When to Move from 2.5mg to 5mg Mounjaro: Signs You're Ready
Many people begin their Mounjaro journey on 2.5mg and quickly wonder when — or whether — they should increase to 5mg. The early weeks can feel full of uncertainty: appetite changes, variable hunger suppression, and differing expectations about how quickly weight loss should happen. For some, the starting dose feels surprisingly effective; for others, its impact fades by the third or fourth week.
This decision point often brings anxiety. People don’t want to move up too early and risk stronger side effects, but they also don’t want to wait so long that appetite returns and progress slows unnecessarily. The experiences shared by users show that while the manufacturer’s guidance offers a starting framework, real-world bodies don’t always behave identically.
This article brings together those lived experiences to help you understand the main signs that suggest it may be time to move from 2.5mg to 5mg — and equally, the signs that indicate you may not need to move up yet.
Why 2.5mg Often Changes Over Time
The most consistent theme from users is that the 2.5mg dose tends to feel strongest in the first couple of weeks. Many people report a noticeable drop-off in appetite suppression around week three or four. This aligns with how the medication accumulates in the body over several weeks.
One user described a gradual weakening of effect as follows:
"For me, 2.5mg was noticeably wearing off halfway through week 3. The effects of the medication - the appetite suppression and lack of food noise - were noticeably lower which made it a no-brainer." -Due-Freedom-5968
Others noticed the exact same timing:
"By the 3rd shot all suppression had worn off. I had to fight through the next 2 weeks of willpower alone." -Beautiful_Notice2791
These patterns show that a return of "food noise", stronger cravings, or reduced fullness after meals is a common sign that 2.5mg may no longer be enough.
However, this does not happen to everyone. A smaller group continues to feel strong suppression well beyond the first month:
"I'm on jab 6 of 2.5mg and so far I’m still not even remotely hungry by jab day each week. I’m losing consistently each week." -LateAd9661
These users often stay on 2.5mg for longer without any issues.
Overall, the key insight is that 2.5mg can remain effective for some people, but for many, its impact naturally tapers after several weeks — not because anything is "wrong", but because the dose has done its job as a starting point.
What People See Before Deciding to Increase
Across user experiences, the most common signs that it may be time to move to 5mg include:
1. Hunger returning earlier in the week
Some people find that 2.5mg no longer lasts the full seven days, with hunger appearing several days before the next injection.
"I found that in the 3rd week and especially the 4th week it was wearing off after 3 to 4 days." -Ok-Hedgehog-3813
This shortening of effect is one of the clearest signals that the higher dose may provide more stability.
2. Food noise creeping back
Food thoughts, cravings, or difficulty stopping at comfortable fullness are often mentioned as reasons to move up:
"The suppression was wearing off at day 6… I moved up to 5 from there." -Commercial-Remove-75
3. Weight loss slowing or plateauing despite consistent habits
Some users continued to eat well but found that weight loss slowed noticeably after the initial weeks.
"It worked fine for 2 months and then I felt like it had completely worn off by day 7 so I went up." -Appleseedarrabella
A few people even described regaining small amounts when suppression faded.
4. Following prescriber guidance
Several users simply followed the standard recommendation:
"The manufacturer guidance is also to move off 2.5mg after 4 weeks because they don't consider it a therapeutic dose." -Due-Freedom-5968
For some, prescribers were firm about increasing; for others, it was left as a patient-led decision.
5. Wanting more consistent support to avoid relying on willpower
A number of users shared that they preferred not to "fight through" weaker weeks when the next dose was available:
"I see zero point in staying low and having mental battles… when the next dose is there to prevent that." -Due-Freedom-5968
These individuals found that 5mg provided steadier appetite control.
When Staying on 2.5mg Makes Sense
Not everyone needs or wants to move up quickly. Many people stayed on 2.5mg longer because it continued to work well.
One user highlighted the benefit of avoiding unnecessary increases:
"If it’s working for you I don’t see a reason to move up… no reason to change." -Then-War-7354
Others felt that stronger doses would reduce their already-limited intake too far:
"I personally can’t imagine doubling my dose… I think I’d struggle to eat at all." -EmergencyStore1802
In some cases, users preferred slower, steadier weight loss:
"I stayed on 2.5mg for 12 weeks because it was working for me… Lower doses just work well for some people." -Wonderful-Pumpkin695
The message here is clear: staying at 2.5mg is a perfectly valid choice if you continue to experience reliable appetite control and healthy, sustainable progress.
Pharmacist’s Comment
According to Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, the decision to increase from 2.5mg to 5mg should balance effectiveness, tolerance, and overall nutritional wellbeing.
"The 2.5mg dose is designed as an introductory step to help the body adjust. If appetite suppression fades or hunger returns sooner in the week, that is often a sign that a therapeutic dose such as 5mg may provide more stable control."
"However, if someone is losing weight steadily and still feeling comfortably full on 2.5mg, there is usually no urgency to increase, especially if food intake has already become quite limited."
"A review with a clinician is sensible if side effects appear, intake becomes very low, or hunger returns strongly — these are all situations where adjusting the dose may improve both safety and results." -Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino
Final Thoughts
Deciding when to move from 2.5mg to 5mg isn’t simply a matter of following a schedule. The lived experiences shared by users show that bodies respond at different speeds, and the "right" moment depends on how you feel, how you’re eating, and whether the medication continues to support you week to week.
For many, signs like returning hunger, a shorter duration of effect, or slowing weight loss indicate that 5mg may be helpful. For others, strong and steady suppression on 2.5mg means there is no need to rush. Some even find that staying low reduces side effects and keeps them balanced while still losing weight.
Most importantly, this choice doesn’t have to be made alone. Discussing your progress with a clinician can help ensure you move up — or stay put — in a way that protects your nutrition, comfort, and long-term success.
If the effectiveness of 2.5mg has noticeably changed, or if you’re unsure how to interpret your body’s signals, a conversation with a healthcare professional can offer personalised guidance and reassurance.
