If you just started a GLP-1 medication — or you're about to — you probably have questions about the dose. How much do you start with? When does it go up? What if side effects hit hard?
This guide breaks it all down in plain language.
Important: This is general information, not medical advice. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
How GLP-1 Dosing Works
GLP-1 medications start low and go up slowly. This is called "titration."
Your doctor starts you on the lowest dose so your body can adjust. Then, every few weeks, the dose goes up a step.
This slow ramp-up helps reduce side effects like nausea and stomach upset.
The general rule: start low, go slow, stay at the dose that works for you.
Ozempic (Semaglutide) Dosage Schedule
Ozempic is a once-weekly injection used for type 2 diabetes. Many people also use it off-label for weight loss.
| Week | Dose | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg | Starting dose. Your body is adjusting. Side effects are most common here. |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg | First increase. Many people feel good at this dose. |
| 9–12 | 1 mg | Therapeutic dose for blood sugar control. |
| 13+ | 2 mg | Maximum dose. Not everyone needs to go this high. |
Key points:
- Each step lasts 4 weeks minimum
- You don't have to reach the max dose for it to work
- Some people do great at 0.5 mg and never need to go higher
- Talk to your doctor before changing your dose
Wegovy (Semaglutide) Dosage Schedule
Wegovy uses the same drug as Ozempic but is FDA-approved for weight loss. The doses go higher.
| Week | Dose | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg | Starting dose. Same as Ozempic's beginning. |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg | First increase. |
| 9–12 | 1 mg | Middle dose. |
| 13–16 | 1.7 mg | Second-to-last step. |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg | Target maintenance dose for weight loss. |
Key points:
- Wegovy's target dose (2.4 mg) is higher than Ozempic's max (2 mg)
- The titration takes about 16–20 weeks to reach the full dose
- If side effects are rough at any step, your doctor may keep you at the current dose longer
Mounjaro / Zepbound (Tirzepatide) Dosage Schedule
Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is the same drug approved for weight loss. Both use tirzepatide, which works on two hormone receptors instead of one.
| Week | Dose | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Starting dose. Not considered a therapeutic dose — it's just to get your body used to the medication. |
| 5–8 | 5 mg | First therapeutic dose. Many people see results here. |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg | Middle step. |
| 13–16 | 10 mg | Higher therapeutic dose. |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg | Second-to-last step. |
| 21+ | 15 mg | Maximum dose. |
Key points:
- Tirzepatide hits both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which may lead to stronger effects
- The 2.5 mg starting dose is not meant to be therapeutic — it's purely for adjustment
- Many people do well at 5 mg or 7.5 mg and don't need to go higher
What to Expect at Each Stage
The Starting Dose (Weeks 1–4)
This is usually the hardest part. Your body is learning to handle a new medication.
Common experiences:
- Nausea, especially after eating
- Feeling full very quickly
- Less interest in food
- Possible vomiting if you eat too much or eat the wrong foods
What helps:
- Eat small meals
- Avoid greasy or fried foods
- Drink water between meals, not during
- Don't lie down right after eating
The Middle Doses (Weeks 5–12)
Most people start feeling more normal here. Side effects usually ease up. You may notice:
- Steady appetite reduction
- Less food noise (fewer thoughts about eating)
- Gradual weight loss
- Better blood sugar numbers (if you're tracking)
The Maintenance Dose (Week 13+)
This is where the medication does its main work. Some people plateau at this point. Others continue losing steadily.
If you plateau:
- Talk to your doctor — you may need a dose increase
- Check your protein intake (aim for 60–80g/day)
- Review your eating habits — small portions can creep back up
- Add light movement like walking
When to Stay at Your Current Dose
You don't always need to go up. Stay at your current dose if:
- You're losing weight steadily
- Your blood sugar is where your doctor wants it
- Side effects are manageable
- You feel good
There is no prize for reaching the maximum dose. The right dose is the one that works for you.
When to Talk to Your Doctor About Adjusting
Reach out to your prescriber if:
- Side effects are severe or don't improve after a week or two at a new dose
- You're not seeing any results after 8–12 weeks at a therapeutic dose
- You're losing weight too fast (more than 2 lbs per week consistently)
- You want to slow down the titration schedule
Common Dosing Mistakes
Taking the shot on an empty stomach. Eat something light beforehand. It helps with nausea.
Skipping the ramp-up. Don't jump to a higher dose to "speed things up." That's a fast track to miserable side effects.
Comparing your dose to someone else's. Everyone responds differently. A lower dose that works is better than a higher dose that makes you sick.
Missing doses and restarting at the same level. If you miss more than one or two doses, your body may need to step back down. Ask your doctor.
Quick Reference: All Three Medications Side by Side
| Medication | Starting Dose | Target Dose | Max Dose | How Long to Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | 0.25 mg | 1 mg | 2 mg | ~16 weeks |
| Wegovy | 0.25 mg | 2.4 mg | 2.4 mg | ~20 weeks |
| Mounjaro/Zepbound | 2.5 mg | 5–15 mg | 15 mg | ~24 weeks |
Bottom Line
GLP-1 dosing is a marathon, not a sprint. Start low, give your body time to adjust, and work with your doctor to find the dose that works for you.
If you're just getting started, check out our GLP-1 starter guide for what to eat and expect in those first few weeks.
