Wegovy Dosage and Maintenance: A Complete Guide

Last updated: 08/05/2026

Starting your Wegovy (semaglutide) weight loss journey can be daunting and overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to begin.

We get a lot of frequently asked questions about Wegovy dosage and maintenance. So you certainly won’t be the first person to think: ‘What doses should I take, how do I take them, how often do I take them, and when?’

Moving through your dosage schedule and losing weight is also just one part of your journey. At some point, you’ll hit your goal weight and decide you’re happy where you are. This is where the maintenance dose comes in. At this point you’ll be thinking about your next steps.

This article guides you through this whole process – from the starting dose to maintaining weight after Wegovy.

Wegovy Dosage

What are the Wegovy Doses?

The Wegovy FlexTouch pens come in five different strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg.

You can also be prescribed a 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy. However, this is not one pen. Instead, the dose comes as three 2.4 mg pens.

Jump below to learn more about the 7.2 mg dose and how you take it.

Wegovy Dosage Schedule

If you’ve never used a GLP-1 weight loss treatment before, your provider will prescribe you the 0.25 mg starting dose pen of Wegovy. You’ll take this dose once a week for at least four weeks.

Depending on how you respond to treatment, you’ll gradually increase your dose, staying on each dose for a minimum of four weeks.

However, if you’re using Mounjaro, and are currently on a higher dose, you may be able to switch to a higher dose of Wegovy straight away. Your provider will guide you to the right dose for you. For more information on what dose you might be able to start on, head to this Wegovy vs Mounjaro dose conversion guide.

How Many Doses Are In a Wegovy Pen?

There are four doses of Wegovy in each pen. So, each pen should last four weeks if you take it once a week – or around one month.

What’s the Wegovy Starting Dose?

The starting dose of Wegovy weight loss medication is 0.25 mg, which you’ll take for a minimum of four weeks.

You may not experience appetite suppression on this dose, but that’s normal. These lower strengths help your body adjust to the medication.

So, don’t worry if you don’t feel it “kicking in” at lower doses. It doesn’t mean Wegovy is not working for you. It just means you might not experience the effects until you reach a higher dose.

Wegovy 7.2 mg Dose

You can now get a 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy. This follows the MHRA’s (the UK medicines regulator’s) approval in January 2026.

The new dose is for obese patients already on the Wegovy 2.4 mg dose. These patients might feel like their current dose isn’t providing enough support.

Your prescriber will help you decide if it’s safe to increase your dose. If you’ve taken 2.4 mg for four weeks, you can take the 7.2 mg dose the following week.

You should not split or space out doses. If you do, your provider will not know which is the safest dose to prescribe for you.

For more guidance on how to inject this dose, head to the section below on how to use Wegovy.

At What Dose Does Wegovy Start Working?

If you’re wondering how long does Wegovy takes to work, it’s important to first understand two things:

1. Every person responds to the medication differently.
2. Slow and steady weight loss is more sustainable than rapid weight loss.

Just because one person is losing weight and feeling the effects on one dose, doesn’t mean that you will. Appetite suppression may kick in right after your first dose – or you might not feel it until you increase your dose.

Likewise, people also lose weight at their own rate, so try not to compare yourself to friends or other users online.

In clinical trials, patients on the highest dose lost on average 20.7% of their body weight over 72 weeks. So, have realistic expectations of how much weight you will lose. Aim for 1-2 lbs per week as a guide. This will help you focus on long-term success over short-term results.

What is the Most Effective Wegovy Dose?

The most effective dose of Wegovy is the 7.2 mg dose. In clinical trials, patients on this dose lost on average 20.7% of their starting body weight after 72 weeks. This is compared to the 2.4 mg dose, on which patients lost on average 17.5% of their starting weight.

However, the most effective dose for you might not be the highest dose. Instead, it’s the dose where you’re experiencing a reduced appetite, without feeling too uncomfortable.

A higher dose might suppress your appetite more, but you might also experience worse side effects. This will make it harder for you to stick with the treatment long-term, eat a healthy diet and add exercise into your day. Remember: long-term, sustainable weight loss is the goal.

What Should I Do If You’ve Missed a Dose?

Missing a Wegovy dose can happen, so try not to panic. Check how long ago you took your last injection and follow the guidance below to get back on track safely.

• If five days or less have passed since your last Wegovy dose: take your dose as soon as you remember. Make sure you leave a gap of at least two days (48 hours) between doses.
• If more than five days have passed, take your next scheduled dose on your usual injection day. For example, if you usually take your dose on Monday, but it’s now Sunday, take your dose as usual on the next Monday.
• Missed a full week? Skip this week’s dose and take your next dose on your usual scheduled day.
• If more than three weeks have passed since your last dose, talk to your provider about how to restart your treatment. They might advise you to restart on a lower dose of Wegovy.

