Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Starting Wegovy is a big decision, and it’s completely normal to have 101 questions.
…. especially when you’re hearing everything from success stories to side-effect horror stories. If you’re preparing for your first injection, you may be feeling hopeful, nervous, curious, or all of the above.
It’s a lot to take in, and it’s completely normal to wonder how the dosing schedule works, what each increase will feel like, and whether the experience is going to match what you’ve heard from others.
The truth is, most people start Wegovy with the same questions—and the same uncertainty.
Here’s the good news: we’ve got you covered.
This guide is going to break down everything you need to know about Wegovy and the dosing schedule—in plain English, with no confusing medical jargon, scare tactics or judgment. We just want to share helpful information to support you through every phase of your treatment.
You’ll learn:
- How the Wegovy dosing schedule works
- What to expect at each dose increase (including the good, the bad, and the bloated)
- How to inject Wegovy properly
- Why some people “microdose” Wegovy instead of taking the maximum dose
- How to know if you’re progressing at the right pace
- What is the maintenance dose of Wegovy
- Frequently asked questions about Wegovy dosing
Ready to jump in? We’ll break it all down. No fluff, no fear-mongering—just real talk about what works, what doesn’t, and how to make Wegovy work for you.
How Wegovy Dosing Works
Wegovy uses a gradual, step-by-step dosing schedule designed to help your body adjust comfortably. Instead of beginning at the full strength, you start with a very low dose and increase every four weeks.
This approach reduces the risk of nausea, fatigue, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Wegovy affects hunger hormones and slows stomach emptying, so starting slowly is essential for long-term success.
Most people begin with 0.25 mg for the first month, then gradually move upward as their body adapts. Some may stay longer on certain doses if side effects appear. The Wegovy drug manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, tells us that you can titrate up to the next dose after a month (4 weeks) if you are ready to do so. Your healthcare provider can help you pace your increases and determine when (or if) it’s time to move up.
Wegovy Dosing Schedule (Weekly)
| Time Frame | Dosage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | 0.25 mg weekly | Low starting dose to reduce side effects |
| Weeks 5-8 | 0.5 mg weekly | Appetite suppression starts, mild side effects |
| Weeks 9-12 | 1.0 mg weekly | Weight loss starts picking up |
| Weeks 13-16 | 1.7 mg weekly | Body adjusts to medication, fat loss continues |
| Week 17+ | 2.4 mg weekly (full dose) | Maximum appetite suppression & weight loss benefits |
How to Take Wegovy (Step-by-Step Injection Guide)
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection given subcutaneously (into the fatty tissue). It does not require food and can be taken any time of day.
How to Inject Wegovy Properly
- Choose your injection site: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Clean the area with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry.
- If refrigerated, let the pen sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes (optional but often more comfortable).
- Press the pen firmly against your skin and hold it in place.
- Listen for the click and continue holding for 10 seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered.
- Rotate sites weekly to reduce irritation.
If You Miss a Dose
- If less than five days have passed, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- If more than five days have passed, skip the dose and resume your normal schedule.
Consistency is more important than perfection. Missing a dose occasionally does not undo your progress.
What to Expect at Each Dose Increase
Weeks 1–4: Getting Used to Wegovy
During the first month, appetite begins to decrease, but weight changes vary widely. Some people see early results, while others mainly notice decreased “food noise,” fewer cravings, and a calmer relationship with eating. Mild nausea, bloating, or fatigue are common but usually temporary.
Learn more about how to minimize or avoid the Wegovy side effects.
Weeks 5–12: Appetite Control Strengthens
As you move into 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg, appetite suppression becomes more noticeable. Many people feel full faster and naturally reduce portion sizes. Weight loss typically begins to pick up during this phase.
Months 4–6 and Beyond: Full Effect of Wegovy
At 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg, the medication reaches full therapeutic strength. Weight loss is typically steady, and cravings often decrease significantly.
Some users remain on 1.0 mg or 1.7 mg because those doses provide enough appetite control with fewer side effects.
Important Note: Most users report that weight loss on Wegovy is typically gradual but steady. So you probably won’t see dramatic changes overnight, but consistency leads to significant long-term results. Also, if you are a 55 year old woman, please don’t compare your progress to a 30 year old man! Your age, gender, metabolism, starting weight, and 101 other factors play a part in how much each person will lose.
Microdosing Wegovy: Staying at a Lower Dose
Not everyone needs or wants the full 2.4 mg dose. Many people successfully lose weight and maintain results at lower levels such as 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, or 1.7 mg.
Microdosing a GLP-1 Medication May Be Helpful If:
- You experience strong appetite suppression at low doses
- Higher doses cause nausea, fatigue, or reflux
- You want a gentler long-term maintenance approach
- You reach your goal weight and want continued support without intensifying side effects
Some healthcare providers use a “lowest effective dose” strategy, focusing on long-term tolerability and sustainable results.
