Wegovy Dosage for Weight Loss: Complete Dosing Guide
A complete guide to Wegovy dosing for weight loss, including the official titration schedule, maintenance dose, pen sizes, injection sites, missed dose rules, and side effect management.
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Key Takeaways
- Wegovy starts at 0.25mg/week and titrates to 2.4mg/week over 5 months
- Full schedule: 0.25mg (weeks 1-4) → 0.5mg (5-8) → 1mg (9-12) → 1.7mg (13-16) → 2.4mg (17+)
- 5 pen strengths available: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg — starter kit includes all 5
- Maintenance dose is 2.4mg once weekly — do not skip titration steps
- Common side effects at each dose increase: nausea, diarrhea, constipation — usually mild
- If side effects are severe, your doctor may keep you at the current dose longer
- Missed dose rule: <5 days = take ASAP, >5 days = skip and resume schedule
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand-name version of semaglutide 2.4 mg, a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management. It is given as a once-weekly injection and has been shown to help patients lose about 15% of their body weight on average.
The dose is increased gradually to reduce side effects and help the body adjust. This guide explains the official Wegovy dosing schedule and how it is used for weight loss.
Wegovy dosing schedule
Wegovy comes in a pre-filled single-dose pen. The standard titration schedule is:
- Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg once weekly
- Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg once weekly
- Weeks 9 to 12: 1 mg once weekly
- Weeks 13 to 16: 1.7 mg once weekly
- Week 17 and beyond: 2.4 mg once weekly
The dose is raised every 4 weeks until the maximum maintenance dose of 2.4 mg is reached. Some providers may move more slowly depending on side effects.
Wegovy dosing chart: complete table
| Week | Dose | Pen color | Purpose | Typical weight loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 0.25 mg | Teal | Starting dose — body adjustment | ~1-3 lbs |
| 5-8 | 0.5 mg | Burgundy | Early titration — appetite suppression begins | ~2-5 lbs |
| 9-12 | 1 mg | Yellow | Increased appetite suppression | ~3-7 lbs |
| 13-16 | 1.7 mg | Light blue | Approaching maintenance — significant loss | ~4-9 lbs |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg | Dark blue | Maintenance dose — maximum efficacy | ~5-12 lbs/month |
Wegovy pen strengths and sizes
Wegovy is available in 5 separate pre-filled single-dose pens, each color-coded for easy identification:
| Dose | Pen color | Pack size | Month of schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg | Teal | 4 pens (1 month) | Month 1 |
| 0.5 mg | Burgundy | 4 pens (1 month) | Month 2 |
| 1 mg | Yellow | 4 pens (1 month) | Month 3 |
| 1.7 mg | Light blue | 4 pens (1 month) | Month 4 |
| 2.4 mg | Dark blue | 4 pens (1 month) | Month 5+ |
The Wegovy starter kit includes all 5 dose strengths for the complete 5-month titration. After the starter kit, patients typically receive monthly prescriptions of the 2.4mg maintenance pens.
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How is Wegovy injected?
Wegovy is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once per week, on the same day each week. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
Injection sites
| Site | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abdomen | At least 2 inches from belly button | Most common site, easy self-administration |
| Thigh | Front of thigh | Easy self-administration |
| Upper arm | Back of upper arm | May require assistance from another person |
Rotate injection sites each week to reduce irritation. Do not inject into the same spot repeatedly. The Wegovy pen is single-use and should be discarded in a sharps container after each injection.