You might be wondering, “Can I skip a week of Wegovy?’ Sometimes patients might want to skip a dose, for example, they’re feeling unwell. It is generally safe to skip a week if you’re feeling sick.

But remember that consistent use of the treatment will help it work as effectively as possible. So try and take it once a week on the same day each week.

How to Use Wegovy

You might feel a bit anxious about how to use Wegovy injections, especially if you’re not used to needles. But the manufacturers have designed the pen to be as simple to use and as comfortable as possible.

Follow these simple steps each time to make sure you’re using your pen safely and getting the full dose.

Step 1: Prepare For Injection

1. Get your supplies together. You’ll need your Wegovy pen, an alcohol swab, a cotton pad or cotton wool ball and your sharps bin for used needles. If you’re on 7.2 mg, make sure you have enough pens for all three doses.
2. Wash your hands.
3. Check the pen’s expiry date and that the Wegovy pen dose matches your current week of treatment. Check that the liquid is clear. If it’s cloudy or discoloured, or out of date, do not use it.
4. Prepare the site: Use an alcohol swab to clean the chosen site. You could also use soap and water. Allow the skin to dry before you inject the dose.

Step 2: Attach the Needle

You’ll need to use a new needle for each dose. If you’re on the 7.2 mg dose, you will have to use a new needle for each of the three injections.

To attach the needle:

1. Tear off the paper tab and push it straight into the pen. Twist it until it’s tightly secured.
2. Remove both of the caps covering the needle. If there’s damage to the paper tab or outer cap, use a new needle.
3. Remove the outer needle cap. Keep it for later.
4. Pull the inner needle cap off and throw it away.

Step 3: Check the Flow

If you’re taking the first dose of a new pen, you’ll need to check the flow first. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check the dose selector symbol lines up with the dose pointer.
2. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up. Press on the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0.

If the pen is ready to use, you should see a drop of Wegovy at the tip of the needle.

Can’t see it? Check it again. But only do this twice. If you still can’t see a drop, don’t use the pen.

Step 4: Inject Wegovy

1. Take the cap off the pen.
2. Insert the needle into your chosen injection site at a 90° angle. Hold down the button until you hear a click, then count to six slowly.
3. Lift the pen slowly from your skin.
4. For the 7.2 mg dose, attach a new needle and inject at least 5 cm from your previous injection site.

Step 5: After the Injection

After you inject Wegovy, take the following steps:

1. Put the plastic cap back on the needle.
2. Take the needle off the pen.
3. Throw the needle into a sharps bin.
4. Put the cap back on the pen and store it safely.

Where to Inject Wegovy

You’ll need to inject under the skin, and avoid injecting into a vein or muscle. The three approved Wegovy injection sites are:

1. The stomach
2. The thigh (upper leg)
3. The upper arm

Rotate your injection site each week. You can inject in the same body area each week, but avoid injecting in the same spot. For example, if you inject in your thigh one week, inject in the other thigh or your stomach the following week.

If you’re on the 7.2 mg dose, you will inject three 2.4 mg injections on the same day. You can inject an area of the body (e.g. the stomach), but make sure each injection is at least 5 cm apart. You might want to inject into a different body area (e.g. the thigh) the following week.

Best Time to Take Wegovy

Wegovy is just as effective in the morning as it is in the afternoon or evening. So there is no “best” time to take Wegovy, if you’re after better results on weight loss treatments.

That being said, you will get better results on Wegovy if you take it consistently – once a week, every week. So picking a time that works for you, your body and your lifestyle (that you can remember!) will help you maintain this schedule.

Many patients find that the evening is better for injecting if they experience any side effects. This is when most people are at home and comfortable. They may even sleep through the worst of them.

However, some patients who work evening or night shifts find a morning injection works better for them.

How to Store Wegovy

Before using your pen, you’ll have to stick to the Wegovy storage instructions.

Store unopened Wegovy pens in the main body of your fridge at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), keeping them in their original packaging to protect from light. Avoid the fridge door, back wall, and cooling element, where temperatures can fluctuate or drop low enough to freeze the medication.

Never use a pen that has been frozen – even if it looks normal after thawing, freezing causes permanent damage to the medication.

Once you’ve administered your first dose, you can keep the pen at room temperature below 30°C for up to six weeks. Always keep the cap on when not injecting. After six weeks, discard the pen even if it still contains medication.

Before every injection, check the solution through the pen window – it should be clear and colourless. If it looks cloudy, discoloured, or contains visible particles, do not use it and contact us for advice.

