Semaglutide Weight Loss Dosage Chart (Printable): Starter-to-Maintenance Dose

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How Semaglutide Works for Weight Loss

Semaglutide mimics the natural hormone GLP-1, activating receptors that control appetite and glucose metabolism. The medication slows stomach emptying and signals the brain to reduce hunger. In a pivotal trial of adults without diabetes, Wegovy® produced ~12.4 percentage points greater weight loss than placebo at 68 weeks. 

GLP-1 receptor agonist explained

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that shares high structural similarity with the natural human GLP-1 hormone. Natural GLP-1 breaks down quickly in the body, but semaglutide has been modified to resist this breakdown. The medication contains modifications that increase albumin binding and reduce enzymatic degradation.

These structural changes extend semaglutide’s half-life to approximately one week, allowing for once-weekly dosing. When you receive semaglutide, it selectively binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors throughout your body, particularly in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and brain.

Appetite control and insulin sensitivity

Semaglutide creates weight loss primarily by reducing how much you eat through decreased appetite. The medication activates receptors in your brain, particularly in the hypothalamus and brainstem, that control hunger and fullness. It stimulates neurons that create feelings of satisfaction while blocking neurons that trigger appetite.

Semaglutide also affects your digestive system in several ways: 

• Slows gastric emptying, prolonging feelings of fullness
• Decreases preference for high-fat, energy-dense foods
• Improves control over eating and reduces food cravings

Research shows participants taking semaglutide (using the Wegovy® formulation) consumed ~24% fewer calories across all meals throughout the day (~3036 kJ) compared to those taking placebo in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study after 12 weeks of treatment.

Why semaglutide is effective for people without diabetes

Semaglutide was originally developed for diabetes management, but it has proven highly effective for weight loss in non-diabetic individuals. Clinical trials show adults without diabetes lost ~12-13 percentage points more body weight than placebo over 68 weeks (using the Wegovy® formulation of semaglutide).

For non-diabetics, semaglutide produces notable results (using the 2.4 mg Wegovy® formulation of semaglutide):

• Can reduce total and visceral fat mass 
• Increases the proportion achieving ≥5%, ≥10%, and ≥15% weight loss compared to placebo
• A subset achieves ≥20% weight loss, though results vary

There is limited evidence for consistently meaningful weight loss at sub-maintenance doses over short periods; follow your clinician’s plan and the labeled titration.

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Understanding the Semaglutide Dosage Chart

Starter dose: 0.25 mg weekly

The Wegovy® dosage chart always begins with a starter dose of 0.25 mg injected once weekly for the first four weeks. This initial dose allows your body to gradually adapt to the medication and reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. Clinical evidence (per Wegovy’s FDA label) shows that starting with this lower dose and escalating gradually substantially improves medication tolerance.

Titration phase: increase every 4 weeks

After the starter period at 0.25 mg, the dosing chart follows a structured titration schedule with increases occurring at 4-week intervals:

• Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg once weekly
• Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg once weekly
• Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg once weekly

Your body gradually adjusts to the medication during this phase. If you experience difficulty tolerating a dose increase, your healthcare provider may delay the increase by an additional 4 weeks. Your clinician will tailor escalation based on tolerability.

Maintenance dose: 1.7–2.4 mg weekly

At week 17, your doctor will determine the appropriate maintenance dose based on your response and tolerance.  For most individuals, the maintenance dosage will be either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly. If the 2.4 mg proves difficult to tolerate, your provider may temporarily decrease it to 1.7 mg for up to 4 weeks before attempting to increase again. The maximum recommended dose for weight management is 2.4 mg weekly.

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Printable Wegovy® Dosage Chart

Timeline | Wegovy® Dose

Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly

Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg weekly

Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg weekly

Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg weekly

Week 17+: 1.7 or 2.4 mg weekly

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Personalize Your Semaglutide Plan

Your response to semaglutide may differ from what others experience. Various factors including age, sex, body composition, kidney function, and concurrent medications all influence how you'll respond to treatment.

Microdosing for sensitive users

Some patients benefit from a slower escalation than the standard schedule to improve tolerability. Any off-label starting doses or schedules should be determined by your clinician.

