Wegovy is a weight loss treatment that’s making waves for a reason. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which mimics the naturally-occuring GLP1 hormone, making you feel fuller for longer and helping to manage cravings.
Medicines such as Wegovy or Mounjaro are in high demand because they work for lots of people: one study showed those using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight on average, whereas individuals who just made lifestyle changes lost around 2.5%.
When you first start taking Wegovy weight loss injections, your clinician will set you up on a dosage schedule with a low starting dose to ensure safety, effectiveness and long-term results. Here, we’ll take you through the Wegovy dose schedule step by step.
Wegovy doses
The Wegovy dosage schedule is designed for the best weight loss results and for your safety. You inject a dose of Wegovy once a week, on the same day every week, using a pen.
The schedule always starts with the same low starting dose—0.25mg per week for four weeks. Then, your dose will automatically increase every four weeks until your clinician finds the right dose for you. If you experience issues with a particular dose, you can contact your clinician to review your plan.
Why do I need a dosage schedule?
You might be wondering: “why can’t I just jump to the full dose if that’s what works?” It’s a fair question! But think of it like training for a marathon. You wouldn’t start by running 26 miles on your first day, right? You’d build up to it gradually.
The same goes for Wegovy. Starting with a lower dose gives your body time to adjust, helping to minimize side effects and ensure the treatment works for you in the long run. This step-by-step approach is key to achieving safe, sustainable weight loss.
Wegovy doses chart
What dose do I start on Wegovy?
Everyone starts Wegovy on 0.25mg per week for four weeks. After this, doses are usually increased bit by bit every four weeks unless you experience side effects or want to remain on the dose you’re on. Here’s what the Wegovy dosage schedule might look like as your treatment progresses:
- Week 1 to 4: 0.25mg (per week)
- Week 5 to 8: 0.5mg (per week)
- Week 9 to 12: 1.0mg (per week)
- Week 13 to 16: 1.7mg (per week)
- From week 17: 2.4mg (per week)
Wegovy maintenance dose
The maintenance dose is the maximum recommended Wegovy dose, meaning you won’t need to increase your dose beyond this. For most people, the maintenance dose is 2.4mg. After week 17, you continue with the maintenance dose once a week as per your treatment plan.
While it might feel tempting to skip ahead to the maintenance dose, it’s best to follow your clinician’s guidance. The gradual increase helps your body adjust and leads to more effective, long-lasting results. Plus, your clinician will monitor your progress and tailor your treatment to what works best for you.
At what dose does Wegovy start working?
Everybody is different, and some people may start to lose weight on lower doses, for others this may happen at higher doses. Your metabolism, lifestyle and how closely you stick to the dosage schedule can influence the amount and rate of weight loss. This is totally normal.
Wegovy is recommended alongside a healthy, balanced diet and physical activity, so you are more likely to reach your goals by eating fruit and vegetables, wholegrain and lean protein. And try to fit in 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week—activities like walking, jogging, or even dancing count! At Voy, our dedicated and compassionate coaches will help you to find the lifestyle changes that work best for you.
What happens if I miss a dose of Wegovy?
Life happens, and it’s okay if you forget a dose. Here’s what to do:
If you forget to take Wegovy on your scheduled day, take it as soon as possible within five days after the missed dose.
If more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on your regularly scheduled day.
If you forget to take three or more doses of Wegovy, contact your clinician to review your treatment plan.
Whatever you do, don’t take a double dose to make up for it. If you accidentally take multiple doses in a week, contact your doctor right away. Missing a dose won’t ruin your progress—just get back on schedule as soon as possible.
How to inject Wegovy?
Wegovy is injected using a prefilled pen, which is provided to you. Using a Wegovy pen is straightforward. The injection is subcutaneous, meaning you inject it into the fatty tissue just under your skin—common areas include your upper arms, upper legs, or stomach. Avoid injecting into veins, muscles, or scarred areas. Take a look at our handy video that guides you through the process of injecting Wegovy.
How many doses are in a Wegovy pen?
There are four doses in each Wegovy pen. As Wegovy is injected weekly, one pen will last four weeks.
Are there any Wegovy side effects to look out for?
Like starting any new medicine, you may experience some mild side effects after your first dose of Wegovy while your body gets used to it. These could include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fatigue, but research suggests they tend to be mild and ease as your body adapts to the Wegovy doses. Some people notice a bit of discomfort at the injection site too.
There are things you can do that could reduce the risk of side effects when starting Wegovy. Staying hydrated is important, as water helps our bodies to absorb medication more effectively. Because Wegovy slows digestion, eating smaller meals can also help. Like with any sickness, getting some fresh air and avoiding very rich or spicy food can sometimes ease symptoms too.
If you’re unable to manage your symptoms, reach out to your clinician for further support.
Getting started on Wegovy
Starting a new weight loss programme can be daunting, especially if you have tried to lose weight before but haven’t seen the results you want. Wegovy works best as a supplement to a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical exercise, so it may be a good option for you if you have made these lifestyle changes but feel you need something else to support you in your journey.
If you are interested in starting Wegovy, Voy is here every step of the way to help you on your weight loss journey. In our weight loss programme, you can get weekly medication plus ongoing support from our team of experts—plus access to an app to help you stay on track. Take our short quiz to find out if you are eligible.
FAQs
What if I want to change the day of the Wegovy dose?
We understand that life can get busy and you may need to make some changes to your dosage schedule so that Wegovy works for you. You can change the day of your Wegovy dose as long as it has been at least two days since your last dose. Once you have chosen a new scheduled day, continue with your weekly doses—remember that consistency is key for the most effective results.
Do not stop taking your Wegovy doses altogether without first speaking with your doctor.
Why is my Wegovy pen not working?
Wegovy pens have been designed to be as easy to use as possible, however, sometimes they can get damaged or break through no fault of your own. If you suspect your pen is not working as it should, stop using it and take your dose using another pen. Do not attempt to fix a broken pen. Contact your clinician for further support.
For further information on how to inject wegovy, you can access the patient information leaflet from the manufacturer. If you’re ordering from Voy, we’ll provide you with a treatment plan when you place your first order.
Can I stay on a low dose of Wegovy?
Yes, it is possible to stay on a low dose of Wegovy if you feel comfortable and are getting the results you want. Everyone is different and so not everyone will need to build up to the recommended maintenance dose. Your clinician will work with you to find the maintenance dose that is most suitable for you.
¹Moiz, Areesha et al., “Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Patients Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials”, The American Journal of Cardiology
, Volume 222, 2024, 112-130. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38679221/
²‘Semaglutide for Managing Overweight And Obesity’, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875, 8 Mar. 2023
³“Wegovy: Package Leaflet, Information for the Patient.” Electronic Medicines Compendium. www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13800.pdf. Accessed 9 Dec 2024.
⁴Wilding, John T.H et al., ‘Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity’, The New England Journal of Medicine, VOL. 384 NO. 11, February 10 2021. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
