How is my GLP-1 dose determined?

Your GLP-1 dose is determined by your provider based on your medication type, treatment stage (starter vs maintenance), body weight, tolerance to side effects, and weight loss goals. All GLP-1 medications start at a low dose and increase gradually (titration) over 16-20 weeks to minimize side effects and build tolerance.

What is the starting dose for semaglutide (Wegovy)?

The starting dose for Wegovy (semaglutide) is 0.25mg once weekly for 4 weeks. This is a starter dose to build tolerance. The dose then increases to 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg, and finally 2.4mg (maintenance dose) over 16-20 weeks. For oral Wegovy, the starting dose is 1.5mg daily.

What is the starting dose for tirzepatide (Zepbound)?

The starting dose for Zepbound (tirzepatide) is 2.5mg once weekly for 4 weeks. The dose then increases to 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and finally 15mg (maintenance dose) over 20-24 weeks. Tirzepatide has a longer titration schedule than semaglutide due to its stronger effects.

Can I calculate my GLP-1 dose based on my body weight?

GLP-1 doses are not weight-based like some other medications. All patients start at the same starter dose regardless of body weight. However, your provider may adjust your titration speed based on your weight, tolerance, and weight loss progress. Heavier patients may lose weight faster at lower doses.

What happens if I miss a GLP-1 dose?

If you miss a weekly injection dose and it's been less than 5 days, take it as soon as you remember. If it's been more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regular schedule. Do not double up on doses. For daily oral GLP-1s, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.

Can I stay at a lower dose if I'm getting good results?

Yes. If you're achieving good weight loss at a lower dose with minimal side effects, your provider may recommend staying at that dose rather than titrating up. Some patients achieve their goals at 0.5mg semaglutide or 5mg tirzepatide. Discuss your options with your provider.

What is the maximum dose for each GLP-1 medication?

Maximum doses: Wegovy (semaglutide injection) 2.4mg/week, Wegovy pill 14.5mg/day, Ozempic 2.0mg/week, Zepbound (tirzepatide) 15mg/week, Mounjaro 15mg/week, Trulicity 4.5mg/week, Saxenda 3.0mg/day, Rybelsus 14mg/day.

How do I convert between Ozempic and Wegovy doses?

Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide). Dose equivalents: Ozempic 0.25mg = Wegovy 0.25mg, Ozempic 0.5mg = Wegovy 0.5mg, Ozempic 1.0mg = Wegovy 1.0mg, Ozempic 2.0mg = Wegovy 1.7mg (approximately). Wegovy's max dose (2.4mg) is higher than Ozempic's (2.0mg).

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GLP-1 Dose Calculator 2026: Find Your Right Dose

Find your right GLP-1 dose: semaglutide and tirzepatide dosing schedules, titration, and conversion charts.

August 27, 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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Key Takeaways

All GLP-1 medications start at a low dose and titrate up over 16-24 weeks
Semaglutide (Wegovy) starts at 0.25mg/week, max 2.4mg/week
Tirzepatide (Zepbound) starts at 2.5mg/week, max 15mg/week
Doses are not weight-based — all patients start at the same starter dose
Your provider adjusts titration speed based on tolerance and results
Never double up on missed doses — skip and continue on schedule

How GLP-1 dosing works

GLP-1 medications use a titration schedule — starting at a low dose and gradually increasing over several weeks. This approach minimizes side effects (especially nausea and vomiting) while allowing your body to build tolerance. Your provider determines your dose based on your medication type, treatment stage, side effect tolerance, and weight loss progress. If you're ready to start, check your eligibility now.

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Semaglutide (Wegovy) dosing schedule

Week	Injection Dose	Oral Pill Dose	Stage	Expected Weight Loss
Week 1-4	0.25 mg/week	1.5 mg/day	Starter	2-4%
Week 5-8	0.5 mg/week	3 mg/day	First therapeutic	4-8%
Week 9-12	1.0 mg/week	7 mg/day	Escalation	8-12%
Week 13-16	1.7 mg/week	7 mg/day	Pre-maintenance	12-15%
Week 17+	2.4 mg/week	14.5 mg/day	Maintenance (max)	15%

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) dosing schedule

Week	Dose	Stage	Expected Weight Loss
Week 1-4	2.5 mg/week	Starter	2-4%
Week 5-8	5 mg/week	First therapeutic	4-8%
Week 9-12	7.5 mg/week	Escalation	8-12%
Week 13-16	10 mg/week	Mid-treatment	12-16%
Week 17-20	12.5 mg/week	Pre-maintenance	16-20%
Week 21+	15 mg/week	Maintenance (max)	20-22.5%

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GLP-1 medication dose comparison chart

Medication	Active Ingredient	Starting Dose	Max Dose	Frequency
Wegovy (injection)	Semaglutide	0.25 mg	2.4 mg	Weekly
Wegovy (pill)	Semaglutide	1.5 mg	14.5 mg	Daily
Ozempic	Semaglutide	0.25 mg	2.0 mg	Weekly
Zepbound	Tirzepatide	2.5 mg	15 mg	Weekly
Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	2.5 mg	15 mg	Weekly
Trulicity	Dulaglutide	0.75 mg	4.5 mg	Weekly
Saxenda	Liraglutide	0.6 mg	3.0 mg	Daily
Rybelsus	Semaglutide	3 mg	14 mg	Daily

Factors that affect your GLP-1 dose

Factor	Effect on Dosing
Side effect tolerance	Severe side effects = slower titration or dose reduction
Weight loss progress	Good results at lower dose = may stay at current dose
Weight loss plateau	Stalled progress = may increase dose faster
Body weight	Heavier patients may respond faster at lower doses
Diabetes status	Diabetics may need different dosing (Ozempic vs Wegovy)
Concurrent medications	Some medications affect GLP-1 absorption or clearance
Treatment duration	Long-term users may need tolerance breaks

What to do if you miss a dose

Medication Type	If Less Than 5 Days Late	If More Than 5 Days Late
Weekly injection (Wegovy, Zepbound)	Take as soon as you remember	Skip and take next dose on schedule
Daily pill (Rybelsus, Wegovy pill)	Take as soon as you remember (same day)	Skip and take next dose tomorrow
Daily injection (Saxenda)	Take as soon as you remember (same day)	Skip and take next dose tomorrow

Never double up on doses. If you miss a dose, follow the guidance above or contact your provider. For more details, see our GLP-1 missed dose guide.

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Results vary. These testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not typical. Weight loss depends on diet, activity, and adherence to medication.

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