Wegovy Doses: Complete Dosing Schedule & Chart (2026)
- Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg weekly (starting dose)
- Weeks 5-8: 0.5mg weekly (begin therapeutic effects)
- Weeks 9-12: 1.0mg weekly (increased appetite suppression)
- Weeks 13-16: 1.7mg weekly (near-maintenance)
- Week 17+: 2.4mg weekly (full maintenance dose)
Wegovy injection dosing schedule
The weekly injection follows a 5-step titration over 16 weeks:
| Weeks | Dose | Pen Color | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 0.25 mg | Yellow | Starting dose, establish tolerance |
| 5-8 | 0.5 mg | Red | Begin therapeutic effects |
| 9-12 | 1.0 mg | Brown | Increased appetite suppression |
| 13-16 | 1.7 mg | Blue | Near-maintenance dose |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg | Black | Full maintenance dose |
Each pen contains 4 weekly doses (one month supply). Inject once per week on the same day.
What happens at each dose level
0.25mg (weeks 1-4): This is a sub-therapeutic dose. Don’t expect major appetite changes yet. The purpose is to let your body get used to the medication and minimize GI side effects when you increase.
0.5mg (weeks 5-8): Most people start noticing reduced appetite. You may feel full faster after meals. Some weight loss typically begins.
1.0mg (weeks 9-12): Appetite suppression becomes more noticeable. This is the same maximum dose as Ozempic. Weight loss usually accelerates.
1.7mg (weeks 13-16): Stronger appetite control. Some patients stay at this dose if they’re losing weight steadily and tolerating it well.
2.4mg (week 17+): The full maintenance dose. Clinical trials showed the best weight loss results at this dose (average 15% body weight over 68 weeks).
Wegovy oral tablet dosing schedule
The daily oral tablet follows a similar titration pattern:
| Month | Daily Dose | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 mg | Starting dose |
| 2 | 7 mg | Titration |
| 3 | 14 mg | Titration |
| 4+ | 25-50 mg | Maintenance |
- Take on an empty stomach first thing in the morning
- Swallow with no more than 4 oz (120ml) of plain water
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other meds
- Don’t crush, chew, or split the tablet
Why does Wegovy require gradual dosing?
The slow titration exists because GLP-1 medications commonly cause nausea, vomiting, and other GI side effects. Starting low and increasing gradually helps your body adapt.
Without gradual titration: Severe nausea and vomiting in most patients, leading to higher dropout rates before seeing weight loss benefits.
With gradual titration: Side effects are milder and manageable. About 93-94% of patients tolerate the medication well enough to continue.
Can you stay on a lower dose?
Yes. Some patients stay on 1.7mg instead of increasing to 2.4mg. Reasons include:
- Satisfactory weight loss at 1.7mg
- Side effects at 2.4mg that don’t improve
- Doctor recommendation based on your response
The 2.4mg dose produces the most weight loss on average, but individual results vary.
Wegovy HD (higher dose option)
Wegovy HD offers a 7.2mg weekly dose for patients who:
- Have tolerated 2.4mg for at least 4 weeks
- Haven’t reached their weight loss goals
- Need additional support
This higher dose is prescribed selectively. Not everyone will benefit from or tolerate 7.2mg.
What if you miss a dose?
Injection
If your next dose is more than 2 days away: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then resume your regular schedule.
If your next dose is 2 days or less away: Skip the missed dose. Take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Don’t take two doses to make up for one.
If you miss doses for 2+ weeks: Contact your doctor. You may need to restart at a lower dose to avoid severe side effects.
Oral tablet
Skip the missed dose and take your next dose the following morning. Don’t double up or take it later in the day.
How to inject Wegovy
Wegovy comes in pre-filled single-use pens. The injection takes about 10 seconds:
- Choose an injection site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm)
- Clean the area with an alcohol swab
- Remove the pen cap
- Press the pen firmly against your skin
- Press and hold the button until you hear a click
- Hold for 5-10 seconds until the yellow indicator appears
- Remove and dispose of the pen properly
Storage
- Store in refrigerator (36°F to 46°F / 2°C to 8°C)
- Can store at room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 28 days
- Keep in original carton to protect from light
- Don’t freeze
Side effects by dose
Side effects are most common during the first few weeks on each new dose:
| Side Effect | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 44% | Usually improves after 2-3 weeks |
| Diarrhea | 30% | More common during increases |
| Vomiting | 24% | Peaks first week of new dose |
| Constipation | 24% | Can occur at any dose |
| Stomach pain | 20% | Usually mild |
For more details, see our guide to semaglutide side effects.
Frequently asked questions
Oral: Must take on empty stomach, wait 30 minutes before eating.
The bottom line
Wegovy dosing follows a careful 16-week titration from 0.25mg to 2.4mg. This gradual increase minimizes side effects while allowing your body to adjust. Most people tolerate the medication well with this approach.
Stick to the prescribed schedule even if you’re eager for faster results. The titration exists for good reasons, and skipping ahead increases side effects without improving outcomes.
References
- Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) injection prescribing information. 2024.
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.
- FDA. Wegovy Medication Guide. 2024.
- Knop FK, et al. Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once daily in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1). Lancet. 2023;402(10403):705-719.