Wegovy Dosing Chart: Week-by-Week Dose Escalation Guide
See the Wegovy dosing chart, including the starting dose, dose-escalation schedule, maintenance dosing, and missed-dose basics.
Written by Trimi Medical Team. Medically reviewed by Dr. Asad Niazi, MD, MPH. This article covers the Wegovy dosing chart including the starting dose, dose-escalation schedule, maintenance dosing, and missed-dose guidance.
Quick links: Semaglutide treatment, side effects timeline, and 3-month results.
More on Semaglutide Dosing
Standard Wegovy Dose Ladder
Wegovy Weekly Dose Progression
Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg once weekly. Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg once weekly. Weeks 9-12: 1 mg once weekly. Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg once weekly. Maintenance: 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly depending on tolerance and treatment plan.
Why Wegovy Starts Low
Semaglutide commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms especially early in treatment. Starting at a low dose helps patients adjust before moving higher. That is why the dosing chart is really a side-effect management strategy as much as it is a dose schedule.
Why the Chart Should Not Feel Like a Race
Start low at 0.25 mg to allow the body to adjust
Increase stepwise through the defined dose levels
Slow down if side effects become difficult at any level
Use clinician guidance if you are struggling with tolerability
For a detailed look at what semaglutide side effects look like over time, see our week-by-week guide.
Maintenance Dosing Is Individualized
Not every reader ends up at the same maintenance dose. Some will remain at 1.7 mg while others move to 2.4 mg. The right dose depends on tolerability, appetite effects, treatment response, and clinician judgment. See semaglutide results after 3 months for expected outcomes at different stages.
Missed Dose Basics
If you miss a Wegovy dose, follow the prescribing information and your clinician's guidance. Timing affects what you should do next. Maintaining a consistent weekly injection schedule helps optimize treatment outcomes. For cost planning, see our Wegovy cost guide and what happens when you stop semaglutide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting dose for Wegovy?
Wegovy is started at 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks. This intentionally low starting dose helps the body adjust to semaglutide and minimizes the likelihood of severe gastrointestinal side effects during the initial treatment period.
What does the Wegovy dose escalation schedule look like?
The standard weekly progression is: weeks 1 to 4 at 0.25 mg, weeks 5 to 8 at 0.5 mg, weeks 9 to 12 at 1 mg, weeks 13 to 16 at 1.7 mg, and then maintenance at 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly depending on tolerance and treatment plan.
Why does Wegovy start at such a low dose?
Semaglutide commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms especially early in treatment. Starting at a low dose helps patients adjust before moving higher. The dosing chart is really a side-effect management strategy as much as it is a dose schedule.
Does everyone on Wegovy need to reach 2.4 mg?
No. Not every reader ends up at the same maintenance dose. Some will remain at 1.7 mg while others move to 2.4 mg. The right maintenance dose depends on tolerability, appetite effects, treatment response, and clinician judgment.
What should I do if I miss a Wegovy dose?
Official prescribing information matters for missed doses, and timing affects what you should do next. Do not double up on doses without understanding the official instructions. Contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure about what to do after a missed dose.
Can I slow down the Wegovy dose escalation?
Yes. The dosing chart should not feel like a race. If side effects are difficult at a given dose level, your clinician may recommend staying at that dose longer or adjusting the plan. Slowing down escalation is a common and appropriate approach to improve tolerability.
How does Wegovy dosing compare to Ozempic dosing?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic use semaglutide, but they have different dose ranges and different approved uses. Wegovy's escalation is specifically designed for weight management. For Ozempic-specific dosing information, see our Ozempic dosing chart guide.
Sources & References
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, adjusting, or discontinuing any medication. Individual results vary. Dose adjustments should only be made under medical supervision. Wegovy requires a prescription.