Injection tips
- Store Wegovy pens in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F)
- Can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 28 days
- Do not freeze or use if frozen
- Do not use if the solution appears cloudy or discolored
- Inject on the same day each week for consistent levels
- Change injection site each week (rotate between abdomen, thigh, arm)
What to do if you miss a dose
| Time since missed dose | Action |
|---|---|
| Less than 5 days | Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue regular schedule |
| More than 5 days | Skip the missed dose and take next dose on regular schedule |
| Never | Do not take two doses at the same time or on the same day |
How to titrate Wegovy safely
The most important rule with Wegovy is to increase the dose slowly. Rapid increases raise the risk of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
| Titration tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Stay at each dose for at least 4 weeks | Allows body to adjust before increasing |
| Eat smaller, slower meals | Reduces nausea and GI discomfort |
| Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods | These worsen GLP-1 side effects |
| Drink 8-10 glasses of water/day | Prevents dehydration from nausea/diarrhea |
| Stop increasing if side effects are severe | Contact provider before next dose increase |
| Stay in regular contact with your provider | Medical supervision ensures safe titration |
Side effects by dose level
Side effects are most common during dose increases and typically improve within 1-2 weeks at each new dose level:
| Dose | Common side effects | Severity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Mild nausea, decreased appetite | Mild | 3-7 days |
| 0.5mg | Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue | Mild to moderate | 5-10 days |
| 1mg | Nausea, constipation, bloating | Moderate | 5-14 days |
| 1.7mg | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea | Moderate | 7-14 days |
| 2.4mg | Nausea, GI upset, fatigue | Moderate (improves over time) | 7-21 days |
If side effects are severe or persistent, your provider may keep you at your current dose longer or reduce to the previous dose. See our GLP-1 Nausea Relief Guide for tips.
Can you stay on a lower dose of Wegovy?
Some patients achieve good weight loss on 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 1.7 mg and choose to stay at a lower dose. This is a medical decision based on your response and side effects:
| Dose | Who might stay here | Average weight loss |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5mg | Patients with significant side effects at higher doses | ~5-8% |
| 1mg | Patients achieving good loss without needing more | ~8-10% |
| 1.7mg | Patients close to goal or with side effects at 2.4mg | ~10-12% |
| 2.4mg | Standard maintenance dose for most patients | ~15% |
Never change your dose without consulting your provider.
Compounded semaglutide dosing vs Wegovy
Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy but may be dosed differently depending on the pharmacy and telehealth program:
| Feature | Wegovy (brand) | Compounded semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Available doses | 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7, 2.4mg | Variable (typically 0.25-2.4mg equivalent) |
| Delivery | Pre-filled pen | Vial with syringe or pre-filled pen |
| Cost | $1,300-$1,400/month | $147-$350/month |
| Insurance required | Often (or pay cash) | No |
| Titration flexibility | Fixed schedule | More flexible, provider-adjusted |
A licensed telehealth provider can help you choose between brand-name Wegovy and compounded semaglutide based on your goals and budget.
How long does it take to reach the maintenance dose?
| Schedule type | Duration to reach 2.4mg | When used |
|---|---|---|
| Standard schedule | 16 weeks (4 months) | Most patients |
| Extended schedule | 20-24 weeks (5-6 months) | Patients with significant side effects |
| Accelerated schedule | 12 weeks (3 months) | Rarely, only if well-tolerated |
How fast does Wegovy work?
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | Appetite suppression begins, reduced food cravings |
| Weeks 1-4 | Initial weight loss (~1-3 lbs), mild side effects may appear |
| Weeks 5-12 | Steady weight loss (~1-2 lbs/week), side effects improve |
| Weeks 13-20 | Faster loss at higher doses (~2-3 lbs/week) |
| Months 6-12 | Weight loss may plateau, maintenance dosing continues |
| Month 12+ | Long-term maintenance, ~15% total weight loss average |
Conclusion
The Wegovy dosing schedule starts at 0.25 mg weekly and increases gradually to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Slow titration reduces side effects and improves tolerance. Some patients may stay at a lower dose if it works well. Always follow your provider's instructions and monitor side effects closely.
Ready to start Wegovy? Check your eligibility for a US telehealth semaglutide program and get a personalized dosing plan with home delivery.
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See if I qualify — Free consultationFrom $147/month · No insurance needed · Ships nationwide in 3-5 days · Paid partnership · Results vary
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