Mounjaro and cold sensitivity: What you need to know

If you've recently started taking Mounjaro and find yourself reaching for an extra blanket or cranking up the thermostat, you're not alone.

Many individuals on this weight loss treatment report feeling colder than usual — especially in their hands and feet. But why does Mounjaro make you cold, and is it something to worry about?

Before you start layering up like it's the middle of winter, let's break down what's actually happening in your body, why feeling cold on Mounjaro is a known side effect, and what you can do to stay warm while on this medication.

Can Mounjaro make you feel cold?

Feeling cold on Mounjaro is a common experience among patients using this weight loss treatment, and while it may seem unexpected, it’s not entirely surprising given how this medication works.

Many Mounjaro patients report a noticeable drop in their overall body temperature, particularly in their hands and feet.

This can happen even when the room temperature is comfortable, leaving you wondering why you’re shivering while everyone else seems fine.

In fact, clinical trials and anecdotal reports alike have highlighted cold sensitivity as a mild but persistent Mounjaro side effect for some people [1].

So, does this mean you need to stop taking Mounjaro? Not necessarily.

In most cases, Mounjaro-induced cold sensitivity is simply a sign that your body is adjusting to the medication and the lifestyle changes that come with it. Your body temperature may fluctuate, especially in the first few months of treatment, before eventually stabilising.

However, if you experience extreme cold intolerance, numbness in your extremities, or other unusual symptoms alongside feeling cold, it’s worth discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional.

We know feeling cold can be frustrating, but it’s generally considered a mild and temporary response to Mounjaro treatment. But why exactly does this medication have you reaching for the hot water bottle?

Let’s dive into the science behind Mounjaro and cold sensitivity next.

Ways Mounjaro can cause cold sensitivity

While the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, research suggests that Mounjaro cold sensitivity could be linked to its effects on metabolism, appetite suppression, and blood circulation. Let’s break it down.

Impact on metabolism

One of Mounjaro’s biggest claims to fame is its ability to help patients lose weight by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing appetite — but this metabolic shift may come with a frosty side effect.

When your body weight decreases, your basal metabolic rate (BMR) — aka your body's energy-burning engine — naturally slows down [2].

This means your body isn’t producing quite as much internal heat, which can leave you feeling cold more often than before.

Studies on weight loss treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown that as the body loses weight, it tends to become more efficient at conserving energy, which includes reducing heat production [1].

Essentially, your body is trying to adapt to the fewer calories you’re consuming by turning the dial down on unnecessary functions — like, you know, keeping you toasty warm.

What’s more, research suggests that GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, like Mounjaro tirzepatide, can influence the way brown adipose tissue (BAT) functions [3].

BAT is the metabolically active fat responsible for burning calories to generate heat — which is great for staying warm.

But when medications like Mounjaro alter metabolic pathways, this fat-burning furnace might not work quite as efficiently, leaving you feeling chillier than usual.

Appetite suppression

Another reason Mounjaro might make you feel cold? You’re probably eating fewer calories. Weight loss injections like Mounjaro help reduce appetite by targeting gut hormones that regulate hunger.

This means you’re naturally eating less food, which also means your body has fewer calories to burn for energy and heat.

Think of food as fuel for a fire — when you consume fewer calories, there’s simply less energy to burn. This can lead to lower body temperature, making you more prone to feeling cold [4].

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals on GLP-1 receptor agonists reported increased cold sensitivity, likely due to reduced food intake and decreased thermogenesis (aka your body’s ability to generate heat) [1].

If you’ve ever found yourself wrapped in a blanket while staring longingly at a plate of steaming greasy foods, it’s probably because your body is subtly reminding you that food = warmth.

And while we’re not suggesting you go on a processed foods binge just to feel warmer, making sure you’re eating enough protein-rich, nutrient-dense meals can help combat that constant cold sensation.

Changes in blood flow

Ever notice that when you’re cold, your hands and feet seem to suffer the most?

That’s because when your body detects a drop in core temperature, it prioritises keeping vital organs warm — redirecting blood flow away from the extremities and toward the chest and abdomen [3].

When you're on Mounjaro, feeling cold in your hands and feet can happen because GLP-1 receptor agonists can alter vascular responses.

Some studies suggest that GLP-1 and GIP activation may impact circulatory function, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities [1].

So if your fingers feel like icicles, it’s likely that your body is making sure your heart, brain, and liver stay at a comfortable temperature — even if it means sacrificing toasty toes.

And for some Mounjaro patients, the effects may be more pronounced due to blood sugar regulation.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) — a potential side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists — can also lead to vasoconstriction (the narrowing of blood vessels), further restricting blood flow to extremities and intensifying that cold sensation [1].

