Semaglutide Weight Loss Dosage Chart: What Doctors Want You to Know
Semaglutide has become one of the most researched and talked-about options for medical weight management. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, it has shown significant promise in promoting weight loss when used at higher doses under medical supervision. If you’re exploring this option, understanding the semaglutide weight loss dosage chart is essential for safety, effectiveness, and informed decision-making.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the action of a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. When used at specific doses, it can reduce hunger and calorie intake, contributing to gradual and sustained weight loss.
It is a prescription-only medication administered as a once-weekly injection, and its use for weight management is supported by growing clinical evidence — but always under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Semaglutide Weight Loss Dosage Chart
To minimize side effects and improve tolerability, semaglutide dosage is increased gradually over time. Below is the standard escalation schedule commonly used in weight loss treatment:
| Weeks | Dosage | Purpose |
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg once weekly | Starting dose to improve tolerance; not yet effective for weight loss |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg once weekly | First therapeutic level; mild effects may appear |
| 9–12 | 1.0 mg once weekly | Intermediate dose; weight loss often becomes noticeable |
| 13–16 | 1.7 mg once weekly | Higher dose for those tolerating earlier stages well |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg once weekly | Target maintenance dose for optimal long-term outcomes |
🔍 Note: This schedule is a general reference and may be modified by your prescribing physician based on your individual health status and response to treatment.
Why Is the Dose Increased Gradually?
Gradual dose escalation helps reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
By starting with a low dose and slowly increasing, patients are more likely to tolerate the medication well and stay on track with the treatment plan.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
Peer-reviewed studies have shown that when used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan — including dietary changes and physical activity — semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss. One large-scale trial found that participants using semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% in the placebo group (1).
However, outcomes vary based on individual factors, including:
- Adherence to the injection schedule
- Dietary and lifestyle habits
- Baseline weight and metabolic profile
Who Should Not Use Semaglutide?
Although generally well tolerated, semaglutide is not suitable for everyone. It may not be appropriate if you have:
- A history of pancreatitis
- Certain endocrine tumors
- Severe gastrointestinal disorders
- A personal or family history of thyroid cancer
Always consult your doctor for a full medical evaluation before starting treatment.
How Is It Administered?
Semaglutide is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once per week. It can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Patients are typically trained on how to self-administer the injection and advised to keep the medication refrigerated before use.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering semaglutide as part of a weight loss plan, it’s important to understand the standard dosage chart and the reasons behind the gradual increase. Long-term weight loss success depends not just on medication, but on lifestyle support, follow-up, and ongoing medical supervision.
Disclaimers
- This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Semaglutide is a prescription-only medication and must be used only under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
- This content does not promote or advertise any specific product. It is intended to provide factual, neutral information based on clinical guidelines and published research.
- The author has no financial relationship with any manufacturer of semaglutide or related pharmaceutical products.
- If you are considering weight loss medication, always consult a physician to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual situation.
References
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Davies M, Færch L, Jeppesen OK, et al. Semaglutide 2.4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 1 trial. The Lancet. 2021;397(10287):971-984. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673621002130
- Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414–1425. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777886
