How excess weight affects our joints
Our joints function like shock absorbers, cushioning the impact of every step, squat, and movement throughout the day.
When we carry excess weight, this natural cushioning system becomes overloaded.
Here’s what’s remarkable about how weight affects our joints: each additional pound of body weight translates to approximately four pounds of pressure on our knees during walking.
This means that losing 10 pounds reduces knee pressure by 40 pounds with each step.
Weight-related joint stress affects multiple areas of our bodies, not just our knees. Our hips bear the brunt of upper body weight, while our ankles and feet absorb the full impact of our body weight with every step.
Our spine experiences particular strain, as excess abdominal weight pulls our lower back forward, creating an unnatural curve that stresses spinal joints.
The inflammatory connection
Excess weight contributes to joint pain through more than just mechanical pressure. Fat tissue produces inflammatory substances called cytokines, which circulate throughout our bodies and can increase joint inflammation even in areas that don’t bear weight directly.
This explains why people with excess weight sometimes experience pain in their hands, wrists, or shoulders, as these joints, which don’t directly support body weight, are affected by systemic inflammation.
Clinical evidence for Mounjaro’s joint benefits
New research shows promising effects for Mounjaro’s protective effects on joint health.
A major study analysing 39,394 patients found that tirzepatide (Mounjaro) was associated with a 43% lower risk of developing osteoarthritis compared to other weight loss medications.
The study, which followed patients for six months, controlled for existing health conditions and demographic factors.
Researchers found that people using anti-obesity medications overall had a 27% lower risk of developing osteoarthritis compared to those not using these medications, with Mounjaro showing the greatest benefit.
Direct protective effects
Beyond weight loss benefits, Mounjaro appears to offer direct joint protection through its effects on cartilage and joint tissue.
Research has identified GLP-1 receptors in joint cartilage, where they help prevent cell death and reduce inflammation.
Studies show that GLP-1 receptor activation reduces the production of enzymes that break down cartilage, while promoting the synthesis of essential cartilage components like collagen. This suggests that Mounjaro helps preserve joint structure independently of its weight loss effects.
Real-world pain reduction outcomes
Research suggests that people taking GLP-1 medications consistently report much less pain.
Patients needed fewer pain-relieving medications, including oral NSAIDs like ibuprofen, paracetamol, and topical anti-inflammatory treatments, after starting treatment.
The reduction in joint injections and steroid treatments was particularly notable, indicating that the achieved pain relief was both substantial and sustained.
Patients also showed slower rates of cartilage loss, indicating that the joint-protective effects translate into measurable structural benefits.
Managing temporary body aches
While Mounjaro offers significant long-term joint benefits, some people experience temporary body aches during the first few weeks of treatment.
Reports in online patient forums suggest that some users experience muscle or joint discomfort, typically beginning 24-48 hours after injection.
These temporary aches differ from the chronic joint pain caused by excess weight. They’re usually described as widespread muscle stiffness or a flu-like feeling, rather than the specific joint pain we associate with weight-bearing activities.
Timeline and management
Temporary body aches typically follow a predictable pattern. Most people who experience them notice symptoms beginning 24 hours after their injection, with peak discomfort occurring around day two or three.
The discomfort usually resolves within 4-5 days, often improving significantly by the time of your next injection.
Many patients find that these initial side effects diminish or disappear entirely after the first few weeks of treatment.
Things that help include staying well-hydrated, gentle movement like walking, and ensuring adequate protein intake to support muscle health.
Some patients find relief with warm baths or heat pads, whilst others prefer cool compresses for inflamed areas.
If body aches persist beyond the first month or become severe, speak with your healthcare provider about dose adjustments or alternative management approaches.
Who benefits most from joint pain relief
People carrying excess weight who experience joint discomfort can benefit from Mounjaro’s weight loss effects, regardless of whether they have a formal arthritis diagnosis.
The mechanical benefits of weight reduction apply to anyone whose joints are under extra stress.
