Short answer: According to the product information, Wegovy (semaglutide) starts at 0.25 mg once a week and steps up every 4 weeks: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7 and 2.4 mg. The usual maintenance dose is 2.4 mg. Your GP or prescriber decides which dose you stay on.

Key takeaways

  • Wegovy's dose steps: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7 and 2.4 mg, all once a week.
  • Each step lasts 4 weeks, so 2.4 mg is reached in week 17 at the earliest.
  • If 2.4 mg is not tolerated, your prescriber may keep you on 1.7 mg.
  • The EU also approved a higher 7.2 mg dose in February 2026; the leaflet for your own product is what applies to you.
  • 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

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

If a step is hard to tolerate, your prescriber may put off the next increase or keep you 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, take it as soon as you remember; the next dose goes on your usual day.
  • If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and carry on from your usual day.
  • You can change your injection day as long as there are at least 3 days between two doses.

How the pen works depends on your product, so follow the instructions for use in your pack. 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?

The usual maintenance dose is 2.4 mg. If 2.4 mg is not tolerated, your prescriber may keep you on 1.7 mg. For the 7.2 mg dose approved in the EU, check the leaflet for your own product.

How often does the Wegovy dose go up?

In the product information schedule, each step lasts 4 weeks. Your prescriber decides when you move up and may put an increase 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?

If 5 days or less have passed, take it as soon as you remember. If more time has passed, skip it and carry on from your usual day.

Sources

  • EMA: Wegovy (semaglutide), summary of product characteristics
  • MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
  • NHS: Obesity treatment

Last reviewed: 26 September 2026