoluble fibre, which can be harder on digestion, like bran, unless you are constipated. Only add small amounts of fibre; otherwise, it can worsen symptoms like bloating.

Keep Hydrated

Hydration helps soften stool and keeps digestion on track. If you are planning to add fibre to your diet, this is very important. Aim for 8-10 cups a day and increase if exercising or if you are in a hot climate.

Make a Food Diary 

Everyone’s body responds to Mounjaro and foods differently. Keeping a food diary is great for spotting patterns and knowing what foods make you more bloated than others.

Be Mindful Of Stimulants 

Alcohol and caffeine can make IBS symptoms like bloating worse. Having some peppermint tea instead can help with digestion, especially after meals. 

Eat Smaller Meals

Smaller portions and taking time to chew your food can improve your digestion and make it easier on your body since digestion is already slowed by Mounjaro.

Be Aware Of Trigger Foods 

Well-known foods that can make gas and bloating worse are soda, high-fat meals and beans or cruciferous veggies like cauliflower. Try cutting these out of your diet and see if it affects your symptoms.

Can Medications Help Mounjaro Injection Side Effects?

There are some medications and supplements that can help with the side effects of Mounjaro like gas and bloating. We suggest always consulting your doctor before taking any in conjunction with Mounjaro.

Some medications which may help ease side effects are –

• Probiotics – Your gut microbe might be affected by slow digestion, probiotics like Lactobacillus plantarum can help ease bloating.  
• Anti-gas medications – Over-the-counter gas medications can help break up gas bubbles and ease symptoms. 
• Digestive enzymes – Taking enzymes when eating high-fat meals can help your digestive system. 
• IBS medication – Targeted medications for IBS may help ease bloating and gas symptoms, these will be prescribed by your doctor. 

We recommend always consulting your GP if you are experiencing prolonged side effects after starting Mounjaro since there are ways to help reduce discomfort.