What are statins?
Statins are a group of medications that lower cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for producing cholesterol. With less cholesterol made in the liver, LDL (misleadingly called ‘bad cholesterol’) levels in the blood drop.4
Atorvastatin is the most commonly prescribed statin in the UK. High-intensity statin therapy can reduce LDL cholesterol by around 40-50%.4
Statins are taken once a day as a tablet. They’re prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in people with high cholesterol or existing heart disease.
NICE guideline NG238 recommends offering atorvastatin 20 mg for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in people with a 10-year risk above 10%, and atorvastatin 80 mg for secondary prevention in people with established cardiovascular disease.4
How Mounjaro works
Mounjaro is a once-a-week injection that contains the drug tirzepatide. It works by mimicking two gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, that communicate with the brain’s appetite centre to reduce hunger and food-seeking behaviour.5
It also slows down digestion, so food stays in the stomach longer. This means you feel full sooner and stay satisfied for longer after eating.
In clinical trials, people taking Mounjaro lost up to 26% of their body weight after two years.6
For someone also taking a statin, this level of weight loss can improve several cardiovascular risk factors beyond what the statin alone achieves, including triglycerides (a type of fat that travels in the blood), blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Why take Mounjaro alongside statins?
Statins and Mounjaro lower cholesterol levels in different ways.
Statins are highly effective at lowering LDL cholesterol, with reductions of 40-50% at high-intensity doses.4
Mounjaro’s LDL reduction is more modest, around 5-8%.3 But Mounjaro has a stronger effect on triglycerides, reducing them by 15-30% in a dose-dependent manner.3
This effect on lowering triglycerides is extremely relevant as many people taking statins still have elevated triglycerides, and high triglycerides are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Mounjaro also improves insulin sensitivity and reduces liver fat, both of which contribute to a healthier overall metabolic profile.3
It’s important to understand that most of Mounjaro’s cholesterol-lowering effects come from weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, rather than from a direct effect on cholesterol production.
If you don’t lose much weight on Mounjaro, the cholesterol improvements are likely to be smaller.
What happens to your statin dose as you lose weight?
As you lose weight on Mounjaro, your cholesterol levels may decrease.
Your GP will typically check your lipid levels at routine intervals, and if your cholesterol drops significantly, they may consider reviewing your statin dose.
Some people may be able to reduce their dose over time. Others will stay on their current dose because their cardiovascular risk profile warrants it, regardless of weight, for example, if they have established heart disease or familial hypercholesterolaemia.
Never stop or reduce your statin without speaking to your GP first.
Interactions and monitoring
No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified between tirzepatide and statins.1
A 2024 systematic review of GLP-1 receptor agonist drug interactions found that while these medications can slightly delay the absorption of some oral drugs due to slower stomach emptying, overall drug exposure remained unaffected.1
The review concluded that dose adjustments are unlikely to be needed when taking GLP-1-based medications alongside oral drugs like statins.
Liver function
Both statins and significant weight loss can affect liver enzymes, though in different ways.
Statins carry a small risk of elevated liver transaminases (ALT and AST). NICE recommends measuring liver function before starting a statin and again at three months.4
When you lose weight, particularly in the early stages, fat is mobilised from the liver. This can temporarily raise liver enzymes, which is usually a sign that liver fat is reducing rather than a cause for concern.
For someone taking a statin and losing weight on Mounjaro, your GP may check liver function periodically. This isn’t because of a drug interaction; it’s because both treatments can independently affect liver enzymes, and monitoring ensures everything is progressing as expected.
Muscle-related side effects
Statins can cause muscle aches, known as myalgia. This affects a small percentage of people and is one of the more commonly reported side effects.
Separately, weight loss from Mounjaro can lead to some muscle loss alongside fat loss if protein intake is inadequate.
If you’re already experiencing statin-related muscle symptoms, it’s worth being proactive about protecting muscle mass during weight loss. Eating enough protein (a palm-sized portion at each meal) and including resistance exercise can help.
If you develop new or worsening muscle symptoms after starting Mounjaro, mention this to your GP so they can determine whether it’s related to your statin, your weight loss, or something else.
Cardiovascular outcomes with statins
There’s a crucial difference between lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
Statins have decades of cardiovascular outcomes data. Large trials have consistently shown that statins reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events by around 25-35% in people at elevated risk, and this benefit holds regardless of starting cholesterol level.4
Mounjaro also has cardiovascular outcomes data. The SURPASS-CVOT trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in December 2025, studied over 13,000 people with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease over a median of four years.9
The trial found an 8% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke, and a 16% reduction in all-cause mortality.9
These are encouraging results, and they confirm that Mounjaro has genuine cardiovascular benefits beyond supporting weight loss.
However, statins still have a role. The cardiovascular benefit of statins is well established across a much broader range of people, including those without diabetes, those without existing heart disease, and those at moderate risk.
SURPASS-CVOT studied a specific population (type 2 diabetes with established cardiovascular disease), so its findings don’t automatically apply to everyone taking Mounjaro for weight loss.
