Wegovy dosage chart: Weight loss medication

Key points

• Wegovy (semaglutide) is available as a once-weekly shot and a once-daily oral pill
• Wegovy injections come in doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg
• For the once-weekly injection, the starting dose is 0.25 mg for 4 weeks. After that, your doctor may increase the dosage every 4 weeks until you reach the maintenance dose
• The Wegovy pill comes in doses: 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg
• The Wegovy pill starting dose is 1.5 mg for 30 days, and is increased gradually

Wegovy, the semaglutide weight loss medication, is available in two forms: a once-weekly injection and a once-daily pill. Both are initially introduced at a low dose, and the dosage is increased in steps over several months.

This guide breaks down the full dose chart for the Wegovy injection and pill, and offers tips on how to take and store them.

Wegovy once-a-week injection dose chart

Wegovy injections come in 5 doses:

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg
• Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg
• Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg
• Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg (maintenance dose for some)
• Week 17 onward: 2.4 mg (maintenance dose)

Typically, a doctor will begin Wegovy at the starting dose of 0.25 mg. It is a low dose and not strong enough for weight loss on its own, but it helps the body adjust to the medication. Plus, gradually increasing the dosage helps reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Note: Please do not adjust your dose on your own. A healthcare provider will increase and adjust your dosage.

How to inject Wegovy?

The Wegovy injectable comes in a pre-filled, single-dose injector pen. A healthcare provider or a pharmacist will walk you through the steps for injecting Wegovy.

In general, the injection involves choosing a site on the stomach, thigh, or upper arm, cleaning the skin with an alcohol swab, and pressing the pen firmly against the skin until the medication is fully delivered.

Note: The injection site should be rotated each week to avoid skin irritation.

For a step-by-step guide on how to inject Wegovy, including tips for a more comfortable experience, read How to inject Wegovy: tips for an easy, painless shot.

How to store Wegovy injections?

Storing Wegovy correctly is important.

• Wegovy injections must be refrigerated before they are used, ideally between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
• If you are traveling or do not have access to a refrigerator, Wegovy pens can be kept in their original carton at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C), for up to 28 days (before removing the pen cap)
• Do not freeze the medication
• Do not expose it to direct sunlight and heat

Wegovy one-a-day pill dose chart

Wegovy is also available as a once-daily pill.

The dosing schedule for oral Wegovy is:

• Days 1–30: 1.5 mg (starting dose)
• Days 31–60: 4 mg
• Days 61–90: 9 mg
• Day 91 onward: 25 mg (maintenance dose)

How to take the Wegovy pill?

The Wegovy pill is to be taken on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, with a little water. They must be swallowed whole, not chewed or broken into pieces.

After taking it, please wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else or taking other medications.

How to store Wegovy pills?

Here are the instructions on how to store your Wegovy oral medication:

• Store them at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Short-term storage between 59°F and 86°F is acceptable if needed
• Keep the pills in the original bottle until it is time to take them
• Store in a dry place away from moisture
• Avoid humid areas like a bathroom, medicine cabinet, or near a stove or oven
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

How do you know if a Wegovy injection or pill is right for you?

Please discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

During your visit, consider letting them know:

• Do you prefer avoiding needles?
• Do you have any concerns with or difficulty swallowing pills?
• Do you have challenges storing Wegovy injections the way they need to be stored?
• What is your daily life like? For e.g. do you travel a lot?
• Do you prefer taking a shot once a week instead of taking a pill each day?
• Any other concerns that could be helpful to your healthcare team

How to lose weight on Wegovy?

Clinical trials show that Wegovy can lead to meaningful weight loss over time.

People using the:

• Wegovy injection lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks (just over a year)
• Wegovy pill experienced similar results, with an average of 14% over 64 weeks

In both cases, those results came with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. The medication works best as part of a broader lifestyle approach.

Managing a new medication, diet, and lifestyle changes all at once is not easy.

A registered dietitian can create a personalized nutrition plan for you that aligns with your lifestyle and weight-loss goals.

Note: Not everyone loses weight on Wegovy. Individual weight loss results vary. Please talk to your doctor about your progress or challenges with weight loss on Wegovy.

Final thoughts: Wegovy dose chart

Wegovy is now available as both a once-weekly injection and a once-daily pill, giving you more options to discuss with your doctor.

Whichever form is prescribed, the starting dose is always low and gradually increased. This is intentional and gives your body time to adjust while reducing the risk of side effects.

If you have any questions about your Wegovy dosing, side effects, or weight loss progress, please talk to your healthcare provider.

Weight loss results take time and work best alongside a nutritious diet and regular physical activity. A registered dietitian can help you build a weight loss diet plan that works for your goals.

Find a Wegovy weight loss dietitian near you, covered by insurance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much weight can you lose on Wegovy injections?

In clinical trials, adults who used the Wegovy injection experienced an average of 15% weight loss over just over a year (68 weeks). Those results came with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Results vary from person to person. A doctor can help you figure out how much weight you may lose based on your health, goals, and any other medical conditions.

How much weight can you lose with Wegovy oral pill?

In a 64-week clinical trial, adults taking the Wegovy pill lost an average of 14% of their body weight. Those results also came with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Individual results vary.

How do you switch from taking a Wegovy injection to a pill?

According to the Wegovy prescribing information, people switching from the 2.4 mg injection to the pill should wait one week after the last injection before starting the 25 mg pill once daily.

Important: Please do not adjust, stop, or change your medication without guidance from your doctor.

Get a custom Wegovy diet plan from a registered dietitian 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.