Short answer: In the standard schedule of the product information, Wegovy (semaglutide) starts at 0.25 mg once a week and the steps move at 4-week intervals: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7 and 2.4 mg. The usual maintenance dose is 2.4 mg. Your GP or prescriber decides the steps, the timing and whether to step up at all.

Key takeaways

  • Wegovy's dose steps: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7 and 2.4 mg, all once a week.
  • In the standard schedule each step lasts 4 weeks, so 2.4 mg falls in week 17 at the earliest.
  • If 2.4 mg is not tolerated, the prescriber may decide to stay on 1.7 mg.
  • The EU also approved a higher 7.2 mg dose in February 2026; the leaflet of the product you have is what applies.
  • Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but they are different medicines with different dose steps.

Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine containing semaglutide, licensed for weight management and taken as a once-weekly jab. As with other GLP-1 medicines, treatment starts low and the dose goes up gradually. The aim of this slow increase is to reduce digestive side effects such as nausea.

This page is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Your dose and when it goes up are decisions for your GP or prescriber alone.

Wegovy dose chart

The dosing decision is your doctor's. The table below reproduces the standard dose schedule in the product information (summary of product characteristics); it is not a personal treatment plan. Which step to stay on, when to move and whether to step up at all is decided by your GP or prescriber.

Weeks Weekly dose Role in the product information
1–4 0.25 mg Starting dose
5–8 0.5 mg Step-up dose
9–12 1 mg Step-up dose
13–16 1.7 mg Step-up dose
17 onwards 2.4 mg Usual maintenance dose

When a step is not well tolerated, the prescriber may put off the next increase or decide to stay on a lower dose. What tends to happen after an increase is covered in what happens when your weight-loss injection dose goes up.

Wegovy vs Ozempic

Both contain semaglutide. The differences:

  • Licensed use: Wegovy is licensed for weight management; Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes.
  • Dose steps: Wegovy goes up to 2.4 mg; Ozempic's steps are 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg.

For Ozempic, see how to use Ozempic.

Injection day and missed doses

Wegovy is injected under the skin once a week, on the same day each week, at any time of day. According to the product information:

  • If 5 days or less have passed since the missed dose, it is taken as soon as it is remembered, and the next dose goes on the usual day.
  • If more than 5 days have passed, the missed dose is skipped and treatment carries on from the usual day.
  • The injection day can be changed as long as there are at least 3 days between two doses.

If you are unsure in a specific situation, ask your doctor or pharmacist. How the pen works depends on the product; the instructions for use in the pack are what count. For general tips, see how do you use a weight-loss injection pen.

Keeping track of your dose

Noting how many weeks you have been on each step and how you felt after each increase makes it easier to answer your prescriber's questions at a review. Haftra keeps your dose, injection day and symptoms together and reminds you on your injection day. It does not suggest doses or work out dose steps. It is free.

iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Free.

Frequently asked questions

What is the starting dose of Wegovy?

According to the product information, 0.25 mg once a week for 4 weeks.

What is the Wegovy maintenance dose?

In the product information, the usual maintenance dose is 2.4 mg. If 2.4 mg is not tolerated, the prescriber may decide to stay on 1.7 mg. For the 7.2 mg dose approved in the EU, the leaflet of the product you have is what applies.

How often does the Wegovy dose go up?

In the standard schedule of the product information, each step lasts 4 weeks. Whether and when to move up is the prescriber's decision, and an increase may be put off.

Are Wegovy and Ozempic the same?

They contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but Wegovy is licensed for weight management and has different dose steps.

What happens if I miss a Wegovy dose?

According to the product information, if 5 days or less have passed, the dose is taken as soon as it is remembered. If more time has passed, it is skipped and treatment carries on from the usual day. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Sources

Last reviewed: 15 October 2026