How long for Wegovy to work?

Some people notice appetite changes within the first few weeks, but the medicine is introduced gradually to improve tolerability, so its full effect builds across the dose-increase period. A realistic checkpoint is around three months, when many start to see measurable changes if they’ve taken doses consistently. Clinicians may adjust the pace of titration if side effects appear, which is normal and doesn’t mean the medicine isn’t working.

Appetite shifts often come first

The earliest signs that Wegovy is starting to work are usually changes in appetite. Even at the lowest dose, some people report fewer cravings or a new ease in leaving food on the plate. Clinical teams describe this as an encouraging signal that GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut are beginning to respond. However, these shifts may not show up as weight changes on the scales in the very first weeks, as the medicine is still at sub-therapeutic doses while titration begins.

Why titration matters

Wegovy is increased in small steps over several months to make it tolerable. Side effects such as nausea or digestive upset are more manageable when the dose rises gradually, and this is why visible results take time to build. It is not unusual for people to wonder if the medicine is “working” during this early stage. Clinicians reassure them that the gradual schedule is intentional and that the full therapeutic dose is only reached after about four to five months in many cases.

The three-month review

UK guidance highlights the three-month point as a key milestone. By then, most people who are responding will have lost at least 5% of their starting weight once they are at their highest tolerated dose. This threshold is used because research shows that people who achieve it are much more likely to go on to sustain meaningful weight loss. If the 5% reduction is not met, prescribers usually stop the medicine, sparing people unnecessary continuation if benefits are unlikely.

Visible weight change

While appetite effects can begin within weeks, the scales usually start to shift between months two and four, once the dose reaches effective levels. In the STEP trials, weight reductions appeared gradually and accumulated over the first year, averaging 10–15% of starting body weight by the end of 12 months. NHS services use this evidence to set expectations: progress is not instant, but steady. For individuals, this means patience is important—the medicine is building its effect over time, not producing sudden drops.

When clinicians adjust the schedule

If side effects appear, clinicians may slow down the titration step, hold someone at a lower dose for longer, or change the timing of injections. This flexibility is built into UK specialist pathways to keep treatment safe and tolerable. Adjustments do not mean the medicine has failed; rather, they help people stay on track until they can reach the right maintenance dose. For many, these pauses are temporary and do not prevent overall effectiveness once the target dose is reached.

Longer-term trajectory

Beyond the first three months, the curve of weight loss continues to rise steadily for many. Trial data show that the majority of weight reduction occurs over the first year, but improvements in health markers—such as blood pressure and cholesterol—appear alongside. For those who respond early, the longer-term pattern is usually one of continued but slower progress after the initial changes. UK commissioning guidance reflects this evidence by allowing treatment to continue only while benefits remain measurable.

Why this detail matters

Understanding the timeline helps people set realistic expectations. Appetite may calm within weeks, but visible weight changes typically appear from month two onwards, with a key review at three months and fuller effects across the first year. The gradual titration schedule is designed for safety and comfort, not speed. Knowing this reduces the anxiety that something is “wrong” if results aren’t instant, and it shows why patience and consistency are essential. Why this detail matters is simple: appreciating the rhythm of how Wegovy works helps people stay motivated through the early months, confident that progress builds step by step.