Semaglutide Dosage 2026: Complete Dosing Chart, Schedule & Titration Guide

Semaglutide dosage for weight loss: Complete guide

Semaglutide dosage follows a gradual titration schedule to minimize side effects and maximize weight loss. For weight loss (Wegovy), the dose starts at 0.25 mg weekly and increases every 4 weeks up to the 2.4 mg maintenance dose. This guide covers the complete dosing schedule, injection instructions, titration timeline, and everything you need to know about taking semaglutide correctly.

Wegovy dosing schedule (for weight loss)

Ozempic dosing schedule (for diabetes)

How to inject semaglutide

1. Choose your injection site — Abdomen (at least 2 inches from navel), thigh, or upper arm
2. Rotate sites — Use a different site each week to prevent skin irritation
3. Clean the site — Wipe with an alcohol swab and let dry
4. Inject — For pre-filled pens (Wegovy, Ozempic): place pen against skin, press button, hold for 5-10 seconds. For compounded: use a small insulin syringe to inject under the skin
5. Dispose safely — Place used needles in a sharps container

See our injections guide and injection sites guide.

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

Semaglutide storage

• Before first use: Store in refrigerator (36-46°F / 2-8°C)
• After first use: Wegovy can be stored at room temperature (59-86°F) for up to 28 days, or refrigerated
• Compounded semaglutide: Follow your pharmacy's specific storage instructions — typically refrigerated
• Do not freeze — Discard if frozen
• Protect from light — Keep in original packaging

Why gradual dose 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.
• Maximizes weight loss — Reaching the full 2.4 mg maintenance dose 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.

Semaglutide 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
• Track your injections in a journal or app
• Set a weekly reminder on your phone
• Contact your provider if side effects are severe

FAQ

Related articles

• Semaglutide Injections Guide
• Semaglutide Weight Loss
• Semaglutide Results
• Semaglutide Cost Guide
• How to Get Semaglutide
• Wegovy Weight Loss
• Ozempic Weight Loss
• GLP-1 Side Effects

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.