Starting a weight loss journey with medication can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with different dosing schedules, unfamiliar medical terms, and questions about which treatment might be right for you.

If you’re considering Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) to support your weight management goals, you’re not alone in feeling uncertain about dosages and treatment plans.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about both medications, their dosing schedules, and what to expect throughout your treatment journey. We’ll explain the process in clear, straightforward terms so you can feel confident and informed about your choices.

Understanding titration: why we start small

Before diving into specific medications, it’s important to understand a key concept called titration. This medical term simply means gradually increasing your medication strength over time, and it’s one of the most important aspects of successful weight loss treatment.

Think of titration as allowing your body to slowly adapt to a new medication, much like how you might gradually increase your exercise routine rather than jumping straight into intensive training. This approach helps to:

• Minimise side effects: Starting with a lower dose significantly reduces the likelihood of experiencing uncomfortable symptoms
• Allows proper assessment: You and your healthcare provider can monitor how your body responds at each stage
• Ensures sustainability: A gradual approach makes it more likely you’ll stick with your treatment long-term
• Maximises effectiveness: Many people find excellent results without needing the highest possible dose

Whilst this step-by-step approach might seem slower than you’d prefer, it’s actually the safest and most effective way to achieve lasting weight loss. Your prescriber will work closely with you throughout this process, adjusting your treatment based on how you’re responding and any side effects you might experience.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): your dosing journey

Mounjaro has gained significant attention as a highly effective weight loss treatment, and understanding its dosing schedule can help you know exactly what to expect throughout your journey.

Your Mounjaro timeline

Weeks 1-4: starting dose (2.5mg) 

Your journey begins with a 2.5mg injection once per week. This initial month allows your body to become accustomed to the medication whilst minimising potential side effects. Each pen contains four doses, so your first pen will last exactly one month.

Month 2 onwards: gradual increases 

After your first month, your prescriber will typically increase your dose to 5mg weekly. From there, your dosage may increase by 2.5mg every four weeks, progressing through 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and potentially up to the maximum dose of 15mg.

Finding your maintenance dose 

Not everyone will need the highest dose for Mounjaro to be effective. Your long-term dose will depend on several factors:

• How much weight you’ve lost
• How well your appetite is being controlled
• Whether you’re experiencing any side effects
• How well you’re tolerating the current dose
• Your individual response to the medication

What affects your dosing schedule?

Your prescriber will consider several factors when determining whether to increase your dose:

• Effectiveness: Are you still experiencing food cravings, or haven’t lost weight?
• Side effects: Are you managing well with minimal discomfort?
• Individual factors: Your age, existing health conditions, and overall response to treatment
• Personal preferences: Cost considerations, as higher doses are more expensive

Wegovy (semaglutide): your treatment path

Wegovy offers a slightly different approach to weight loss, with its own unique dosing schedule that’s designed to be both effective and manageable.

Your Wegovy journey

Month 1: getting started (0.25mg) 

You’ll begin with the lowest possible dose of 0.25mg once weekly for your first month. This gentle introduction helps your body adapt to the medication with minimal side effects.

Months 2 onwards: steady progression 

Your dose will typically increase every four weeks following this pattern: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg, reaching your maintenance dose over approximately five months.

Maintenance phase 

Unlike Mounjaro, Wegovy has one standard maintenance dose of 2.4mg weekly. However, some individuals may find excellent results at lower doses and may not need to progress to the full 2.4mg.

Why Wegovy’s approach differs

The main difference is that Mounjaro has several dose options you might stay on long-term, whilst Wegovy usually aims for one standard dose. Both approaches work well – they’re just designed differently.

Important safety considerations

Why can’t you start at the highest dose

It’s natural to wonder whether starting at a higher dose might lead to faster weight loss, but this approach can actually be counterproductive and potentially harmful:

• Increased side effects: Your body needs time to adjust to these medications
• Treatment discontinuation: Severe side effects might cause you to stop treatment altogether
• No guaranteed benefit: Higher initial doses don’t necessarily lead to more weight loss long-term
• Safety concerns: Gradual titration is a well-established safety protocol

Managing side effects during titration

Both medications can cause side effects, particularly during dose increases. Common experiences may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Reduced appetite
• Indigestion
• Stomach discomfort

These effects typically diminish as your body adjusts to each new dose. However, it’s important to maintain open communication with your prescriber about any symptoms you experience.

Working with your healthcare provider

Your relationship with your prescriber is crucial throughout your weight loss journey. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Regular check-ins

• Monitor progress: Track weight loss, appetite changes, and overall well-being
• Assess side effects: Discuss any uncomfortable symptoms openly
• Adjust as needed: Your prescriber may modify your dosing schedule based on your response

Important questions to ask

• How quickly should I expect to see results?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• When should I increase my dose?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• How long will I need to continue treatment?

Be honest about your experience

Your prescriber can only help you effectively if they understand your complete experience, including:

• Any side effects, even minor ones
• Changes in appetite and eating patterns
• Weight loss progress or concerns
• Challenges with injection technique or scheduling
• Financial considerations regarding different dose levels

Maintenance planning

As you approach your weight goals, you’ll work with your prescriber to determine:

• Your optimal maintenance dose
• Duration of treatment
• Strategies for maintaining weight loss
• Gradual dose reduction plans, if appropriate

When to seek additional support

Contact your prescriber or seek medical advice if you experience:

• Severe or persistent side effects
• Signs of an allergic reaction
• Concerns about your progress
• Difficulty managing injections
• Questions about dose timing or missed doses