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Key takeaways
Wegovy treatment starts at a low dose of 0.25 mg per week and slowly increases to help your body adjust and reduce side effects like nausea.
Jumping straight to a higher dose, like 1.7 mg, instead of following the recommended schedule, may lead to more severe side effects.
For the best weight loss results, Wegovy should be used along with a reduced-calorie diet, regular exercise, and a weekly injection schedule.
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Developed by Novo Nordisk, this prescription drug has transformed weight loss treatment options for many people with obesity. It comes as a once-weekly injection and works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels.
Based on clinical trials, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Wegovy as a go-to option for those struggling with weight management. However, despite what you might have heard, the recommended starting dose is always 0.25 mg once weekly. It’s not recommended to start Wegovy at 1.7 mg weekly. The medication follows a specific dose escalation schedule to reduce the severity of side effects. Here’s why.
Wegovy dosage guidance
Wegovy comes as a prefilled single-dose pen that provides a dose of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg. It’s administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once weekly on the same day each week, with or without food. It’s recommended to use this medication alongside a balanced diet and exercise plan.
The standard Wegovy dosing schedule starts with a lower dose of 0.25 mg weekly for the first four weeks. This helps your body get used to the medicine and reduces side effects. After the first four weeks, your healthcare provider may increase your dose every 4 weeks following this pattern:
- Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg once weekly
- Weeks 9 to 12: 1 mg once weekly
- Weeks 13 to 16: 1.7 mg once weekly
- Week 17 and beyond: 2.4 mg (or stay at 1.7 mg) once weekly
The maintenance dose is typically 2.4 mg once weekly, but some people may stay at 1.7 mg based on their healthcare provider’s advice. If you find that you’re not getting the desired results on 1.7 mg weekly, your healthcare provider may recommend increasing the dosage to 2.4 mg weekly.
The dosage schedule of Wegovy is the same whether it’s used for long-term weight management for obesity or excess body weight with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
RELATED: Wegovy vs. Mounjaro dosage chart: How to switch medications
Can you start Wegovy at 1.7 mg?
The short answer is no. According to the Wegovy drug label, it’s not recommended to start Wegovy at 1.7 mg. The starting dose of Wegovy is 0.25 mg weekly, which can be gradually worked up to 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg weekly.
Are there exceptions? In rare cases, a healthcare professional might adjust the schedule for patients who have previously taken semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic). However, even in these cases, they typically don’t jump straight to 1.7 mg.
Your healthcare provider will consider your body mass index (BMI), previous medication use, and individual health factors when choosing the appropriate dose progression for you. Remember that only a licensed healthcare professional can prescribe Wegovy and determine the right dosing schedule for your specific situation.
Side effects of starting Wegovy at a higher dose
Starting at a higher dose like 1.7 mg instead of the recommended 0.25 mg increases your risk of digestive side effects that could make the treatment harder to tolerate. The most common side effects of Wegovy become worse when skipping the gradual dose increase. These might include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection
In addition to these side effects, starting a higher dosage may lead to or increase the risk of serious side effects. The most serious side effects of Wegovy include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure, due to dehydration
- Vision problems
- Increased heart rate
A low starting dose is meant to help your body adjust to the medication. Before starting treatment, consult a healthcare provider about other potential side effects and warnings associated with Wegovy.
Wegovy tips for weight loss
Success with this weight loss medication comes from more than just the injections. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
Stay consistent
Consistency with weekly doses is key. If you miss a dose and have more than 48 hours until your next one, take the missed dose right away. If it’s less than 48 hours until your next dose, skip the missed one and stick to your regular schedule. If you miss two or more doses, return to your regular routine or restart the dose escalation schedule to avoid stomach issues.
Inject the medicine correctly
To use Wegovy properly, inject it just under the skin in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. If you’re injecting in the same area, be sure to change the exact spot each week to prevent irritation. Avoid injecting into muscle, as this can change how the medicine works and might cause more side effects. Using the right technique will help you get the best results from your treatment plan.
Set realistic weight loss goals
Weight loss of around 1 to 2 pounds per week can be a realistic goal you work toward. This is a healthy and achievable target that can lead to lasting results. Remember to focus on your progress instead of striving for perfection. Small, steady achievements can help keep you motivated.
Follow a balanced diet
Start by gradually reducing your portion sizes to maintain a balanced diet. Focus on choosing foods high in protein and fiber, as these can help keep you full longer. Try to cut back on processed foods and added sugars, which might lead to unhealthy weight gain. Also, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can be just as important.
Incorporate regular exercise
Walking for 30 minutes daily may be a good start to being physically active. This is a simple way to get moving and improve your health. As you feel more comfortable, you can add strength training exercises a couple of times a week to help build muscle. It’s also important to find activities you enjoy, as this can make it easier to stick with your exercise routine.
Wegovy tends to work best when combined with lifestyle changes like a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Stay in contact with your healthcare provider to help monitor progress and ensure the medication is working for you.
What to know if you’re considering taking Wegovy
Wegovy is not a miracle weight loss drug. Before starting treatment with the Wegovy pen, you’ll want to keep a few other things in mind, such as precautions and drug interactions.
- Wegovy is not right for everyone. Animal studies suggest that semaglutide may cause tumors in thyroid cells at doses similar to those given to humans. People with certain thyroid conditions, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, should avoid using it. Those who are pregnant or have allergies to Wegovy should also avoid Wegovy.
- Weight-loss results may take time. People using Wegovy might not notice quick weight loss, as it can take some weeks to see real changes. Staying patient and following a healthy diet and exercise plan may be helpful in getting the best results.
- Wegovy may interact with other medications: Wegovy can lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia when used with insulin or certain diabetes medications. Wegovy can also slow stomach emptying, which might affect how well other oral medications work, so it’s important to monitor their effects.
Bottom line
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that helps with weight loss by regulating appetite. However, starting at a high dose, like 1.7 mg, is not recommended. The prescribed dose escalation schedule, starting at 0.25 mg weekly, helps reduce side effects like nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach. Skipping this gradual increase may lead to severe digestive issues and other health risks, including low blood sugar. For best results, Wegovy should be combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent use, along with support from a healthcare provider.
- Wegovy highlights of prescribing information, Food and Drug Administration (2024)
- Wegovy label, DailyMed (2024)