Wegovy is a weight loss treatment that’s making waves for a reason. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, making you feel fuller for longer and helping to manage cravings.
Medicines such as Wegovy or Mounjaro are in high demand because they work for lots of people. Studies have shown people can lose significant amounts of their body weight with Wegovy, with the highest dose (7.2mg) showing average weight loss of 20.7%.
When you first start taking Wegovy weight loss injections, your clinician will set you up on a dosage schedule with a low starting dose to ensure safety, effectiveness and long-term results. Here, we'll take you through the Wegovy dose schedule step by step, including the newly available higher dose option.
Wegovy doses
The Wegovy dosage schedule is designed to support the best weight loss results whilst prioritising your safety. You inject a dose of Wegovy once a week, on the same day every week, using a prefilled pen.
The schedule always starts with the same low starting dose of 0.25mg per week for four weeks. Then, we recommend increasing your dose every four weeks until your clinician finds the right dose for you. If you experience any side effects with a particular dose, you can contact your clinician to review your plan.
Switching from another weight loss medication?
If you're moving to Wegovy from another GLP-1 treatment like Mounjaro, you may be able to start at a higher dose instead of 0.25mg. This approach helps you maintain the progress you've already made and avoid losing momentum by restarting at the lowest dose.
Your Voy clinician will review your current medication, dose, and how long you've been taking it. Based on clinical evidence and your individual circumstances, they'll recommend the most appropriate starting dose for a safe and effective transition. This type of prescribing is considered off-label use, but it's a common and evidence-based approach to switching between GLP-1 medications.
Why do I need a dosage schedule?
You might be wondering: “why can’t I just jump to the full dose if that’s what works?” It’s a fair question! But think of it like training for a marathon. You wouldn’t start by running 26 miles on your first day, right? You’d build up to it gradually.
The same goes for Wegovy. Starting with a lower dose gives your body time to adjust, helping to minimise side effects and ensure the treatment works for you in the long run. This step-by-step approach is key to achieving safe, sustainable weight loss.
What are the Wegovy injection doses for weight loss?
There are six Wegovy doses for weight loss that a clinician might prescribe: Wegovy 0.25mg, Wegovy 0.5mg, Wegovy 1mg, Wegovy 1.7mg, Wegovy 2.4mg, and Wegovy 7.2mg.
Wegovy dosing schedule
It’s important to follow the recommended titration plan, which gradually increases your dose every four weeks (or when your clinician recommends moving you up).
Some people may need more time at a lower dose before moving up to the next step, if you’re experiencing particularly strong effects from treatment, or any side effects. Always check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your schedule.
If you ever need to pause or slow down, your healthcare provider can help you adapt the schedule to suit your needs. What matters most is finding a pace that works for you.
Here’s what the Wegovy dosage schedule might look like as your treatment progresses:
- Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg once weekly
- Weeks 5-8: 0.5mg once weekly
- Weeks 9-12: 1mg once weekly
- Weeks 13-16: 1.7mg once weekly
- Weeks 17-20: 2.4mg once weekly
- Week 21 onwards: 7.2mg once weekly
Your individual journey may differ from this standard schedule.
Your optimal dose is the one that gives you good appetite control and weight loss while remaining comfortable to stay on long term. Some people find this sweet spot at 0.5mg, 1mg, or 1.7mg and stay at that level throughout their treatment. There's no need to keep increasing if you're already seeing the results you want and tolerating your current dose well.
Your clinician will work with you to find the dose that's right for you based on your progress, how you're feeling, and your weight loss goals.
Wegovy dosage chart
Wegovy starting dose
Everyone starts Wegovy on 0.25mg per week for four weeks, unless you're switching from another GLP-1 medication like Mounjaro (see above for details). After this, doses are usually increased bit by bit every four weeks unless you experience side effects or want to remain on the dose you're on.
Wegovy maintenance dose
At Voy, we define your maintenance dose as the dose you’ll transition to after you’ve reached your weight loss goal. This stage is all about protecting the great results you’ve achieved, helping you maintain your success, avoid further weight loss, and reduce the risk of regaining weight. It's a key part of building a long-term, sustainable future.
That might mean coming off treatment and returning in the future if you need a little extra support, or staying on a lower dose long term if that feels right for you.
The maintenance dose is different to the maximum tolerated dose meaning the dose you remain on when you’re in the weight loss stage of your journey. For most people, the dose is 2.4mg, though some may escalate to 7.2mg. After reaching your target dose, you continue with this once a week as per your treatment plan. Some Wegovy users do choose to stay on a lower dose. It's all about what works for you, how you're feeling and what your clinician recommends!
While it might feel tempting to skip ahead to the maximum dose, it’s best to follow your clinician’s guidance. The gradual increase helps your body adjust and leads to more effective, long-lasting results. Plus, your clinician will monitor your progress and tailor your treatment to what works best for you.
