Quick answer: The Wegovy doses chart for weight loss shows a carefully structured, week-by-week escalation – starting at 0.25 mg and rising gradually to the full 2.4 mg maintenance dose – to help your body adjust, minimise side effects, and unlock sustainable appetite suppression.
Introduction to Wegovy dosage
Wegovy is a meticulously designed treatment programme built around a very intentional dosing journey. Unlike traditional weight-loss methods, which often rely on willpower alone, Wegovy works biologically. It activates the GLP-1 pathway, which regulates appetite, slows digestion and shifts the brain’s relationship with food. And the dosage schedule is not random; it’s foundational to ensuring that the treatment works, feels tolerable, and remains safe over time.
When people first start exploring Wegovy, they often expect instant results or assume the doses can simply be increased quickly to “speed things up.” But Wegovy isn’t a race; it’s a structured climb designed to support your body through each phase of change. Every increase has a purpose. Every week contributes to your adaptation. And most importantly, every stage builds on the last, which is why understanding the dosing chart isn’t just helpful, it’s empowering.
Whether you’re new to Wegovy, midway through your dose escalation, or supporting someone on their journey, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From how the schedule works to what each dose does, the side effects you might experience and the biggest tips for making the transition between doses as smooth as possible, this is your complete roadmap.
Why a dosing chart is important
A dosing chart is far more than a reference table. It provides clarity, reassurance and structure during a process that involves both physiological and psychological adjustments. Many patients start Wegovy feeling excited but anxious, especially if they’ve never used an injectable medication or if they’ve previously struggled with side effects from other treatments.
Having a clear dosing chart helps you:
1. Understand what’s coming next
When you know exactly which dose comes after which, the journey feels more predictable. People often feel more in control and more confident in sticking with the plan because they can visualise the progression ahead.
2. Stay aligned with clinical guidance
The Wegovy dose escalation schedule isn’t optional; it’s a clinically validated pathway that reduces the risk of side effects. A chart makes it easy to stay on track, reference and share with healthcare providers if questions arise.
3. Track progress and sensations
As you rise through the doses, your body changes. Appetite, digestion, energy levels and even cravings start to respond differently. A dosing chart helps you compare your experience week by week and understand where you sit within the broader journey.
4. Manage expectations realistically
The chart helps people understand that:
- Weight loss does not peak in the first dose
- Side effects often appear early and settle later
- The full therapeutic effect comes at higher doses
By grounding the experience in a structured plan, the dosing chart offers accessible, patient-friendly guidance that removes guesswork and encourages adherence. It is one of the simplest yet most effective tools for supporting success with Wegovy.
How the Wegovy dosing schedule works
Wegovy follows a gradual, staged dose escalation. This is intentional. When GLP-1 levels rise too quickly, the body pushes back, most often through nausea, bloating, vomiting or general discomfort. Increasing the dose gradually and predictably helps your digestive system adapt without overwhelming it.
The dosing schedule typically unfolds over 16 weeks, guiding you from the smallest introductory dose to the maximum therapeutic dose. Each dose has its own job. Some introduce the medication gently, while others deepen appetite suppression and stabilise weight loss patterns.
Here’s a breakdown of the logic behind the structure:
Week 1–4: 0.25 mg
This tiny starter dose isn’t for weight loss. It’s to help your body get acquainted with the medication. Think of it like dipping a toe into cold water before stepping in fully.
Week 5–8: 0.5 mg
As the dose doubles, the appetite signals start shifting more noticeably. People typically report reduced portion sizes, earlier fullness and a quieter mental hunger.
Week 9–12: 1.0 mg
Here, the medication begins to feel more “real.” Cravings decline consistently. Food noise, the chatter of constant hunger, starts to soften. Weight loss often becomes steadier.
Week 13–16: 1.7 mg
This dose is the near-therapeutic threshold. Appetite suppression tends to strengthen, and many patients say this is when they truly feel “in the swing” of their Wegovy journey.
Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg
This is the official maintenance dose. It’s where Wegovy is most effective for long-term weight loss and metabolic improvement.
The dosing schedule is a slow, stable climb designed to help you feel your best while achieving the most sustainable results.
Wegovy dosing chart (Week-by-week schedule)
Below is a fully expanded, patient-friendly dosing chart that outlines each step of the Wegovy journey: what dose you’ll take, why you’re taking it and what you may feel at each stage.
| Week | Dose | Purpose of the dose | What you may feel |
| Weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg | A low, introductory dose allowing your body to adjust to GLP-1 activation | Mild nausea, reduced appetite, subtle fullness after eating |
| Weeks 5–8 | 0.5 mg | Increased activation of appetite-regulating pathways | Clearer appetite control, occasional digestive sensations |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1.0 mg | Continuation of dose escalation while supporting metabolic adaptation | Enhanced fullness, steady appetite reduction |
| Weeks 13–16 | 1.7 mg | A near-therapeutic dose prepares you for maintenance | Fewer cravings, improved control over emotional or habitual eating |
| Week 17+ | 2.4 mg (maintenance) | Maximum effect for sustained appetite suppression and long-term weight loss | Strong appetite control, peak therapeutic benefit |
This table is your visual snapshot of the whole journey.
Why Wegovy uses a gradual dose increase
Reduces side effects
Side effects with Wegovy are dose-related. Jumping straight to the highest dose would overwhelm most people’s digestive systems. The gut-brain axis needs time to respond to changes in GLP-1, and gradual titration keeps the process gentle.
