Key Takeaways
- Starting dose: 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks (both Ozempic and Wegovy)
- Ozempic max: 1.0 mg weekly (approved 2024: 2.0 mg) — optimised for blood sugar control
- Wegovy maintenance: 2.4 mg weekly (7.2 mg maximum) — optimised for weight loss
- Titration duration: ~13 weeks (Ozempic) or ~16–20 weeks (Wegovy)
- Same molecule: Both contain identical semaglutide made by Novo Nordisk
Semaglutide Dosage Chart
Free printable reference chart showing Ozempic and Wegovy titration schedules side-by-side. Both contain semaglutide but have different maximum doses and FDA indications. This chart covers the standard titration from 0.25 mg up to the maximum for each medication.
📋 Ozempic
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2017). Titrates to 1.0 mg over ~13 weeks. A 2.0 mg dose was approved in 2024 for additional glycaemic control.
Weight loss is a major secondary benefit. Often prescribed off-label for weight management.
🎯 Wegovy
FDA-approved for chronic weight management (2021). Escalates to 2.4 mg over ~16–20 weeks.
Indicated for BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Also approved for cardiovascular risk reduction (2024).
Printable Semaglutide Dosage Chart
This chart shows the standard FDA-approved titration protocols for both Ozempic and Wegovy. Each dose stays at the same level for 4 weeks before moving up. Your prescriber may adjust timing based on how you tolerate each dose.
Week-by-Week Semaglutide Titration Schedule
Prefer to plan your own escalation? The free semaglutide titration calculator turns your starting dose, target dose, and step interval into a week-by-week schedule with calendar dates and your next step-up.
Ozempic Titration (Type 2 Diabetes)
Standard Ozempic escalation reaches 1.0 mg in about 9 weeks. In 2024, the FDA approved an extended 2.0 mg dose for patients who need better blood sugar control.
| Phase | Weeks | Dose | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiation | 1–4 | 0.25 mg | Sub-therapeutic. GI tolerance. |
| Escalation | 5–8 | 0.5 mg | First therapeutic dose. May maintain here. |
| Maintenance | 9+ | 1.0 mg | Standard maintenance dose for diabetes. |
| Extended (optional) | 13+ | 2.0 mg | Additional glycaemic control if needed. |
Wegovy Titration (Weight Management)
Wegovy uses a slower, 5-step escalation to reach 2.4 mg over about 16–20 weeks. The higher maintenance dose provides stronger appetite suppression and more weight loss. Adults who tolerate 2.4 mg for at least 4 weeks and need additional weight reduction may go to a 7.2 mg maximum.
| Phase | Weeks | Dose | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 1–4 | 0.25 mg | Sub-therapeutic. Establishes tolerance. |
| Month 2 | 5–8 | 0.5 mg | Initial therapeutic effects begin. |
| Month 3 | 9–12 | 1.0 mg | Equivalent to max Ozempic dose. |
| Month 4 | 13–16 | 1.7 mg | Beyond Ozempic range. Stronger appetite suppression. |
| Month 5+ | 17+ | 2.4 mg | Recommended maintenance dose for weight loss; 7.2 mg is the maximum. |
⚠️ Important: Do not skip titration steps. The gradual escalation minimises GI side effects. Jumping straight to a higher dose will make you much more likely to experience severe nausea and vomiting.
What to Expect at Each Dose Level
Based on clinical trial data from the STEP 1 trial (Wegovy 2.4 mg) and SUSTAIN trials (Ozempic), here is what to anticipate.
0.25 mg — Weeks 1–4
Sub-therapeutic dose. You may feel mild nausea or a slight reduction in appetite, but don't expect meaningful weight loss yet. Some patients feel nothing at this dose. This starting dose just helps your GI system adjust.
Expected weight loss: Minimal (0–1 kg)
0.5 mg — Weeks 5–8
First therapeutic dose. Appetite suppression becomes more noticeable, particularly around meal times. Some users report feeling full sooner and having less interest in snacking. Nausea is most common during this transition.
Expected weight loss: 1–3 kg (mostly appetite-driven reduction)
1.0 mg — Weeks 9–12
Maximum Ozempic dose and the midpoint of Wegovy titration. By this point, appetite suppression is well-established. In SUSTAIN trials, Ozempic 1.0 mg produced 4.5–6.4 kg weight loss over 30 weeks in diabetes patients.
Ozempic maintenance target. Wegovy patients continue escalating.
1.7 mg — Weeks 13–16 (Wegovy only)
Beyond the Ozempic dose range. Appetite suppression gets stronger. GI side effects may temporarily worsen during this escalation but usually resolve within 2–3 weeks.
Intermediate dose. Most patients tolerate this well if previous steps were manageable.
2.4 mg — Weeks 17+ (Wegovy only)
Recommended Wegovy maintenance dose; adults who tolerate it for at least 4 weeks and need further weight reduction may increase to a 7.2 mg maximum. In STEP 1, participants on 2.4 mg lost an average of 14.9% body weight over 68 weeks compared to 2.4% with placebo. This dose also demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction in the SELECT trial.
Avg weight loss (68 weeks): ~14.9% (STEP 1)
Side Effects by Dose Level
Side effects are dose-dependent and usually worst during the first 1–2 weeks after each dose increase. Most GI symptoms improve over time once you're at a stable dose. For management strategies, see our semaglutide side effects guide.
| Side Effect | Wegovy 2.4 mg | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 44% | 18% |
| Diarrhoea | 30% | 16% |
| Vomiting | 24% | 6% |
| Constipation | 24% | 11% |
| Abdominal pain | 20% | 11% |
| Headache | 14% | 12% |
Source: STEP 1 trial data (Wilding et al., NEJM 2021)
💡 Tip: If side effects are severe at a new dose, your prescriber may hold the current level for an extra 4 weeks or drop back to the previous dose temporarily. Nausea is the most common reason for dose adjustments, but it usually resolves within 2–4 weeks.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: Which Dosage Chart Should I Follow?