In practical terms, your statin remains important for cardiovascular protection if you and your GP are happy with its benefits. The cardiovascular benefits of Mounjaro are an additional advantage, not a replacement.
Comparing their effects
| Factor |
Atorvastatin (statin) |
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) |
| Primary mechanism |
Blocks cholesterol production in the liver |
Reduces appetite, promotes weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity |
| LDL cholesterol reduction |
40-50% (high-intensity statin)4 |
5-8% (dose-dependent, largely weight-driven)3 |
| Triglyceride reduction |
Moderate |
15-30% (dose-dependent)3 |
| Weight loss |
Not associated with weight loss |
Up to 26% after two years6 |
| Blood pressure |
Minimal direct effect |
Reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure6 |
| Cardiovascular outcomes data |
25-35% reduction in major cardiovascular events4 |
SURPASS-CVOT: 8% reduction in MACE, 16% reduction in all-cause mortality (in type 2 diabetes with existing heart disease)9 |
| How it’s taken |
Oral tablet, once a day |
Injection, once a week |
| Known drug interaction |
No clinically significant interaction identified1 |
Foods to focus on
A diet based on whole, minimally processed foods that includes plenty of vegetables, protein, oily fish, and high-fibre carbohydrates supports healthy cholesterol levels and provides the nutrients you need while eating less overall.
Soluble fibre for cholesterol
Soluble fibre helps lower LDL cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and removing it from the body before it’s absorbed.
Good sources include oats, barley, beans and lentils, sweet potato, and fruits like apples and pears. Aim to include a source of soluble fibre at most meals.
Oily fish and healthy fats
Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower triglycerides. Aim for at least two portions a week.
Extra virgin olive oil, nuts (particularly almonds and walnuts), seeds, and avocado all contain unsaturated fats that support a healthy cholesterol profile.
Protein at every meal
Eating enough protein is particularly important when you’re losing weight on Mounjaro. Protein helps preserve muscle mass, which matters both for your metabolic health and for maintaining strength.
Include a source of protein the size of your palm at each meal: chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, Greek yoghurt, tofu, or beans and lentils.
Complex carbohydrates
High-fibre, complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and support gut health. Good options include wholegrain or sourdough bread, rolled oats, brown rice, sweet potato, quinoa, and beans and lentils.
These are digested more slowly, which helps maintain steady blood sugar levels and supports reduced cardiovascular disease risk and weight loss.
Make sure you eat enough
Mounjaro significantly reduces appetite, and some people find it hard to eat enough. Skipping meals or eating very little can increase the risk of muscle loss and micronutrient deficiencies.
We recommend eating three balanced meals a day based on the balanced plate model: fill half the plate with vegetables, a quarter with protein, a quarter with complex carbohydrates, and add a serving of healthy fat.
On days when you’re struggling to eat, try nutrient-dense foods that are easier to manage: Greek yoghurt with berries, a handful of nuts, scrambled eggs on sourdough, or a smoothie with yoghurt, milk, spinach, banana, and protein powder.
Foods to limit
Ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates (white bread, sugary cereals, pastries), and foods high in added sugar are associated with higher triglycerides and worse cholesterol profiles.
Movement and physical activity
Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health, helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss, and can improve your cholesterol profile independently of medication.
Getting started
If you’re not currently active, start small. A 10-minute walk after a meal, doing calf raises while the kettle boils, or walking up and down the stairs a few times a day are good places to start.
Research on habit formation shows that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic, and linking a new habit to an existing routine (like walking after dinner) helps it stick.7
From there, gradually do a little more as it feels manageable.
Resistance training
Resistance training helps protect against muscle loss during weight loss on Mounjaro and supports bone health.
It’s particularly worth considering if you experience statin-related muscle aches, as strengthening the muscles can sometimes help manage these symptoms.
Start with bodyweight exercises like squats, wall push-ups, or sit-to-stand movements. You don’t need to join a gym; resistance bands or light dumbbells at home work well.
Aerobic exercise and cholesterol
Regular aerobic activity (walking, cycling, swimming) can help to increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides.
These are the lipid markers that statins are less effective at changing, so exercise fills a genuine gap.
Any amount is better than none, but for cardiovascular health, aim to build up to 150 minutes of moderate activity per week as a long-term goal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mounjaro with atorvastatin?
Yes. No clinically significant interactions have been identified between tirzepatide and atorvastatin.1 You can continue taking your statin at the same time and dose as usual.
Will Mounjaro affect how well my statin works?
Mounjaro slows stomach emptying, which can slightly delay the absorption of oral medications.
However, research shows this doesn’t meaningfully change how much of the drug your body absorbs overall.1
Do I still need my statin if Mounjaro also lowers cholesterol?
Yes. Statins remain the most effective medication for reducing LDL cholesterol, lowering it by 40-50% at high-intensity doses.4 Mounjaro’s LDL reduction is more modest at 5-8%.3
Mounjaro has shown cardiovascular benefits in people with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease, but statins have proven benefits across a much wider range of people.
