The maximum recommended dose of semaglutide for weight loss is 2.4 mg per week, available under the brand name Wegovy®. Most people start at a much lower dose, which is gradually increased over time to help the body adjust and minimize side effects.

How Semaglutide Works & Who It’s For

‍Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®. While Ozempic® and Rybelsus® are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, they’re sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. Wegovy® is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient but is not FDA-approved. It may be used when customized dosing or ingredient adjustments are needed.

Dosing Schedule for Wegovy®

• Month 1: 0.25 mg weekly
• Month 2: 0.5 mg weekly
• Month 3: 1.0 mg weekly
• Month 4: 1.7 mg weekly
• Month 5+: 2.4 mg weekly (maintenance dose for many, but not all, patients)

With compounded semaglutide, dosing can start as low as 0.15 mg weekly and be adjusted in smaller increments.

How It’s Taken

Semaglutide is given as a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin), usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Brand-name versions come in prefilled injection pens; compounded forms typically come in vials with syringes. Rotating injection sites can help prevent irritation.

Missed Dose Guidance

• If your next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours away → take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it’s less than 48 hours away → skip the missed dose and wait for your regular day.

Common Side Effects

‍Most side effects are gastrointestinal and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or upset stomach. These symptoms often improve after a few weeks or once a steady maintenance dose is reached. Anti-nausea medications like ondansetron may be prescribed if needed.

Semaglutide should always be paired with lifestyle changes—including a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise—for the best weight loss outcomes