Semaglutide Dosing for Weight Loss: A Month-by-Month Guide
Semaglutide is started at a low dose and gradually increased — a process designed to give your body time to adjust and minimize side effects. Here’s what to expect at each stage.
Key takeaways
Semaglutide starts at 0.25mg weekly and increases monthly to a maximum of 2.4mg for weight loss.
You may not need to reach the maximum dose — some people achieve their goals at lower maintenance doses.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible if your next injection is more than two days away. Never double up.
Why dose escalation matters
Semaglutide isn’t started at its therapeutic dose — it’s built up over months. This isn’t just a formality. Gradual escalation gives your GI system time to adapt to the medication’s effects on gastric motility, dramatically reducing the likelihood and severity of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Think of it as training your body to tolerate the medication before asking it to work at full capacity.
The standard dosing schedule
| Period | Wegovy dose | Ozempic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 0.25 mg / week | 0.25 mg / week |
| Month 2 | 0.5 mg / week | 0.5 mg / week |
| Month 3 | 1.0 mg / week | 1.0 mg / week |
| Month 4 | 1.7 mg / week | 1.0 mg / week (maintenance) |
| Month 5+ | 2.4 mg / week | 2.0 mg / week (max) |
Your provider may choose to extend a dose phase if you’re experiencing significant side effects, or keep you at a lower dose indefinitely if you’re achieving good results without escalating further.
How to take semaglutide correctly
1. Inject once per week
Use it on the same day each week when possible to help maintain consistency.
2. Inject subcutaneously
Semaglutide should be injected just under the skin, not into muscle, in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
3. Rotate injection sites
Changing injection sites each week can help reduce tissue irritation and support more consistent absorption.
4. Store it properly
Store pens in the refrigerator at 36–46°F. Once in use, Wegovy pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
5. Let it warm slightly before injecting
Allow refrigerated medication to reach room temperature for 15–30 minutes before injection to reduce discomfort.
What happens if you miss a dose
If your next injection is more than two days away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then resume your regular weekly schedule.
If your next injection is fewer than two days away, skip the missed dose and take your next one on the original scheduled day. Do not take two doses within 48 hours of each other.
If you’ve missed two or more consecutive doses, contact your provider. They may recommend restarting at a lower dose to minimize the side effects that tend to recur after a break.
† This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Eligibility for prescription weight loss treatment is determined solely by a licensed healthcare provider based on your individual health profile.