Mounjaro and body aches: Is there a connection?

If there was ever a health symptom that's equal parts mysterious and concerning, it's the dreaded body ache.

When that dull, generalised 'hurts to exist' throbbing begins, it can be extremely difficult to pinpoint the cause. Is it the flu, or COVID? Or, perhaps you just slept funny, or went too hard at the gym?

Making things even more complicated is the fact that body aching is a side effect of many different medications.

So, if you're on Mounjaro or another weight loss medication and have noticed this symptom, you might be wondering if there's a connection.

In this article, we delve into the question "Can Mounjaro cause body aches?" — plus, easy and actionable ways to prevent this, so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

What is Mounjaro?

If you're reading this, chances are you already know what Mounjaro is. But, if you need a refresher about how it works, Mounjaro is the brand name for the injectable medication, tirzepatide.

While originally created for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it's also approved for weight management for overweight or obese patients in the UK.

Mounjaro works in a slightly different way from other weight loss medications like Wegovy, in that it's a 'twincretin' medication.

This means it mimics both the hormones GLP and GLP-1 (as opposed to just GLP-1 with other diabetes medications) to stimulate insulin production — leveraging a dual-action mechanism to regulate blood sugar levels [1].

This can help you feel full faster and send satiety signals to the brain, often leading to lower calorie consumption.

Can Mounjaro cause muscle pain?

If you've been taking Mounjaro and have noticed body aches, here's the good and bad news. There are currently no clinical trials linking Mounjaro to muscular pain — or at least, directly.

However, that doesn't mean you should necessarily rule out Mounjaro as the culprit behind your body aches. As it turns out, muscular pain is a very common symptom of magnesium deficiency [2].

This might manifest as muscle cramps or spasms in certain areas, which come on suddenly like a lightbulb. It can also feel more like full-body stiffness, or a dull ache in certain body parts. A heaviness in the legs — especially at nighttime — is also common.

So, what does this have to do with Mounjaro? Well, taking the medication usually leads to a decreased appetite, which often leads to patients consuming less food.

This can inadvertently lead to nutrient deficiencies, and magnesium is no exception.

If your aching sensation is localised (ie. in a specific spot), it may also be related to where you injected the Mounjaro Kwikpen. Whether it's in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, it's not uncommon to experience light pain or swelling around the injection site.

In some cases, this may also be accompanied by a mild skin rash. This will usually resolve itself in a day or so, and applying an ice pack should help.

It's also a good idea to rotate your injection site (so, you might inject on the left side of your stomach one time, and the right side the next) to minimise the risk of discomfort.

You can also pinch your subcutaneous fat while you inject Mounjaro, to help ensure you do not accidentally inject into a vein or muscle.

If you have any concerns about injection site reactions, it's best to contact a healthcare professional ASAP.

Can Mounjaro cause joint pain?

Joint pain isn't recognised as a direct side effect of Mounjaro. However, if you've noticed a dull ache in your joints after you first start Mounjaro, it may not be a coincidence.

Interestingly, research shows that around 25% of tirzepatide patients develop anti-drug antibodies (meaning, their body is rejecting the foreign body ie. medication) [3].

While this was not found to impact the effectiveness of the treatment, it can create an immune response in the body. Cue, temporary joint or muscle inflammation, similar to what you might experience after getting a flu or COVID jab.

How to manage body aches while on Mounjaro

It's important to note that there are many different causes of body aches, including injury, injection, stress, and even a lack of sleep [4]. If you notice this symptom, it's always a good idea to see your healthcare provider, to rule out other causes.

However, whether or not the aching is related to your Mounjaro treatment, these tips may help you find relief.

Stretch it out

When body aches strike, it can be tempting to assume the horizontal position on your sofa and stay there until it goes away.

However, this can backfire by making you even more stiff and sore. Whether it's going for a walk around the block or doing some simple yoga stretches, it's a good idea to move your body — even just for a few minutes.

Using a foam roller or getting a massage can also be a godsend, especially if the tension is in your back.

Use hot and cold therapy

Don't underestimate the power of the elements when it comes to relieving body aches. If your pain feels like a throbbing, stiff or fatigued sensation, a heating pad or warm towel can help relax the muscles.

Meanwhile, a cold compress like an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel works best for swollen, tender muscles. And, if you're experiencing both? Try alternating by applying hot, then cold, then hot again.

When you're experiencing all-over achiness, you might also benefit from alternating hot/cold therapy in a sauna and ice bath. But be warned, the ice might make your muscles feel numb at first.

Stay hydrated

Many people quickly shed water weight when they start a weight loss medication like Mounjaro. Sometimes, this can also be accompanied by a loss of electrolytes, which can contribute to body aches.

It's important to ensure you're drinking plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to keep your fluids up. Adding a small pinch of salt to your glasses of water can also go a long way!

Prioritise nutrition

Chances are, you'll find yourself eating less on Mounjaro — after all, that's how these medications promote weight loss. However, one common mistake people make on their medical weight loss journey is not eating enough of the right things.

Magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D are all common deficiencies that can lead to muscle and joint aches. So, make sure you're getting plenty of leafy greens, fruit, grains, and high-quality dairy (or, plant-based calcium sources like nuts, beans, and lentils).

This doesn't mean eating bland foods for every meal —  with our Weight Reset Programme, you get access to hundreds of dietitian-created recipes that you'll actually look forward to eating.

On a more general note, it's also important to make sure you're getting adequate protein when taking Mounjaro, in order to prevent muscle loss.

This can help improve body composition, keep you feeling strong, and help ensure you don't experience rebound weight gain when you stop taking the medication.

Other side effects of Mounjaro

While muscle and joint pain aren't common symptoms of Mounjaro, the medication is not without its adverse effects.

Some common (and not usually serious) side effects of Mounjaro include:

• Nausea
• Mild abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Acid reflux
• Decreased appetite

There are a few rare but serious side effects to be aware of, including severe stomach pain and digestive problems, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and hypoglycemia.

Mounjaro also comes with a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer [5], meaning there is the potential that it can lead to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.

However, this is based on animal studies and it is unclear whether this risk is also present in humans [6].

If you notice severe symptoms or believe you're having a medical emergency, seeking urgent medication attention is crucial, as it may indicate a serious allergic reaction to the medication.

How to know if Mounjaro is right for your weight loss journey

For many, weight loss medications like Mounjaro can be life-changing — especially if they've attempted to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes, to no avail.

However, it's not the right option for everyone. For starters, Mounjaro can only be prescribed to people with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30, or a BMI between 27 to 30 with a weight loss-related condition.

It's also important to note that not all weight loss drugs are created equal. One person may experience zero side effects when starting Mounjaro, while others might be better suited to Wegovy.

The best way to start weighing up your options is to take our short questionnaire.

Just by answering a few questions about your lifestyle, health, family history, and any other medications you might be taking, you can take your first step towards a healthier you.

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