This reduces the chance of:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bloating
- Fatigue
By gradually increasing the dosage, most users can continue treatment feeling comfortable and confident, rather than discouraged.
Helps your body adjust
Wegovy impacts hunger signals, gastric emptying and insulin responses. These are major biological adjustments. Your stomach empties more slowly, meaning food sits longer, so rushing into high doses can cause intense digestive symptoms.
Allowing the body to adjust ensures better long-term tolerance and minimises disruptions to your daily routine.
Improves long-term tolerance
Sustainable weight loss requires consistency. The dose escalation schedule ensures:
- Your body adapts smoothly
- You’re more likely to continue treatment long enough to see results
- You build resilience to higher doses before reaching the therapeutic peak
Gradual titration isn’t a delay; it’s strategic and sets you up for success.
Wegovy dosage for special conditions
Although the standard chart applies to most adults, certain conditions may require additional consideration. Always speak with a clinician before adjusting your dose, but here are some important notes:
Kidney or liver conditions
Most people with mild-to-moderate organ impairment follow the standard schedule, but those with severe conditions may need closer monitoring. GLP-1 medications are processed differently across individuals.
Gastrointestinal disorders
People with conditions like gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease may experience stronger digestive side effects. Clinicians sometimes hold a dose longer before increasing to the next step.
Patients with type 2 diabetes
Wegovy is not exactly the same as Ozempic, but both are semaglutide-based. If you already use diabetes medication, especially insulin or sulfonylureas, your provider may adjust your schedule to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Older adults
Older patients generally tolerate Wegovy well, but dose escalations may be personalised if side effects appear more pronounced.
Those who lose weight rapidly
If weight is dropping too quickly (more than 1 kg per week consistently), a clinician may hold a dose steady before escalating again.
Personalisation does not change the destination, just the pace. The goal is always your comfort and long-term success.
Common side effects during dose escalation
Side effects often appear during the first 8–12 weeks of treatment, particularly as each dose increases. Most are temporary and manageable, especially with good habits and hydration.
Nausea or queasiness
The most common effect. It usually settles within days as your body adjusts.
Vomiting
Less common, but can occur if meals are too large or too rich during dose escalations.
Diarrhoea or constipation
Wegovy slows digestion, but this can swing in both directions. Keeping fibre and fluids consistent in your diet is key.
Abdominal pain or bloating
Often related to slower gastric emptying or changes in meal size.
Fatigue or low energy
Reduced appetite can lead to eating less than usual, which affects energy levels, especially early on.
Headache
Usually linked to dehydration or inconsistent meal patterns.
Injection-site reactions
Mild redness, itching, or swelling can happen but usually fades quickly.
Side effects are a signal of adjustment, not harm. Most people find they lessen significantly as the weeks progress.
Tips for managing Wegovy dose increases
Below is a practical table that breaks down common challenges during dose escalation and tips to manage them effectively.
| Challenge during dose increase | What may happen | Tips to manage it |
| Nausea or stomach discomfort | Feeling queasy after an increased dose | • Eat smaller, more frequent meals• Avoid high-fat, greasy or spicy foods• Stay upright for 30 minutes after eating• Sip ginger tea or peppermint water |
| Reduced appetite | Struggling to eat enough in a day | • Prioritise protein-rich options• Add smoothies, yoghurt bowls or soups if solid foods feel heavy• Don’t skip meals even when appetite is low |
| Constipation or bloating | Slower digestion at higher doses | • Increase daily water intake• Add natural fibre (vegetables, oats, whole grains)• Include gentle walking or light exercise• Consider a fibre supplement if recommended |
| Fatigue | Feeling unusually tired | • Maintain consistent hydration• Ensure meals include protein and complex carbs• Get sufficient sleep and minimise overexertion |
| Injection-site soreness | Mild redness, itching, or swelling | • Rotate injection sites weekly• Use a cold compress after injecting• Allow the pen to reach room temperature before use |
These strategies help most patients stay comfortable, confident and consistent through their Wegovy journey.
Conclusion
The Wegovy dosing chart is more than just numbers. It’s the backbone of a thoughtful, clinically proven journey designed to help you lose weight safely, sustainably and with genuine biological support. By gradually flowing through each dose, your body adjusts in a way that feels manageable rather than overwhelming.
If you’re interested in learning more about weight loss, either through free resources like this or proper clinical guidance, visit The Virtual Slimming Clinic today. We are passionate about helping people through their journeys to find a comfortable, healthy weight that they can live with in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start Wegovy at 0.5 mg?
No. The first dose must be 0.25 mg. Starting higher drastically increases the likelihood of severe nausea, vomiting or gastric discomfort. The introductory dose is essential for safe adaptation.
What if I miss a dose of Wegovy?
If it has been less than 5 days since your last dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it has been more than 5 days, skip it and take your next scheduled dose.
Do not double-dose to “catch up.”
How long does it take to reach the full Wegovy dose?
Most people reach the 2.4 mg maintenance dose at week 17, following the standard escalation schedule.
What is the maximum dose of Wegovy?
The maximum and official maintenance dose is 2.4 mg weekly. Some patients stay at lower doses if they experience good results and tolerate that level better, but 2.4 mg remains the therapeutic target.
Who should not take Wegovy?
People with the following should avoid Wegovy unless advised otherwise by a clinician:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- History of MEN2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known allergy to semaglutide
- Certain severe gastrointestinal conditions
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting Wegovy.
