What is the typical dosage schedule for Wegovy?

The dosage schedule is once weekly on the same day, using a step-up “titration” plan to reach a maintenance dose. A common pathway starts low (for example, 0.25 mg weekly) and increases in stages (0.5 mg → 1.0 mg → 1.7 mg) toward a usual maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly, with each step typically lasting several weeks. If side effects occur, clinicians can extend a step or pause before moving up; this flexibility is standard practice across UK services. People scheduled for procedures under sedation or anaesthesia may be advised to time or temporarily withhold a dose because GLP-1 medicines can delay gastric emptying — your clinical team will give procedure-specific instructions. Access and exact pathways can vary slightly between England, Scotland and Wales due to local commissioning.

Why a gradual increase is needed

NHS guidance explains that Wegovy is introduced in small steps to help people tolerate it. The medicine often causes digestive side effects such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea in the early stages, and starting at a low dose allows the body to adjust. This gradual increase, called titration, means that most people can reach the target dose without discomfort severe enough to stop treatment. Clinicians highlight that this flexibility is built into the schedule: if side effects appear, the step can be extended or paused before moving on.

The standard weekly routine

Wegovy is given as a once-weekly injection on the same day each week, using a pre-filled pen. For many people, this is simpler to remember than daily tablets, and it becomes part of a regular routine. NHS resources note that consistency helps keep the medicine effective and reduces confusion about timing. People are usually advised to choose a day that works well with their lifestyle, such as a weekend morning, and to keep that slot fixed. If a dose is missed, advice is available from the prescribing team about how best to get back on schedule.

Typical dosing pathway

The step-up schedule usually starts at 0.25 mg once weekly for the first month, then moves to 0.5 mg, followed by 1.0 mg, and then 1.7 mg before reaching the usual maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Each stage generally lasts four weeks, though this may be adjusted. NICE guidance states that reaching 2.4 mg is the goal for most adults, as this is the dose tested in large clinical trials. Some people may remain at a lower dose if they cannot tolerate the full amount, though ongoing monitoring will guide whether this remains effective.

Safety around procedures

Because semaglutide delays gastric emptying, NHS services may give specific instructions before medical procedures involving sedation or anaesthesia. This is to reduce the risk of stomach contents being present at the time of the procedure. Guidance can vary depending on the type of operation and the anaesthetist’s recommendations. For patients, the key message is not to make decisions alone but to follow tailored advice from the clinical team. This precaution does not mean the medicine is unsafe, but it shows the importance of careful planning when other treatments or procedures are involved.

Differences across the UK

While the dosing pathway itself is consistent, access and commissioning vary slightly between nations. In England, NICE has set the framework for eligibility and NHS England commissions services accordingly. In Scotland, the Scottish Medicines Consortium has issued its own advice, and in Wales the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group plays a similar role. This means that while the weekly titration plan looks the same, the point at which someone is offered treatment, and the local support available, may differ depending on where they live. NHS professionals help people navigate these pathways to ensure they follow safe and approved routes.

Why this detail matters

Understanding the dosage schedule helps set realistic expectations. Wegovy is not a single-dose medicine but a treatment that builds over time, with each stage designed to balance effectiveness and tolerability. NHS guidance confirms that reaching the 2.4 mg maintenance dose usually takes several months, and that flexibility is part of the process if side effects appear. Knowing this helps people stay committed through the titration period rather than feeling discouraged if results are not immediate. By working closely with clinical teams, individuals can follow a safe, structured plan that maximises both comfort and effectiveness.