Common joint pain patterns that improve
Knee pain when we climb stairs or after prolonged standing often improves dramatically with weight loss.
This kind of pain usually happens because our joints are working too hard, rather than advanced arthritis, making it highly responsive to weight reduction.
Hip discomfort that worsens throughout the day frequently relates to weight-bearing stress.
We often notice this pain first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity, when our joints are stiff and less prepared to bear weight.
Back pain, particularly in our lower spine, shows significant improvement with weight loss.
Excess abdominal weight pulls our spine forward, creating an unnatural curve that strains spinal joints and surrounding muscles.
Ankle and foot pain from carrying extra weight often resolves as pressure on these joints decreases.
Many of us find we can walk longer distances and stand for extended periods without discomfort.
Early joint changes respond best
People with early joint changes – minor stiffness, occasional aches, or discomfort after activity – tend to see the most dramatic improvements.
These symptoms often represent early mechanical stress rather than advanced joint damage.
Morning stiffness that improves as we move throughout the day typically responds well to weight reduction.
This pattern suggests that our joints are struggling with initial load-bearing but adapt as they warm up.
Weather-related joint aches, which worsen with cold or damp conditions, often improve with weight loss as reduced joint stress makes them less sensitive to environmental changes.
Common questions about Mounjaro and joint pain
How quickly will I notice joint pain improvement?
Most people begin noticing joint pain relief after losing 5-10% of their body weight, typically within the first 2-3 months of treatment.
The relief often becomes more pronounced as weight loss continues.
Some people notice improvements in daily activities before the scales show dramatic changes, as even modest weight reduction can significantly decrease joint pressure.
Will joint pain return if I stop Mounjaro?
Joint pain relief typically persists as long as you maintain your weight loss. If weight returns after stopping medication, joint pain can gradually return as mechanical stress on joints increases.
This is why developing sustainable habits during treatment is crucial for maintaining both weight loss and joint health benefits long-term.
Can Mounjaro help with back pain specifically?
Back pain often improves significantly with weight loss achieved through Mounjaro. Excess abdominal weight creates a forward pull on the spine, and reducing this weight can help restore a more natural spinal alignment.
Many of us find that chronic lower back pain improves as core stability increases and spinal stress decreases with weight reduction.
What if I have both temporary body aches and existing joint pain?
It can be challenging to distinguish between temporary medication side effects and existing joint pain during the first few weeks. Keep a simple pain diary noting timing, location, and severity.
Temporary medication-related aches typically affect multiple areas simultaneously and follow the injection schedule, whilst chronic joint pain tends to be more localised and activity-related.
Should I continue exercising if I have joint pain?
Gentle, low-impact exercise typically helps both temporary body aches and chronic joint pain. Swimming, walking, and stretching can improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
Avoid high-impact activities if you’re experiencing significant joint discomfort, but try to maintain some level of gentle movement to prevent stiffness from worsening.
Take home message
Mounjaro can significantly reduce joint pain through substantial weight loss, with clinical evidence showing a 43% reduction in osteoarthritis risk compared to other weight loss medications.
While some people experience temporary body aches during the first few weeks, these typically resolve as our bodies adapt to treatment.
The long-term joint benefits are substantial for anyone carrying excess weight, regardless of whether we have diagnosed arthritis.
Every pound lost translates to approximately four pounds less pressure on our knees, with corresponding benefits for our hips, back, ankles, and feet.
The key to lasting joint pain relief is losing weight and keeping it off through a combination of medication effects and sustainable lifestyle changes.
The protective effects on joint cartilage provide additional benefits beyond those achieved through weight reduction alone.
If you’re experiencing joint discomfort related to excess weight, the evidence suggests that Mounjaro can offer both immediate relief through weight loss and long-term joint protection.
Finding a doctor who knows about both the benefits and the temporary side effects makes all the difference for your joint health.
Second Nature's Mounjaro programme
Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme
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) 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.