Wegovy maximum dosage
The maximum recommended dose of Wegovy is now 7.2mg of semaglutide every week. Previously, the maximum dose was 2.4mg, which continues to deliver significant weight loss benefits for many people.
The 7.2mg dose is a newer option for people who may benefit from additional weight loss support after stabilising on 2.4mg. However, you don't start taking these higher doses straightaway. You build up to them gradually to minimise the risk of side effects and for your body to get used to the medication. It's worth remembering that not everyone will need to increase to the highest dose. Many people achieve their weight loss goals at lower doses.
At the 2.4mg dose, most people experience strong appetite-suppressing effects of semaglutide, which can make it easier to reach your health goals. The 7.2mg dose has shown even greater weight loss in clinical trials, with people losing an average of 20.7% of their body weight compared to 17.5% at 2.4mg.
What if you can’t tolerate the maximum dose?
Not everyone can or needs to reach higher doses. Some people find they respond well to a lower dose, such as 1mg or 1.7mg, and may stay on that long term. If side effects are a barrier, your healthcare provider may recommend sticking with a lower dose that your body can tolerate.
The key is finding the right balance between effectiveness and comfort. Lower doses can still lead to meaningful weight loss, especially when supported by healthy habits.
How many doses are in a Wegovy pen?
There are four doses in each Wegovy pen. As Wegovy is injected weekly, one pen will last four weeks.
At what dose does Wegovy start working?
Wegovy starts working from your very first dose. However, the effects you notice will vary depending on where you are in your treatment journey.
Some people may notice appetite suppression and small changes in weight within the first 4 to 8 weeks, even at the lower doses (such as 0.25mg or 0.5mg). More noticeable weight loss tends to become more apparent once you reach the higher doses, with many people seeing significant results at 1.7mg, 2.4mg or 7.2mg
Your metabolism, lifestyle and how closely you stick to the dosage schedule can influence the amount and rate of weight loss. This is totally normal.
How long does it take to see results on Wegovy?
How long it takes to see results on Wegovy really varies from person to person. Some people notice appetite suppression and weight loss at the lower doses, while others need to increase gradually until they find the dose that works for them. In general, as your dose increases, appetite suppression and therefore weight loss, tends to become more pronounced.
In clinical trials, most participants saw noticeable results after reaching higher doses, with many continuing treatment for at least 12 months to achieve and stabilise their weight loss.
Wegovy is recommended alongside a healthy, balanced diet and physical activity. Try to fit in 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, activities like walking, jogging, or even dancing count. At Voy, our dedicated and compassionate coaches will help you find the lifestyle changes that work best for you.
What happens if I miss a dose of Wegovy?
Life happens, and it’s okay if you forget a dose. Here’s what to do:
- Within 5 days of your scheduled dose: Take your injection as soon as you remember. Then continue with your regular weekly schedule.
- More than 5 days have passed: Skip the missed dose entirely. Resume your normal schedule with your next injection on the following scheduled day.
- Missed 2 weeks or more: Don't take your usual dose. Contact your clinician first. Depending on how long it's been, you may need to restart at a lower dose to minimise side effects.
Whatever you do, don't double up on doses to catch up. If you accidentally take more than one dose in a week, contact your doctor right away. Missing a dose won't derail your progress, you just need to get back on track safely.
How to inject Wegovy?
Wegovy is injected using a prefilled pen, which is provided to you. Using a Wegovy pen is straightforward. The injection is subcutaneous, meaning you inject it into the fatty tissue just under your skin—common areas include your upper arms, upper legs, or stomach. Avoid injecting into veins, muscles, or scarred areas. Take a look at our handy video that guides you through the process of injecting Wegovy.
Are there any Wegovy side effects to look out for?
Like starting any new medicine, you may experience some mild side effects after your first few doses of Wegovy while your body gets used to it. These could include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or fatigue, but research suggests they tend to be mild and ease as your body adapts to the Wegovy doses. Some people notice a bit of discomfort at the injection site too.
There are things you can do that could reduce the risk of side effects when starting Wegovy. Staying hydrated is important. And because Wegovy slows digestion, eating smaller meals can also help. Like with any sickness, getting some fresh air and avoiding trigger foods such as very rich, fatty or spicy food can sometimes ease symptoms too. It’s a good idea to limit your alcohol intake too.
Side effects support at Voy
"If you're using Voy and you experience any side effects, rest assured that our expert clinicians are just a message or phone call away. They can adjust your dose, prescribe medication to ease your symptoms, or simply offer reassurance.
Everyone responds differently to weight loss treatment and we'll help you find what feels right for you."
Getting started on Wegovy
If you're thinking about starting Wegovy, you're in expert hands with Voy. We're your partner throughout your entire weight loss journey. Research shows that you can lose around 53% more weight by month four when you engage with Voy compared to weight loss injections alone. Take this short quiz to see if our programme could be the right fit for you.
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