What to expect on Wegovy: setting goals & understanding doses

Peter Paumgardhen | Last update: 2nd February 2026

How Wegovy works

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 weight loss drug. It works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. It slows digestion, reduces hunger, and helps you feel full with less food.

Wegovy is taken once a week and prescribed in gradually increasing doses to help your body adjust and reduce the risk of side effects.

Wegovy doses 

You don’t start on the full dose of Wegovy. Instead, you increase gradually over 16 weeks to allow your body time to adjust.

Week(s)	Dose	Notes
1–4	0.25 mg	Starter dose for tolerability only — not intended for weight loss
5–8	0.5 mg	Early effects may start here
9–12	1.0 mg	Appetite control usually increases
13–16	1.7 mg	Side effects may increase briefly
17+	2.4 mg	Recommended maintenance dose

NEW: 7.2 mg Wegovy approved

A higher 7.2 mg dose of semaglutide is now approved in the UK for use in patients with obesity only (MHRA announcement).

This dose is not yet available in single-pen form, but some providers are offering it using 3 x 2.4 mg pens taken on the same day. A dedicated 7.2 mg Wegovy pen is expected later this year.

This higher dose is designed for people who may need additional support after plateauing on 2.4 mg.

Read: Wegovy 7.2mg now approved in UK: what to know

What kind of weight loss can I expect?

In clinical trials (STEP programme):

• Average weight loss after 68 weeks on Wegovy 2.4 mg: ∼15% of starting weight
• With continued lifestyle changes, some people lose more

These are averages. Some people lose less, others more. Consistency and good food habits make a difference.

Can I stay on a lower dose?

Yes. If you’re seeing results and tolerating the drug well, you might stay on a lower dose (e.g. 1.0 or 1.7 mg) for longer. Others may need to move up to 2.4 mg or 7.2 mg for better results.

Your healthcare provider will consider:

• How well you’re losing weight
• Your side effects
• Your overall health

Never skip doses to ‘save pens’ or jump ahead without guidance. Always follow the plan provided.

Why does the dose increase matter?

Side effects (e.g. nausea, fatigue, constipation) are most common after a dose increase. That’s why Wegovy increases slowly over time. If your side effects are strong:

• You may stay longer on your current dose
• Your prescriber might delay the next increase

Slow titration is safer and more sustainable.

Read: 10 tips to overcome side effects

What is the best long-term dose?

The recommended maintenance dose is 2.4 mg. However, with the approval of 7.2 mg, some patients may need the stronger dose for further weight reduction, especially if they plateau at 2.4 mg.

Work with your provider to:

• Stay at the lowest effective dose
• Monitor for side effects
• Adjust the dose only when needed

Planning to come off Wegovy

At some point, you may decide (or be advised) to stop Wegovy. Here’s what to plan for:

Step	What to consider
1	Discuss with your prescriber – they may recommend tapering off gradually
2	Review your food and exercise habits – are they strong enough to continue without the drug?
3	Make sure you have a plan for maintaining weight without medication

Read: How to maintain weight loss after stopping Mounjaro – most of the advice applies to Wegovy too.

Final word from SlimrChat

Wegovy is a powerful weight loss tool, but you still have to do the work. Understanding the dose schedule, what to expect at each stage, and how to prepare for life after medication will help you make the most of it.

Stick to your plan, build better habits while the drug is doing the heavy lifting, and get support when you need it.