PERSONAL NOTE: I’ve talked with several friends, family members and my personal doctor and it’s common for some people stay at a lower dose longer to avoid side effects while still seeing weight loss benefits. If you’re losing weight and/or your appetite is still surpressed at 1.0 mg for example, you may not need to increase further. I stayed on the 1.0 mg dosage for over 7 months before I needed to increase.
How to Know If You’re Progressing at a Healthy Pace
#1 | The Scale Moves Gradually
Most people lose 5–10 pounds in the first few weeks and 10–20 pounds by the end of Month 3. Again, this varies widely depending on your starting weight, age, metabolism, gender, and overall health.
#2 | Appetite Suppression Is Noticeable
If you’re eating smaller portions without effort and feel more satisfied between meals, the medication is working—even if the scale moves slowly.
#3 | Non-Scale Victories
Clothes fitting differently, increased energy, improved sleep, or reduced emotional eating are all signs of real progress.
#4 | You Feel More in Control Around Food
Feeling less preoccupied with eating or noticing fewer cravings is a major indicator that the medication is doing its job.
QUICK TIP: Remember that progress isn’t just about the number on the scale. If you’re losing inches, eating less without struggling, and feeling more in control, you are on a healthy track—even if the weight loss isn’t happening as fast as you expected. Stick with it, and trust the process!
What is the Maintenance Dose of Wegovy?
The standard maintenance dose is 2.4 mg weekly, but not everyone needs the maximum dose to maintain results.
Can You Stay at a Lower Dose?
Yes. Many users remain on 1.0 mg or 1.7 mg and continue to maintain their weight successfully.
How to Transition to Maintenance
- Discuss dose adjustments with your provider
- Step down gradually rather than stopping abruptly
- Monitor hunger, weight stability, and energy
- Maintain high-protein meals and strength training to protect muscle
Stopping Wegovy altogether may lead to weight regain if long-term habits haven’t been established. A gradual approach makes maintenance much easier.
Do You Have to Stay on Wegovy Forever?
That depends. Studies show that people who stop GLP-1 medications completely may regain some or all of their weight over time. However, if you’ve built sustainable habits—like mindful eating, regular movement, and balanced meals—you may be able to maintain your weight without Wegovy.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: The full 2.4 mg dose of Wegovy is the standard maintenance dose, but some people do well at lower doses for long-term weight management. The key is finding the lowest effective dose that keeps hunger under control while maintaining results. Talk with your doctor as you move forward to decide on the best maintenance dosage for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wegovy Dosing
Is Ozempic the Same as Wegovy?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide and are made by Novo Nordisk, but Wegovy is specifically designed for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for diabetes but often prescribed off-label for weight loss. Wegovy is available in higher doses (up to 2.4 mg), making it more effective for weight loss than Ozempic’s maximum 2.0 mg dose.
Can I Change My Injection Day?
Yes! You can change your injection day as long as your last dose was at least 48 hours ago.
What is the Highest Dose of Wegovy?
At the time of this article, the highest dose of Wegovy is 2.4 mg. Typically it takes a minimum of five (5) months to reach the highest dose.
Do you have to Increase Wegovy Dose?
If you are experiencing the results you want, you do not have to increase the wegovy dose. As we mentioned earlier in the article, there are many users who are successfully losing weight and staying on the lowest doses of Wegovy. I personally stayed on Wegovy 0.25 for 2 months and then 0.5 mg for almost 6 months and I was very satisfied with the results!
***Of course, always consult with your healthcare provider on any questions related to your Wegovy prescription.
What If I Stop Taking Wegovy? Will I Regain Weight?
Studies show that many people regain weight after stopping Wegovy, especially if they haven’t built long-term habits around protein intake, movement, and portion control. If you stop Wegovy, focus on continuing a high-protein diet and exercise routine to maintain results.
Check out this article: Losing Weight on Semaglutide / Wegovy? 7 Tips to Keep It Off Forever
At What Dose Does Wegovy Start Working?
According to the New England Journal of Medicine in a double-blind trial, Wegovy users start to lose weight within the first 4 weeks of treatment. After 68 weeks, the average body weight loss was 15%. There were some other interesting stats from this trial:
- After 6 weeks on Wegovy, average weight loss was 6%.
- After 28 weeks (about 7 months), the average loss was 12%
- At 68 weeks, the average weight loss on Wegovy was 15%.
How Long Can I Stay on Wegovy?
Wegovy can be taken long-term as a weight loss maintenance tool. Some people stay on a lower dose for long-term weight management.
💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to stop Wegovy, talk to your doctor about a transition plan to maintain your weight loss.
Final Thoughts: How to Make Wegovy Work for You
✔ Follow the gradual Wegovy dosing schedule to minimize side effects
✔ Prioritize protein and hydration to prevent fatigue and muscle loss
✔ If the full 2.4 mg dose feels too strong, microdosing may be an option (this is what I did for about 5 months and it worked really well!)
✔ Be patient—weight loss is steady, not instant!
👉 Need help with Wegovy meal planning? Check out What to Eat on Wegovy for the Best Results
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The content on this website is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications, treatments, diet, exercise regimen, or supplementation. The team at BetterHealthCollective.com are not licensed medical professionals.
Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
