Confused about Wegovy doses? You’re not alone.
Starting Wegovy can feel overwhelming – different pen strengths, changing doses, and side effects that vary from month to month.
This guide breaks it all down clearly so you’ll know exactly what to expect at each stage – from your first 0.25mg pen to your 2.4mg maintenance dose.
Feeling ready to take control? Take our quick online assessment.
Clinical experts in weight management
MHRA licensed medication
Medical and coaching support included
Written by
Laura Reed
Health Coach
Reviewed by
Dr Abby Hyams
Doctor
Last Updated:
Next Review: Oct 30, 2026
Wegovy is the brand name for the medicine semaglutide used in weight management for adults living with overweight or obesity. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar.¹
When you take Wegovy once a week, it helps you feel fuller, slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, and reduces hunger.²
At Medicspot, each case is reviewed by a qualified clinician. We check your medical history (including your NHS Summary Care Record) and pair the medication with coaching and lifestyle support, so you’re not doing this alone.
“Many of our members choose to stay on the same dose if they’re already happy with their level of appetite suppression. The goal isn’t to rush to the top dose, but to find the dose that feels right for you.”
– Laura
When starting a GLP-1 like Wegovy, your body needs time to adapt. Jumping straight to a high dose can cause stronger side effects. By increasing the dose gradually (a process called titration) you get better results and a smoother experience.³
The UK guidance from NICE recommends that semaglutide is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased activity, and only if you meet specific criteria.⁴ That means the dose schedule is just one part of the treatment story.
This calculator uses data from a major clinical study on GLP-1 weight loss treatment to show what typical progress looks like. Your results will depend on your specific medication, dose, lifestyle, and medical history.
Based on the results of a clinical study with 806 participants.
| Wegovy dose schedule | |
|---|---|
| Week 1-4 0.25 mg |
Starting gently. Your body begins adjusting. |
| Week 5-8 0.5 mg |
Appetite suppression gets stronger; side-effects should ease. |
| Week 9-12 1.0 mg |
Many begin to see more obvious changes in hunger or food intake. |
| Week 13-16 1.7 mg |
Nearing your target dose; fine-tuning starts. |
| Week 17 onward 2.4 mg (maintenance) |
This is the regular dose. Taken once weekly as long as it suits you and works. |
“Wegovy comes in five pen strengths – 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg – and people can gradually step up through these doses over several months. This slow and steady approach helps your body adjust and keeps side effects manageable. Some members find their sweet spot at 1.7mg and choose to stay there if they’re already happy with their level of appetite control. It’s all about finding the dose that works best for you.”
– Laura
In the first month you might feel a bit more full after meals, notice a drop in snack cravings, or see small weight change. You may also experience mild side effects such as nausea or constipation. That’s normal.
Your appetite may reduce further. Digestive changes may still occur but often start to settle. Lifestyle support matters more – the medication helps, but your habits do most of the work.
At this stage many people report clearer changes: less emotional eating, fewer urges to snack, better control of meals. Weight loss tends to accelerate. It’s still part of the build-up phase.
You’re getting close to the “maintenance” dose. Side effects should be better under control. If everything is going well, you’ll prepare for the strongest dose. For some people, staying at 1.7mg is the right choice.
This is the dose used in many of the major clinical trials. It’s where the full effect is expected, if you combine it with diet, exercise and ongoing support. Your health coach will monitor progress, side effects and help you stay on track.
At Medicspot we provide clinically supervised care throughout your Wegovy treatment.
We verify your medical history via your Summary Care Record (SCR) and our prescribing pharmacist reviews each case for safety and suitability.
Your health coach supports you to build sustainable habits alongside your medication, ensuring a holistic approach.
Weight management with a GLP-1 like Wegovy is most effective when delivered alongside structured lifestyle support – we integrate coaching, medical review and monitoring as standard.
¹ PMC. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management: A Clinical Review.” (2022). Last accessed October 2025. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9272494/]
² PMC. – Flint, A. J. et al. Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake and control of eating in adults with obesity: a randomized controlled trial. (2017). Last accessed October 2025. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5573908/]
³ Wegovy. “Wegovy® Dosing Schedule | Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection 2.4mg.” Last accessed October 2025. [https://www.wegovy.com/taking-wegovy/dosing-schedule.html]
⁴ NICE. “Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity.” Last accessed October 2025. [https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875]
Wilding, J.P.H. et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. (2022).
Last accessed October 2025. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35441470/]
NHS England. Weight-management medicines (GLP-1 receptor agonists) for obesity.
Last accessed October 2025. [https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/]
New England Journal of Medicine. “STEP 1 Trial Summary. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.” (2021). Last accessed October 2025. [https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183]
Diabetes UK. Wegovy and GLP-1 medications – how they help with weight loss.
Last accessed October 2025. [https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/treatments/tablets-and-medication/glp-1/semaglutide/wegovy]
This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.
There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See our Terms of Service for more information.
