Wegovy Week by Week: The 16-Week Dose Climb Explained
Wegovy takes 16 weeks to reach the 2.4 mg maintenance dose. What each step feels like, how to handle side effects, missed doses and Wegovy HD 7.2 mg.
3 min read
Key takeaways
Wegovy climbs every 4 weeks — 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 1.7 mg — to reach the 2.4 mg maintenance dose from week 17. Adults who tolerate 2.4 mg for at least 4 weeks may move to Wegovy HD 7.2 mg. Going slowly is what keeps nausea manageable.
Wegovy at a glance
| Generic name | semaglutide |
|---|---|
| Made by | Novo Nordisk |
| Type | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Form | Single-dose prefilled pen, subcutaneous injection |
| How often | Once weekly |
| United States | FDA-approved. A higher 7.2 mg dose, Wegovy HD, was approved March 19, 2026. |
| Canada | Approved in Canada. Health Canada authorized the first generic semaglutide for weight management on June 29, 2026. |
The schedule at a glance
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly.
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg.
- Weeks 9–12: 1 mg.
- Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg.
- Week 17 on: 2.4 mg (or 1.7 mg if 2.4 mg is not tolerated).
- Wegovy HD: 7.2 mg for adults after at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg.
Your prescriber can hold you at a step longer if side effects are hard. That is normal and does not mean the medicine has failed.
What to expect along the way
Appetite usually drops within the first weeks, but most weight loss happens once you are at or near the maintenance dose. Weigh yourself at the same time of day, once a week, to see the trend rather than daily noise.
- Eat smaller meals and stop as soon as you feel full — the medicine makes fullness arrive earlier.
- Go easy on fatty, fried and very sweet foods in the days after a dose increase.
- Sip water through the day; vomiting or diarrhea can dehydrate you and strain the kidneys.
- Tell your prescriber if nausea lasts — staying on a lower dose longer is a common fix.
Protecting muscle and nutrition
Eating less makes every meal count. Build meals around protein and vegetables, keep up fluids, and add strength exercise if you can — it helps you keep muscle while you lose fat. Ask your clinician whether you need a dietitian referral.
Missed doses
If your next dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed one as soon as possible. If it is less than 2 days away, skip it. If you miss more than 2 weeks, contact your prescriber — you may need to restart at a lower dose.
Beyond weight
Wegovy is also approved to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight, and for MASH (fatty liver disease) with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis. Those benefits depend on staying on treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can teenagers use Wegovy?
Yes — it is approved for weight management in children 12 and older with obesity, under specialist care.
Can I keep Wegovy out of the fridge?
Pens may be kept at up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 28 days. Never freeze them.
What happens if I stop?
Appetite returns over a few weeks and most people regain much of the weight within a year. Plan any stop with your prescriber.
Keep reading
Sources
Checked against these primary sources on .
General information based on the official label. It does not replace advice from your prescriber or pharmacist.