How GLP-1 dosing works
GLP-1 medications are titrated gradually to minimize side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You start at a low dose and increase every 4 weeks until you reach the therapeutic maintenance dose. This gradual escalation helps your body adjust to the medication.
Semaglutide (Wegovy / Ozempic) dosing
Semaglutide starts at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increases to 0.5 mg. For Wegovy (weight loss), the dose continues to escalate to 1.7 mg and finally 2.4 mg. For Ozempic (diabetes), 1.0 mg is often the maintenance dose.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound / Mounjaro) dosing
Tirzepatide starts at 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increases to 5 mg. The dose can be escalated to 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and up to 15 mg. Clinical trials show tirzepatide produces up to 22% weight loss, compared to about 15% for semaglutide.
Expected weight loss timeline
Most people see noticeable weight loss within the first 4-8 weeks. The rate of weight loss accelerates as the dose increases, with the majority of weight loss occurring between months 3 and 12. Individual results vary based on diet, exercise, and adherence to the medication.