Why is My Wegovy Pen Not Cold When Delivered?

Your pen may arrive at room temperature – Wegovy is longer deliver via cold chain. As of April 2026, the MHRA approved Wegovy pens to be transported below 30°C for up to 48 hours, so this is completely safe and won’t affect the quality or effectiveness of your medication.

Once your pen arrives, place it straight into the main body of your fridge.

Wegovy Maintenance

The Wegovy Maintenance Dose: What Is It?

The Wegovy maintenance dose is the dose you take when you’ve completed your titration and are not actively looking to lose more weight.

Once you’ve reached your goal weight, the maintenance dose can help you maintain a healthy weight. It gives you time to keep setting healthy habits and lifestyle changes, which can help you maintain your success long-term.

Some patients may drop down a dose to maintain their weight. But everyone is different and your provider will help you find the right maintenance dose for you.

How Long Do You Take Wegovy For?

How long you take Wegovy for will vary from person to person. You should stay on Wegovy until you at least reach a healthy weight.

Once you’ve reached a healthy weight, you can continue to take Wegovy. Or, you could decide to come off the treatment. Patients usually do this by tapering down to lower doses first, before eventually stopping. This will allow you to slowly get used to returning hunger.

We’d advise you to keep taking Wegovy for a while as you maintain weight. This will help you build and maintain healthy habits. But when you feel like you’re ready to maintain your weight without treatment, you can come off the medication.

There is no limit for how long you can take Wegovy.

I’m Approaching My Goal Weight. What Should I Do?

Approaching your goal weight is exciting and deserves some celebration. But thinking about what happens next can also be daunting.

We won’t stop prescribing you the treatment when you reach a healthy BMI. Wegovy is a long-term treatment. Taking it as you maintain weight will help you turn those healthy habits into long-term lifestyle changes.

You might want to start thinking about your plans for maintaining weight, though. You might want to keep taking Wegovy or you might want to maintain your weight without treatment.

Your healthcare provider will give you some advice, let you know your options and guide you on next steps.

Coming Off Wegovy? How to Keep the Weight Off

To maintain your weight loss after Wegovy, it’s essential you keep up with the lifestyle changes you introduced during your weight loss journey.

This means continuing to eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Having a healthy mindset around food and weight is also important for long-term maintenance. Remember, some weight gain is completely normal. It isn’t a sign of failure.

Get Support For Dosage and Maintenance

Getting the right dosage will help you achieve lasting results on Wegovy.

However, the dose you lose and maintain weight on is different for everyone. That’s why it’s important you talk to your provider regularly and let them know how you’re feeling on the treatment.

Our healthcare professionals are here to guide you. Whether you’re starting your treatment plan or continuing your weight management journey.

If you have questions about your dose or need advice on using your injection correctly, please get in touch. You can call us on 0141 774 5023.

Key Takeaways

• Start low and increase gradually: Wegovy doses for weight loss start at 0.25 mg once weekly for at least four weeks. You increase your dose gradually under the Wegovy dosing schedule. This helps your body adjust and can reduce side effects.
• Don’t expect strong effects right away: Some people do not feel much appetite suppression on the starting doses. This is normal and doesn’t mean Wegovy isn’t working.
• Follow the missed dose rules to stay safe: Take the dose if five days or less have passed. Skip and take your next scheduled dose if more than five days have passed. Speak to your provider if you took your last dose over three weeks ago.
• Inject in approved areas and rotate sites: Inject Wegovy under the skin. You can inject in three areas: the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Rotating your injection site each week can help reduce irritation and make injections more comfortable over time.
• Maintenance is not for weight loss: Once you reach your goal weight, your maintenance dose is the dose that helps you maintain results comfortably. Your provider can help you decide whether to stay on your dose or reduce it.
• Choose a consistent weekly injection time: Wegovy works just as well morning, afternoon, or evening, but consistency matters most. Picking a day and time you can stick to helps you avoid missed doses and keeps your routine simple.

References

Package leaflet: Information for the patient Wegovy FlexTouch. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13800.pdf.

Medicines.org.uk. (2024). Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen – Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) – (emc). [online] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13799/pil.

Wegovy.com. (2026). Wegovy Pen. [online] Available at: https://www.wegovy.com/obesity/starting-wegovy/starting-wegovy-pen.html.

Wharton, S., Freitas, P., Hjelmesæth, J., Kabisch, M., Kandler, K., Lingvay, I., De Los Angeles Quiroga, M., Rosenstock, J. and Garvey, W.T. (Tim) (2025). 1966-LB: Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide 7.2 mg in Obesity—STEP UP Trial. Diabetes, 74(Supplement_1). doi: https://doi.org/10.2337/db25-1966-lb.

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