Wegovy doses: what strengths does Wegovy come in?

Wegovy is taken at gradually increasing doses to help your body adjust and reduce the potential impact of side effects.

Most people start on a low dose and increase it over time following advice from a medical professional, until they reach a maintenance dose.

Here, we explain the different Wegovy strengths available, how dose increases work, and what to expect at each stage of treatment so you can move forward with confidence.

Key points

• Wegovy doses are increased gradually to help you get used to the medication and reduce side effects.
• Not everyone responds to Wegovy in the same way, so not every dosing schedule is the same. Some people might stay on one dose for longer.
• Changes in dose can cause side effects to come back or appear for the first time, but these are usually mild and settle as the body adjusts to the treatment.

What are the Wegovy doses?

The different Wegovy doses are:

• 0.25mg (starter dose, used to help the body adjust)
• 0.5mg
• 1mg
• 1.7mg
• 2.4mg
• 7.2mg (the highest dose available, delivered using multiple injections)

You will start treatment on the lowest dose and gradually increase your dose each month as you get used to the medication. This gradual escalation helps your body adjust to the treatment and reduces the risk of experiencing the side effects of Wegovy.

You’ll eventually settle on the dose that works best for you for longer-term weight management – this is called your maintenance dose.

Your clinician can help advise you when to move up, pause, or stay at on a dose.

How many doses are in a Wegovy pen?

A Wegovy pen provides four injections of a single dose, meaning one pen lasts four weeks when used as prescribed.

Wegovy pens are single strength, so each pen contains only one dose level. When your dose increases, you’ll move to a new pen with a higher strength rather than adjusting the amount from the same pen.

This means you’ll need to talk to one of our clinicians and start a new consultation to increase your dose.

Wegovy 0.25mg

What does Wegovy 0.25mg do?

"The 0.25mg dose is the starter dose of Wegovy. It is used to help your body adjust to being on the medication and reduce the risk of side effects.

"At this stage, Wegovy starts to act on appetite levels, but its effects are usually mild. Many people notice subtle changes in hunger or fullness, while others feel very little. This is expected and does not mean the treatment is not working."

Ayesha Bashir, myBMI weight loss expert

How effective is 0.25 mg for weight loss?

The 0.25mg dose is not intended for significant weight loss. Its main purpose is helping you get used to taking the medication, not showing results on the scales.

While some people notice early appetite changes or small weight shifts, more significant weight loss is expected at higher doses and continued treatment.

Wegovy 0.5mg

What does Wegovy 0.5mg do?

The 0.5mg dose builds on the starter dose by having more of an effect on your appetite while your body continues to adjust. It is still part of the dose-escalation phase and helps prepare your body for higher doses later in treatment.

At this stage, appetite suppression may feel more noticeable for some people. Side effects can occur, particularly just after increasing dose, but many find these settle relatively quickly as the weeks go on.

How effective is 0.5mg for weight loss?

Weight loss on 0.5mg is usually gradual and varies between individuals. Some people begin to see steady changes, while others notice shifts in their appetite before any clear change on the scales.

This dose supports early progress when it comes to weight loss, but it will not have the same effect as a higher maintenance dose. Lifestyle changes, like building a healthier diet and moving more, play an important role in weight loss at this stage of treatment.

You can read more diet advice in our expert guides, from how many calories are in drinks, to the foods to avoid on Wegovy.

Can I start Wegovy at 0.5mg?

No. Most people are advised to start Wegovy at 0.25mg to reduce the risk of side effects.

Any decision to begin at a higher dose should be made by a clinician based on individual circumstances and previous experience with similar treatments.

Wegovy 1mg

What does Wegovy 1mg do?

The 1mg dose has a stronger effect, and appetite regulation becomes more consistent at this strength. It represents another step-up during dose increases rather than a maintenance level of the medication. However, some people do decide to stay on this dose for long-term weight loss.

Many people notice clearer changes in their hunger levels at this stage. And again, you may experience some side effects, especially right after changing dose.

How effective is 1mg for weight loss?

Weight loss often becomes more noticeable at 1mg, though this varies between individuals. Some people experience steady progress at this dose, while others need higher doses to see meaningful results.

As always, diet, physical activity, and consistency with injections all contribute to the effectiveness of this dose.

Wegovy 1.7mg

What does Wegovy 1.7mg do?

The 1.7mg dose is a step closer to long-term dosing for many people. It helps establish appetite regulation before reaching the standard maintenance dose.

At this level, feelings of fullness may last longer, and eating patterns tend to begin to stabilise after the start of treatment. Some people may need to remain on this dose longer if they need more time to adjust.

How effective is 1.7mg for weight loss?

Weight loss at 1.7mg can either continue to accelerate or begin to level out, depending on the individual. Remember that progress is not always linear.

This dose helps clinicians assess whether moving to a higher dose or staying at this one is more appropriate.