Both medications contain the same semaglutide. The choice depends on what you're treating and what your prescriber recommends.
| Ozempic | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| FDA indication | Type 2 diabetes | Chronic weight management |
| Max dose | 1.0 mg (2.0 mg extended) | 2.4 mg |
| Titration steps | 3 (0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0) | 5 (0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4) |
| Time to max | ~9 weeks | ~17 weeks |
| Pen format | Multi-dose pen (4 doses) | Single-dose pen (4 per box) |
| Avg weight loss | ~5% (diabetes population) | ~14.9% (obesity population) |
For a comprehensive breakdown of the differences, see our Ozempic vs Wegovy comparison.
Visualise Your Semaglutide Levels
Our free pharmacokinetic calculator shows peak, trough, and steady-state drug levels across your entire dosing schedule.
Open Semaglutide Calculator →How to Use This Chart
- Identify your medication: Ozempic (type 2 diabetes) or Wegovy (weight management). They start the same but diverge at week 9.
- Find your current week: Count from your first injection. If you started 10 weeks ago on Wegovy, you should be at 1.0 mg (weeks 9–12).
- Check your dose: Make sure your current dose matches the chart for your week. If your prescriber has adjusted the timing, follow their instructions instead.
- Plan for escalation: Stock up on bland foods and clear liquids before dose increases. Side effects are most common in the first 1–2 weeks after each increase.
- Track your progress: Use the semaglutide calculator to visualise how drug levels change between doses and across your titration.
Does This Chart Apply to Compounded Semaglutide?
Yes. The dosing protocol is the same for brand-name and compounded semaglutide. However, compounded vials require you to draw doses with an insulin syringe, which lets you dial in custom doses at any increment (e.g., 0.3 mg, 0.75 mg, 1.25 mg).
This flexibility helps with microdosing protocols or slower-than-standard titration. The reconstitution calculator helps you figure out the exact syringe volume for your target dose based on your vial's concentration.
⚠️ Dosing safety: The FDA has warned that dosing errors are a major safety concern with compounded semaglutide. High-concentration vials mean small measurement mistakes can give you 5–10× your intended dose. Always double-check your calculations with a reconstitution calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two different protocols for the same drug?
Ozempic was designed and tested for type 2 diabetes, where 1.0 mg gives good blood sugar control. Wegovy was developed for weight management, where clinical trials showed that higher doses (up to the recommended 2.4 mg maintenance dose) worked better for appetite suppression and weight loss. Same molecule, just different dose targets for different uses.
Can I skip the titration and start at a higher dose?
No. Skipping titration will make you much more likely to experience severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The gradual escalation gives your body time to adapt to GLP-1 receptor activation. Clinical trials that tested rapid escalation protocols showed higher dropout rates because of intolerable GI side effects.
What happens if I miss a semaglutide dose?
If your missed dose is within 5 days of when you were supposed to take it, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next one on your regular schedule. Do not double up. If you miss 2 or more doses in a row, contact your prescriber — they may want you to restart at a lower dose.
What is the half-life of semaglutide?
Semaglutide has a half-life of about 7 days (168 hours), which is why you only need to inject once weekly. It takes about 4–5 weeks of consistent dosing to reach steady-state blood levels. Use our semaglutide calculator to see how drug levels build and stabilise over your titration.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Wegovy?
Yes, since both contain the same semaglutide. If you're on Ozempic 1.0 mg, your prescriber may switch you to Wegovy 1.0 mg and then continue the Wegovy titration upward to 1.7 mg and eventually 2.4 mg. The switch requires a new prescription and may change your insurance coverage. See our Ozempic vs Wegovy comparison for details.
How does semaglutide compare to tirzepatide?
Semaglutide works on GLP-1 receptors only, while tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In separate trials, tirzepatide 15 mg produced 20.9% average weight loss compared to semaglutide 2.4 mg at 14.9%. They have different side effect profiles, costs, and availability though. See our tirzepatide vs semaglutide comparison and tirzepatide dosage chart for details.
Can I use this chart for compounded semaglutide?
Yes, the dosing protocol is the same for brand-name and compounded semaglutide. Some prescribers and users prefer microdosing schedules (splitting the weekly dose into smaller, more frequent injections), which aren't shown on this standard chart. Consult your prescriber.
Questions About Your Dosage?
Our AI guide can answer questions about semaglutide protocols, side effects, and how it compares to other GLP-1 medications.
References
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. PubMed
- Lincoff AM, Brown-Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(24):2221-2232. PubMed
- Novo Nordisk. Ozempic (semaglutide) Prescribing Information. FDA Label
- Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescribing Information. FDA Label
- Davies M, Færch L, Jeppesen OK, et al. Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2). Lancet. 2021;397(10278):971-984. PubMed
Related Resources
Semaglutide Hub
Complete semaglutide guide: mechanism, dosing, side effects, and tools.
Semaglutide Dosing Guide
In-depth dosing protocols, clinical trial data, and pharmacokinetics.
Ozempic vs Wegovy
Complete comparison of dosing, efficacy, side effects, and insurance.
Semaglutide Side Effects
Common and rare side effects with management strategies.
Tirzepatide Dosage Chart
Mounjaro & Zepbound dosage reference with printable chart.
Microdosing Semaglutide
Split dosing strategies for better tolerability.
Medical Disclaimer: This chart is for informational and reference purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, changing, or adjusting any medication dosage. Individual dosing may vary based on medical history, how you tolerate the medication, and your clinical response.