Understanding Wegovy Doses
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription weight loss medication that can help certain people lose weight when combined with a consistent exercise routine and diet changes. It comes in the form of a liquid you inject under your skin once per week.
This article will cover what to expect from a standard Wegovy dosing schedule and explain why dosages increase over time.
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ORDER NOWWhat Is the Standard Wegovy Dosing Schedule?
Wegovy is only approved for obese adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, overweight adults who have a BMI between 27 and 29 and a health condition related to their weight, and overweight and obese children 12 years and older with a BMI in the 95th percentile or higher (their BMI compared to other children of the same age and sex).
The standard dosing schedule for all Wegovy patients, regardless of age, is as follows:
- Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg/0.5 mL
- Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg/0.5 mL
- Weeks 9 to 12: 1 mg/0.5 mL
- Weeks 13 to 16: 1.7 mg/0.75 mL
- Weeks 17 and beyond: 2.4 mg/0.75 mL
Not everyone needs to take the maximum dose of Wegovy. If you experience problematic or serious side effects while taking the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg/0.75 mL, your doctor may be able to reduce your dose back to 1.7 mg/0.75 mL and have you continue that dosage for four weeks before trying again with the maximum dosage. If you are still having side effects from the maximum dose, you can continue the 1.7 mg/0.75 mL dosage for the duration of your treatment.
It is important to take Wegovy at the same time each week. If you miss a dose, take Wegovy as soon as you realize you missed a dose. Do not take an extra or higher dose to make up for a missed dose. If you miss three or more doses, contact your doctor before you resume your treatment.
Why Does Wegovy Dosage Increase Over Time?
The Wegovy dosage increases over time because this medication, along with other weight-loss medications that are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, significantly affects metabolism.
Everyone’s body responds differently, partly based on their BMI, and starting at too high a dose can cause uncomfortable side effects. Staggering the dose increases in four-week increments gives your body a chance to get used to the medication before the dose is increased.
Conclusion
Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication that can help you lose weight if you meet certain criteria. Wegovy is most effective when it is combined with diet and exercise.
The dose you take will be increased every four weeks for the first five months of your treatment until you reach the maximum effective dose for weight loss and weight management (also referred to as the maintenance dose) or one dose lower than the maximum dose if the maximum dose causes troubling side effects. Increasing the dose over time allows your body to adjust to the changes the medication causes in your metabolism and helps reduce side effects.
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Semaglutide (the same ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) is the only proven FDA-approved medication for long-term weight loss and management. Medical weight loss medications can help you on your journey toward your ideal weight.
Book a convenient online consultation and health check followed by a lab test. Eligible individuals will receive a medical weight loss prescription with medications delivered directly to your home.
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