How to manage cold sensitivity while on Mounjaro

If Mounjaro cold sensitivity is making your day-to-day life feel like a winter survival challenge, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to warm up without stopping your treatment:

• Layer up – Invest in thermal socks, gloves, and a cosy dressing gown.
• Get moving – Regular physical activity can increase circulation and help boost metabolism.
• Eat warming foods – Incorporate bland foods, soups, and herbal teas to stay nourished and warm.
• Stay hydrated – Drinking water at room temperature (or warm) helps maintain circulatory function.
• Monitor your blood sugar – Keep an eye on any signs of low blood sugar, especially if you experience dizziness, weakness, or coldness.

While feeling cold on Mounjaro might be an inconvenience, it’s often a normal side effect of the medication as your body adjusts.

However, if coldness is accompanied by other symptoms — like severe stomach pain, hair loss, or persistent fatigue — it’s best to seek medical advice.

When to seek medical attention

Alright, so feeling cold on Mounjaro might just be an inconvenient side effect of the medication doing its job, but when does it cross the line from “Oh well, time for another dressing gown” to “Maybe I should seek medical advice”?

While most Mounjaro side effects are mild and manageable, there are a few more severe side effects that warrant a chat with your healthcare provider.

If you notice any of the following, don’t just bundle up with a hot water bottle — it’s time to seek medical attention immediately:

Severe stomach pain

Not just an upset tummy but crippling abdominal pain that feels like your digestive system is staging a full-scale rebellion. This could indicate pancreatitis, a rare but serious side effect of Mounjaro treatment.

Unexplained bruising or bleeding

If you notice blood in your stool or urine or find yourself covered in bruises without knowing why, Mounjaro could be affecting your platelet count or blood clotting ability.

Difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe rashes

These could be signs of an allergic reaction. While rare, some patients experience swelling of the face, throat, or tongue — a major red flag that needs immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

If you feel dizzy, shaky, weak, or suddenly confused, it could be due to low blood sugar levels. This is especially crucial to monitor if you’re taking other medications for diabetes or weight loss treatment.

Persistent headaches, vision changes, or confusion

If your body adjusts in unexpected ways and you’re experiencing brain fog, blurred vision, or feeling sick beyond the norm, it’s worth investigating.

Drastic changes in toilet habits

While some toilet routine changes are expected (hello, greasy foods and fewer calories), ongoing severe diarrhoea, constipation, or regularly bloated sensations could signal an issue with how your body is handling the medication.

If you’re experiencing more severe side effects, don’t just assume it’s part of the process. Stop taking Mounjaro and seek medical advice if anything feels off.

It’s better to be safe than sorry — especially when your day-to-day life starts revolving around strange new symptoms.

Other side effects of Mounjaro

Beyond being a bit chilly, Mounjaro has a handful of other common side effects that most patients taking Mounjaro experience to some degree.

The good news? Most of these are mild side effects that improve over time as your body adjusts.

The bad news? You might need to make some lifestyle changes (and maybe invest in a toilet habits tracker) to get through the initial adjustment phase.

Digestive system

Mounjaro is known for its, ahem, impact on the digestive system. This can include:

• Feeling sick (nausea): Your stomach pain might not be severe, but that lingering queasiness? Yeah, it’s pretty common.
• Regularly bloated: If you’re feeling like a human balloon, rest assured, you’re not alone.
• Greasy foods suddenly become the enemy: Taking Mounjaro can make fatty meals hit differently (and not in a good way).
• Toilet routine roulette: You might go from regularly constipated to, well, the opposite, depending on how your body adjusts.

Pro tip? Stick to bland foods, stay hydrated, and ease into any dietary changes to prevent irritation.

Energy levels

As your body adjusts to GPL-1 medications like Mounjaro, you might find yourself:

• Feeling tired: Between your body temperature dropping and your metabolism shifting gears, it’s normal to feel a little sluggish.
• More susceptible to body aches: Losing weight rapidly can sometimes lead to muscle mass loss, making your body feel sore or weak.
• Experiencing depression or mood swings: Sudden changes in weight, appetite, and hormone levels can affect mood.

This is why staying hydrated, maintaining physical activity, and making sure you’re eating enough protein can make a big difference in managing side effects.

Hair loss

Rapid weight loss can sometimes result in hair loss, and while this isn’t unique to Mounjaro treatment, it’s something to keep an eye on.

If you start noticing excessive shedding, make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients, including protein intake and vitamins that support hair health.

While some patients experience only mild side effects, others might need to make lifestyle changes to adjust.

If Mounjaro side effects start interfering with your day-to-day life, or you experience more severe side effects, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

Get the guidance you need with Juniper

If you’re looking for a weight loss programme that offers personalised guidance, expert support, and a comprehensive approach to managing weight, Juniper’s Weight Reset Programme has got you covered.

With tailored strategies to help you lose weight, manage potential side effects, and navigate taking medication safely, you’ll have everything you need to make the journey smoother.

So, whether you’re dealing with cold hands and feet, navigating digestive changes, or simply wondering how to get through the next phase of your Mounjaro treatment, remember — you’re not in this alone.

With the right support, knowledge, and maybe a hot water bottle or two, you’ve got this.

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