Written by: Ryan Clark, Health & Wellness Writer
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MBBS, MRCGP — General Practitioner
Last Updated: February 2026 | Fact-Checked ✓
Wegovy dosage follows a carefully designed escalation schedule that is critical for safe and effective weight loss. Understanding the correct dosage schedule for Wegovy (semaglutide) is essential for maximizing its effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects. Wegovy treatment follows a strict dose-escalation schedule over several months. This gradual increase allows your body to adapt to the medication, reducing the risk of the common gastrointestinal side effects like nausea.
Table of Contents
This guide provides the complete, manufacturer-recommended Wegovy dosage schedule for 2026, explains the rationale behind it, and offers tips on how to correctly inject the medication.
The Official Wegovy Dose Escalation Schedule
You should always follow the dosage schedule prescribed by your healthcare provider. The standard schedule involves increasing the dose every four weeks.
| Months of Treatment | Weekly Dosage | Pen Colour | Key Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 (Weeks 1-4) | 0.25 mg | Teal | Starting Dose: Acclimatize the body. |
| Month 2 (Weeks 5-8) | 0.5 mg | Pink | First Titration: Begin therapeutic effect. |
| Month 3 (Weeks 9-12) | 1.0 mg | Brown | Second Titration: Increase weight loss effect. |
| Month 4 (Weeks 13-16) | 1.7 mg | Blue | Third Titration: Approach maintenance level. |
| Month 5+ (Week 17 onwards) | 2.4 mg | Black | Maintenance Dose: Achieve full therapeutic effect. |
Important: You should stay on each dose for a full four weeks before moving to the next level. Do not increase the dose faster than recommended.
Why is the Dose Increased So Slowly?
The gradual dose escalation is a critical safety feature of Wegovy treatment. The primary reason is to improve tolerability. The gastrointestinal side effects of Wegovy (and similar GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic) are most likely to occur when you first start the medication or when you increase the dose. By introducing the drug slowly, you give your body time to adjust, which can significantly reduce the intensity of side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
According to the official prescribing information, this escalation regimen was designed to reduce the frequency and severity of GI adverse reactions. [1]
What if I Experience Side Effects?
If you experience significant side effects after increasing your dose, your healthcare provider may recommend staying on the current, lower dose for an additional four weeks before attempting to increase it again. In some cases, if a patient cannot tolerate the full 2.4mg maintenance dose, the provider may decide to maintain them on a lower dose like 1.7mg if it is providing a clinical benefit.
How to Inject Wegovy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Wegovy comes in a pre-filled, single-use pen that is designed to be simple and safe to use. (We recommend embedding a short instructional video here in the final published article).
- Prepare the Pen: Take the pen out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before use. Check the name and dose on the pen, and ensure the liquid inside is clear and colourless.
- Choose Your Injection Site: Wegovy should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in one of three areas:
- Your abdomen (at least 5cm away from your belly button).
- The front of your thighs.
- Your upper arm.
- Administer the Injection:
- Pull off the pen cap.
- Press the pen firmly against your skin. You will hear a first click as the injection starts.
- Keep holding the pen against your skin. A yellow bar will move down the viewing window.
- Wait until you hear a second click. This indicates the injection is complete.
- Lift the pen away from your skin.
- Dispose of the Pen: Immediately dispose of the used pen in a sharps bin.
It is important to rotate your injection site each week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What day of the week should I take Wegovy?
You can take Wegovy on any day of the week, at any time of day, with or without meals. It is best to take it on the same day each week to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
2. What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and your next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours (2 days) away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 48 hours away, skip the missed dose and get back on your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
3. Can I use the same pen more than once?
No. Each Wegovy pen is designed for a single use only and contains one dose. You must use a new pen for each weekly injection.
4. Does the injection hurt?
The needle is very fine, and most people report feeling only a small prick or nothing at all. Injecting the pen when it is at room temperature rather than cold from the fridge can make it more comfortable.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your GP or specialist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Individual results may vary.