Semaglutide dosage chart for weight loss (Wegovy & Ozempic)

Key Points

• Semaglutide starts at 0.25 mg weekly and increases slowly over months to help your body adjust and minimize side effects
• The maintenance dose is 2.4 mg weekly for Wegovy
• Your doctor can adjust the timing or your final dose based on how well your body responds to the medication and your weight loss results

Starting semaglutide can feel overwhelming when you're facing questions about dosing, side effects, and realistic expectations.

Cut through the complexity with these clear, doctor-recommended charts for maximum weight loss results.

How semaglutide works

Physician, Gia Eapen, MD, explains, “Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in your gut that sends signals to your brain.”

Semaglutide benefits:

• Regulates your appetite
• Slows down how quickly your stomach empties
• Helps manage blood sugar levels

Semaglutide weight loss dosage chart (Wegovy)

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, which is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.

Here is the Wegovy semaglutide dosage chart for weight loss:

• Month 1 (Weeks 1-4): 0.25 mg per week
• Month 2 (Weeks 5-8): 0.5 mg per week
• Month 3 (Weeks 9-12): 1.0 mg per week
• Month 4 (Weeks 13-16, or more): 1.7 mg per week
• Month 5 and beyond (Week 17+): 2.4 mg per week (Maintenance dose)

This schedule is the one used in the major semaglutide clinical trials that resulted in weight loss. For example, the landmark STEP 1 trial showed that participants who followed this schedule, combined with lifestyle changes, lost an average of nearly 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

Ozempic dosage chart for type 2 diabetes

Ozempic contains semaglutide as its main ingredient, just like Wegovy, but is FDA-approved to manage type 2 diabetes. It is also often prescribed "off-label" for weight loss.

Here is the standard Ozempic dosage schedule:

• Month 1 (Weeks 1-4): 0.25 mg a week
• Month 2 (Weeks 5-8): 0.5 mg a week

After the first two months, your doctor will assess your progress. If your blood sugar levels need more management (or if the goal is further weight loss), the dose can be increased further.

Optional increase dosage:

• 1.0 mg for at least 4 weeks
• 2.0 mg a week (This is the current maximum dose for Ozempic)

Eapen, MD, says, “The decision to increase beyond 0.5 mg depends on your individual needs, how well you tolerate the medication, and your treatment goals. Consult a healthcare provider before making any adjustments to your prescribed dose or schedule.”

Semaglutide weight loss results by dose

On average, clinical trials show that the dose matters for weight loss. People on the 2.4 mg dose lost more weight than those on other doses:

• Two trials (STEP 1 and STEP 3) found an average weight loss of 12% and 13% on the 2.4 mg dose in just over a year (68 weeks). These results were shown in people without diabetes.
• A two-year semaglutide study (STEP 5) in people without diabetes found an average of 15% weight loss on semaglutide. Plus, one in three people achieved at least 20% weight loss on 2.4 mg of semaglutide. And even better news is that the majority of people lost at least 10% or more of their body weight on 2.4 mg of semaglutide.

Semaglutide weight loss by dose

• 0.25 mg: Starter dose, so minimal weight loss
• 0.5-1 mg: Moderate weight loss of about 5-7% at 3-6 months, and up to 7% at 28-68 weeks
• 1.7 mg: 10-12% weight loss at 28-68 weeks
• 2.4 mg: 15% average weight loss at 68-104 weeks

What if the side effects are too strong?

Common side effects of semaglutide

Semaglutide side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating and gas

This is not a complete list of side effects. Please consult your healthcare provider or visit the Wegovy side effects or Ozempic side effects web pages.

How to deal with semaglutide side effects as your dose increases

Many people on semaglutide share the same worry: “Will a higher dose make me feel worse?”

"When you start taking semaglutide, it's normal to be really eager to lose weight fast," notes Dr. Eapen. "But here's what's important to remember: the dosage schedules for Wegovy and Ozempic are not meant to be a sprint to the top. Taking it slow under your doctor's guidance lets your body adapt, helps you both see how the medication works for you, and allows for any needed adjustments."

