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GLP-1 Dosage 2026: Complete Dosing Chart for All GLP-1 Medications

Complete GLP-1 dosage guide. Semaglutide 0.25-2.4 mg, tirzepatide 2.5-15 mg, titration schedules, injection frequency, missed dose instructions, costs from $147/mo.

September 6, 2026Healthy-Weight Editorial11 min read
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD
Medically reviewed|US-licensed providers|Compounded GLP-1|No insurance needed
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GLP-1 dosage: Complete guide

GLP-1 medications follow a gradual titration schedule to minimize side effects and maximize weight loss. The two main GLP-1 medications for weight loss — semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) — are both weekly injections that start at a low dose and increase over 16-24 weeks. This guide covers the complete dosing schedules, titration timelines, and everything you need to know about GLP-1 dosing.

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Semaglutide (Wegovy) dosing schedule

WeekDosePurpose
Weeks 1-40.25 mgInitiation
Weeks 5-80.5 mgEscalation
Weeks 9-121.0 mgTherapeutic dose
Weeks 13-161.7 mgContinued escalation
Week 17+2.4 mgFull maintenance dose

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) dosing schedule

WeekDosePurpose
Weeks 1-42.5 mgInitiation
Weeks 5-85 mgEscalation
Weeks 9-127.5 mgTherapeutic dose
Weeks 13-1610 mgContinued escalation
Weeks 17-2012.5 mgNear-maximum dose
Week 21+15 mgFull maintenance dose

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Ozempic dosing (for diabetes)

WeekDosePurpose
Weeks 1-40.25 mgInitiation
Weeks 5-80.5 mgTherapeutic dose
Weeks 9-12+1.0 mgStandard maintenance
If needed2.0 mgMax dose for diabetes

Why gradual titration matters

The gradual dose increase is critical for two reasons:

  • Minimizes side effects — Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are much worse when starting at a high dose. The body needs time to adjust to each dose level.
  • Maximizes weight loss — Reaching the full maintenance dose (2.4 mg semaglutide or 15 mg tirzepatide) is essential for maximum weight loss. Patients who stay at lower doses lose less weight.

If side effects are severe at a particular dose, your provider may keep you at that dose longer before increasing. Never increase your dose without your provider's approval.

What to do if you miss a dose

  • Less than 5 days late: Take it as soon as you remember, then continue your regular schedule
  • More than 5 days late: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regular schedule
  • Never take two doses at once — This increases the risk of severe side effects
  • If you miss more than 2 weeks, contact your provider — you may need to restart at a lower dose

GLP-1 dosing tips

  • Take on the same day each week
  • Take at any time of day, with or without food
  • Stay hydrated — drink 80-100 oz of water daily
  • Eat smaller meals to reduce nausea during titration
  • Track your injections in a journal or app
  • Set a weekly reminder on your phone
  • Contact your provider if side effects are severe
  • Never skip dose increases without discussing with your provider

GLP-1 storage

  • Before first use: Store in refrigerator (36-46°F / 2-8°C)
  • After first use: Can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days (brand pens) or follow pharmacy instructions (compounded)
  • Do not freeze — Discard if frozen
  • Protect from light — Keep in original packaging

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FAQ

What is the standard GLP-1 dosage for weight loss?

Semaglutide (Wegovy): 0.25 mg → 2.4 mg over 16-20 weeks. Tirzepatide (Zepbound): 2.5 mg → 15 mg over 20-24 weeks. Both are weekly injections.

How often do you take GLP-1 medications?

Once weekly as a subcutaneous injection. Same day each week. Any time of day, with or without food. Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) is daily but for diabetes only.

What is the maximum GLP-1 dose?

Semaglutide: 2.4 mg weekly (Wegovy) or 2.0 mg (Ozempic). Tirzepatide: 15 mg weekly (Zepbound/Mounjaro). Maximum dose produces greatest weight loss.

How long does it take to reach the full dose?

Semaglutide: 16-20 weeks. Tirzepatide: 20-24 weeks. Dose increases every 4 weeks to minimize side effects. Never increase faster than prescribed.

What happens if I miss a GLP-1 dose?

Less than 5 days late: take ASAP. More than 5 days: skip and resume schedule. Never take two doses at once. If you miss 2+ weeks, contact your provider.

Can I increase my GLP-1 dose faster?

No. Faster titration increases risk of severe side effects. If side effects are severe, your provider may slow titration. Always follow your provider's schedule.

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide dosing?

Semaglutide: 0.25 → 2.4 mg over 16-20 weeks. Tirzepatide: 2.5 → 15 mg over 20-24 weeks. Different medications with different potencies, but both follow gradual weekly titration.

Do I need to stay at the maximum dose?

Maximum dose produces greatest weight loss. If you can't tolerate it, your provider will find the highest tolerable dose. Even at lower doses, GLP-1s produce significant weight loss.

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Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication or weight-loss program.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through them, at no extra cost to you. This is a paid partnership. GLP-1 medications are prescription products requiring a physician consultation — not everyone qualifies, and results vary.

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Compounded semaglutide & tirzepatide. Online consultation with a US-licensed provider. No insurance needed.

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