Adjusting based on side effects

You don't have to push through uncomfortable side effects. If dose escalation proves difficult, your doctor may recommend delaying the next increase by four weeks. Some patients who cannot tolerate the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg find that temporarily reducing to 1.7 mg for up to four weeks helps. There is limited evidence that substantially lower doses provide the same long-term results; follow your clinician’s guidance.

Your healthcare provider will monitor side effects, appetite changes, and weight loss progress throughout this process. Regular check-ins ensure both effectiveness and safety.

When to taper or maintain your dose

Once you reach your weight loss goals, you have options for what comes next. Stopping therapy is often followed by weight regain; any tapering approach should be individualized, and evidence is still emerging.

Some patients find that lower doses (e.g., 1.7 mg) work well for sustaining results with fewer side effects. This approach maximizes benefits while reducing the amount of medication you need when appropriate.

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Long-Term Use and Monitoring

Semaglutide weight management typically requires long-term treatment, individualized to your health status and goals. Regular monitoring of vital signs, weight loss progress, and side effects helps ensure both safety and effectiveness. Reducing dosage to 1.7 mg may help manage side effects while maintaining benefits. Your best results come from combining semaglutide with healthy lifestyle habits.

How long to stay on semaglutide

Most clinical trials studying semaglutide duration lasted between 68 weeks and 2 years. Healthcare providers typically recommend an individualized duration for weight management. The STEP 5 clinical trial (using the Wegovy® formulation of semaglutide) confirmed safety and effectiveness for up to 2 years, with participants maintaining 15.2% body weight reduction compared to just 2.6% with placebo.

Patients who stop semaglutide often regain weight. Clinical evidence shows weight regain begins soon after stopping treatment as appetite and caloric intake increase. Many healthcare professionals consider obesity a chronic condition that may require ongoing medication management.

Tracking weight loss and health markers

Consistent monitoring ensures your treatment remains both safe and effective. Important markers to track include:

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Your healthcare provider should assess you for potential complications, including gastrointestinal effects, dehydration, gallbladder disease, and pancreatitis.

When to consider dose reduction

Your dosage may require adjustment over time. If the 2.4 mg weekly dose causes intolerance, healthcare providers often reduce it to 1.7 mg weekly for up to 4 weeks before attempting to increase again. Some patients maintain results at 1.7 mg; dosing is individualized.

If you want to discontinue semaglutide, talk to your clinician. Evidence on tapering strategies is limited; weight regain is common after stopping.

Lifestyle habits to support results

Semaglutide works best alongside lifestyle changes. Official recommendations emphasize combining the medication with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Patients who exercised while using weight loss medication kept off substantially more weight after stopping treatment compared to non-exercisers.

Consider these foundational habits:

• Focus on whole foods, including vegetables, lean proteins, and high-fiber options
• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly
• Establish regular meal patterns and portion control
• Work with dietitians or support groups to reinforce behavioral changes

A structured weight management program can support your journey regardless of whether you continue semaglutide long-term.

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Conclusion

Semaglutide can help you achieve significant weight loss when you follow the right dosage plan. The medication's effectiveness depends on sticking to the appropriate schedule designed for your specific needs. Starting with low doses of 0.25 mg weekly, then gradually increasing to effective levels allows your body to adjust while reducing uncomfortable side effects.

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Each person responds differently to semaglutide treatment. Some patients achieve excellent results with lower maintenance doses, while others benefit from the maximum 2.4 mg weekly dose. Your healthcare provider might recommend slower escalation or extending time between increases if you experience side effects.

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Semaglutide works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. Regular check-ins with your doctor help ensure both safety and effectiveness. Adding nutritious eating habits and consistent physical activity will enhance your results significantly.

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Weight management typically requires long-term treatment. Most studies show optimal results when semaglutide is continued over extended periods. Working closely with your healthcare provider to develop a sustainable plan designed for your needs determines your success with this medication.

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You can achieve meaningful weight loss results while maintaining your health throughout the process. Talk to your doctor about whether semaglutide is right for you and how to create a personalized dosage plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

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