If you experience significant side effects when you move up a dose, your doctor has options:

• Delay the dose increase: Your doctor may keep you on a lower dose for an extra four weeks to give your body more time to adjust before trying to move up again.
• Find a different maintenance dose: Not everyone needs to be on the maximum dose to see great results. If you are losing weight effectively and managing your health goals on a lower dose, like 1.7 mg of Wegovy, your doctor might decide that is the best maintenance dose for you.
• Temporarily lower the dose: The prescribing information for Wegovy notes that if the 2.4 mg dose is not tolerated, it can be temporarily reduced to 1.7 mg for up to four weeks.
• Swap medications: If your body does not tolerate semaglutide well, there are other GLP-1 drugs that your doctor can consider, including tirzepatide (Zepbound)

The key is to communicate with your healthcare provider. The "best" dose is the one that is both effective and tolerable for you long-term.

Tips to manage semaglutide doses

Successfully using semaglutide is about more than just the dose. It's also about creating routines and habits that support your treatment.

• Be consistent: Take your injection on the same day each week. Set a reminder on your phone or mark it on a calendar so you don't forget.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help with side effects like nausea and constipation.
• Eat smaller meals: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Semaglutide will help you feel full faster, so it’s important to eat smaller meals to avoid discomfort. Eating high-fat or greasy foods can sometimes worsen digestive side effects.
• Get your protein: Since you may not feel hungry like before, balance your meals and get lean proteins, whole vegetables, and fruits.
• Work with a dietitian: Managing your nutrition is one of the most powerful things you can do to enhance and sustain your results over time. A registered dietitian can create a personalized eating plan to help you manage side effects, ensure you’re getting proper nutrients, and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Get a personalized semaglutide diet plan, covered by insurance.

Final thoughts: semaglutide dosage chart

The semaglutide dosage schedule is a carefully designed ramp-up intended to make the treatment as safe and comfortable as possible.

Whether you’re prescribed Wegovy for weight loss or Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, the process starts low and goes slow for a reason.

Remember that this medication is a tool to support your efforts. The most impressive and lasting results happen when it's combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

If you have questions about your dose or are struggling with side effects, always talk to your healthcare provider. And for expert guidance on your nutrition, consider partnering with a weight loss dietitian to help you navigate your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best dose of semaglutide for weight loss?

For weight loss, the FDA-approved target maintenance dose for Wegovy is 2.4 mg once weekly. This is the dose that showed the most significant weight loss in clinical trials. However, the "best" dose is ultimately the highest dose you can comfortably tolerate while still achieving your health goals, as determined by you and your doctor.

Can I start Wegovy at 1.0 mg?

Eapen, MD, cautions, “No, you should never start semaglutide at a higher dose. The titration schedule is a critical safety measure, and the 0.25 mg dose is intended to be the starter dose.”

What happens if I miss a dose of semaglutide?

According to the manufacturer's guidance, if you miss a dose of Wegovy and your next scheduled dose is more than 2 days (48 hours) away, you should take the missed dose as soon as possible. If your next dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day. They advise against taking two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

How fast can I lose weight on semaglutide?

Weight loss is individual, but many people begin to see changes within the first one to two months. However, the most significant weight loss typically occurs as you reach the higher, more effective doses. Clinical trials for Wegovy, which lasted 68 weeks, showed that weight loss was a gradual but steady process over many months.

Why am I not losing weight on semaglutide?

If you're not seeing weight loss on Wegovy or Ozempic, it could be because you just started (it takes several weeks to work), your dose may need adjustment, or you need to pair it with proper nutrition and lifestyle changes. About 13.6% of people in clinical trials lost less than 5% of their body weight, so you're not alone. Weight plateaus are normal as your body adapts, and factors like poor sleep, stress, or lack of physical activity can interfere with results even on medication. Talk to your doctor about potential reasons why you may not be losing weight on semaglutide.

Find a weight loss dietitian near you who accepts your insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.