Stopping a statin without medical advice could significantly increase your cardiovascular risk.
Should I take my statin at a different time to Mounjaro?
There’s no need to separate them. Mounjaro’s effect on stomach emptying is continuous at steady state, not linked to the injection day. Take your statin at the time your GP recommended.
Will I need extra blood tests?
Your GP may check your cholesterol levels and liver function at routine intervals to track how both medications are working together. This is standard monitoring, not a response to a specific interaction.
Can Mounjaro help me come off statins?
If weight loss on Mounjaro significantly improves your cholesterol levels, your GP may review your statin dose over time.
However, many people are prescribed statins based on their overall cardiovascular risk, not just their cholesterol numbers, so a lower cholesterol level doesn’t always mean the statin is no longer needed.
Never stop or reduce your statin without speaking to your doctor.
What side effects should I look out for?
The most common Mounjaro side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, and reduced appetite, particularly in the first few weeks. Statins can occasionally cause muscle aches.
If you notice new or worsening symptoms after starting Mounjaro, contact your GP.
Does the type of statin matter?
Atorvastatin is the most prescribed statin in the UK, but the same principles apply to other statins, such as rosuvastatin and simvastatin.
No clinically significant interactions have been identified between GLP-1-based medications and any statin.1
Can I take Mounjaro if I have high cholesterol but a healthy BMI?
Mounjaro is prescribed only for people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition.
If your cholesterol is high but your BMI is in the healthy range, your GP may prescribe a statin or other lipid-lowering treatment instead.
What if I have high triglycerides as well as high LDL cholesterol?
This is a situation where the combination of a statin and Mounjaro may be particularly beneficial.
Statins are most effective at lowering LDL, while Mounjaro has a stronger effect on triglycerides (reducing them by 15-30%).3 Together, they address both parts of the lipid profile.
Take home message
There are no known clinically significant interactions between Mounjaro and statins like atorvastatin.
The two medications lower cholesterol through different mechanisms, so taking them together may offer complementary benefits.
Statins have decades of proven outcomes data showing they reduce heart attacks and strokes, and this benefit isn’t offset by Mounjaro’s cholesterol-lowering effects.
You should remain on your statin if you and your doctor are happy with the impact the drug is having on your health.
Mounjaro’s biggest contribution to your lipid profile is reducing triglycerides and the broader metabolic improvements that come with weight loss, including lower blood pressure, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced liver fat.
Alongside medication, a diet based on whole foods rich in soluble fibre, oily fish, vegetables, and lean protein supports cholesterol levels and healthy weight loss.
Regular movement, particularly a combination of walking and resistance training, fills in the gaps that medication alone can’t cover.
Second Nature’s programme combines Mounjaro with support from registered dietitians and a structured habit-change programme built around the balanced plate model.
In a published study, active subscribers on Second Nature’s semaglutide-supported programme lost an average of 19.1% of their body weight at 12 months, with 77.7% achieving at least 10% weight loss.8
If you’re signing up for Second Nature’s Mounjaro programme, the clinical team will review your full medication history, including any statin use, before approving a prescription.
Second Nature's Mounjaro and Wegovy programmes
Second Nature provides Mounjaro or Wegovy as part of our Mounjaro and Wegovy weight-loss programmes.
Why choose Second Nature over other medication providers, assuming you're eligible?
Because peace of mind matters.
We've had the privilege of working with the NHS for over eight years, helping people across the UK take meaningful steps toward a healthier, happier life.
Our programmes are designed to meet people where they are, whether that means support with weight loss through compassionate one-to-one health coaching, or access to the latest weight-loss medications (like Mounjaro and Wegovy) delivered alongside expert care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and personal trainers.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: real, lasting change comes from building better habits, not relying on quick fixes. We're here to support that change every step of the way.
With over a decade of experience, thousands of lives changed, and a long-standing record of delivering programmes used by the NHS, we believe we're the UK's most trusted weight-loss programme.
We hope to offer you something invaluable: peace of mind, and the support you need to take that first step.
References
- Calvarysky, B. et al. (2024). Drug-Drug Interactions Between Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Oral Medications: A Systematic Review. Drug Safety, 47(5), 439-450.
- NHSBSA. (2024). Prescription Cost Analysis, England 2023/24.
- Mahar, S. et al. (2024). The Effects of Tirzepatide on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2023). Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification (NG238).
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. (2026). Mounjaro KwikPen: Summary of Product Characteristics.
- Aronne, L.J. et al. (2024). Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity. JAMA, 331(1), 38-48.
- Lally, P. et al. (2010). How are habits formed: modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998-1009.
- Richards, R. et al. (2025). Evaluating weight and health outcomes in a digitally delivered weight management programme with adjunctive GLP-1 RA pharmacotherapy. JMIR Formative Research, 9(1), e72577.
- Nicholls, S.J. et al. (2025). Cardiovascular Outcomes with Tirzepatide versus Dulaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 393(24), 2409-2420.