Wegovy 2.4mg

What does Wegovy 2.4mg do?

The 2.4 mg dose is the standard Wegovy maintenance dose for most people. It is designed for long-term appetite regulation and ongoing weight management.

At this stage, treatment aims to maintain consistent appetite control, so many people stay on this dose for extended periods of time.

How effective is 2.4mg for weight loss?

The 20-week STEP 4 trial showed average weight loss of 17% for people using Wegovy 2.4mg. However, results still vary from one individual to another, and not everyone achieves the same level of weight loss on this dose. Some people may lose more weight, some may lose less.

Long-term success depends on many factors, including tolerance to Wegovy, commitment to making healthy food and lifestyle choices, and continued support alongside taking the medication.

Find out more about how movement plays an important part in your journey, from creating the best weight loss programme, to whether it’s best to eat before or after exercise.

Wegovy 7.2mg

What does Wegovy 7.2mg do?

Wegovy 7.2mg is the highest dose available. Unlike the other doses, it’s administered as three injections of 2.4mg, once a week.

It may be something to speak to your clinician about if your progress has slowed, or you feel ready for the next step after 2.4mg. Together, you can decide what is safe, appropriate, and aligned with your goals.

How effective is this dose for weight loss?

Research shows that the 7.2mg dose can help people achieve around 21% weight loss on average.

However, more medication does not guarantee better results, and how well you tolerate it is a key factor when assessing whether a higher dose is right for you.

How does Wegovy 7.2mg compare to Mounjaro?

What they are and how they work

• Wegovy 7.2 mg contains semaglutide. It works on one appetite hormone (GLP-1) that helps you feel fuller and less hungry.
• Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. It works on two appetite hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), which can affect hunger, fullness, and how your body uses energy.

Who makes them

• Wegovy is made by Novo Nordisk.
• Mounjaro is made by Eli Lilly.

Both companies have a long track record in diabetes and weight-management medicines.

Weight loss results from trials

The medicines were studied in separate trials, so results cannot be directly compared. However, both showed significant average weight loss over around 72 weeks when used alongside lifestyle support.

• Wegovy 7.2 mg: people lost an average of around 20.7% of their starting weight.
• Wegovy 2.4 mg: people lost an average of around 17.4% of their starting weight.
• Mounjaro: people lost an average of up to around 22.5% of their starting weight (at the highest dose of 15mg).

Not everyone will see the same results. Some people respond better to one treatment than the other.

What if my Wegovy dose is too strong?

"If your Wegovy dose is too strong, you may experience more side effects, or side effects that fail to settle over time.

"Common signs that you are on too high a dose include ongoing nausea, vomiting, severe stomach discomfort, or difficulty drinking enough to stay hydrated.

"In many cases, this does not mean Wegovy is unsuitable for you. Your clinician may advise staying on the same dose for longer, delaying the next dose increase, or temporarily pausing treatment to allow your symptoms to improve.

"You should speak to the medical professional supporting you if side effects are affecting your daily life or are not easing after the first few weeks. Do not increase your dose on your own and seek urgent medical help if you develop severe pain in your stomach, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration." 

Ayesha Bashir, myBMI weight loss expert 

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to reach the 7.2mg dose?

No. You do not have to increase to 7.2mg of Wegovy. Many people achieve good results on the lower doses of the treatment.

How quickly do Wegovy doses increase?

Wegovy doses are usually increased every four weeks, as long as each dose is tolerated well. Some people stay on a dose longer if side effects persist. Dose increase timing is flexible, and you should always be advised by a clinician.

Can I stay on a lower Wegovy dose long term?

Yes. Some people remain on a lower dose, such as 1mg or 1.7mg, for the long term if it provides appetite control and is better tolerated. Reaching the highest dose possible is not essential if a lower dose is effective for you.

What happens if I miss a Wegovy dose?

If you miss a dose and it is within five days of your scheduled injection, you can take it as soon as you remember. If more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as planned.

Does a higher Wegovy dose mean faster weight loss?

Not necessarily. Higher doses can lead to greater weight loss on average, but individual responses vary. Increasing the dose too quickly or beyond what you tolerate can also increase the feeling of side effects without improving results.

Is there a dose between 2.4mg and 7.2mg?

There is no licensed single-pen Wegovy dose between 2.4mg and 7.2mg. Higher doses involve multiple injections and are only used under specialist clinical guidance.

Can I stay on the lowest dose of Wegovy?

The lowest dose, 0.25mg, is intended as a starter dose and is not designed for long-term treatment. Most people need to increase beyond this level to achieve meaningful appetite control and weight loss. However, if it is working for you, you don’t need to increase your dose.

Sources

• Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen. (2026) EMC [accessed 28 January 2026]
• Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity. (2023) NICE [accessed 28 January 2026]
• Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity. (2024) NICE [accessed 28 January 2026]