Understanding Semaglutide Dosing

Semaglutide isn't a one-size-fits-all medication. The dose you take directly affects GLP-1 receptor activation throughout your body, influencing everything from insulin secretion to appetite regulation to gastric emptying. Higher doses mean more receptor binding, stronger metabolic effects, and potentially more side effects.

The dosing difference between Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight loss) reflects different therapeutic goals, though the molecular effect in your bloodstream is identical.

Ozempic Dosage Chart (Type 2 Diabetes)

Note: Many patients achieve excellent results at 0.5 mg or 1 mg without needing the maximum 2 mg dose. Your healthcare provider determines the right maintenance dose based on your A1C levels, tolerance, and response.

Wegovy Dosage Chart (Weight Management)

Important: The Wegovy titration schedule takes 16-20 weeks to reach the full 2.4 mg maintenance dose. This gradual escalation allows your GI system to adapt and minimizes side effects.

Compounded Semaglutide Dosing

Providers like Henry Meds, Gala GLP-1, and Elevate Health offer compounded semaglutide that typically follows similar titration schedules. However, dosing protocols can vary by provider.

Common compounded semaglutide schedule:

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg weekly
• Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg weekly
• Weeks 9-12: 1 mg weekly
• Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg weekly (optional)
• Weeks 17+: 2.4 mg weekly (maximum)

Critical difference: While pharmaceutical-grade Ozempic and Wegovy have FDA-verified potency, compounded semaglutide can vary ±10-20% from stated doses. This means your actual blood levels may differ from what the label indicates. Providers like Coreage RX offer pharmaceutical-grade alternatives that eliminate this uncertainty.

What's Happening at Each Dose Level

0.25 mg Weekly (Starting Dose)

• GLP-1 receptor occupancy: ~20-30%
• Gastric emptying: Mildly delayed
• Appetite effect: Subtle reduction
• Weight loss: 1-2% body weight (minimal)
• Purpose: GI tolerance building, not therapeutic

0.5 mg Weekly

• GLP-1 receptor occupancy: ~40-50%
• Gastric emptying: Moderately delayed
• Appetite effect: Noticeable reduction
• Weight loss: 3-5% body weight
• Glucose control: Significant improvement (diabetes patients)

1 mg Weekly

• GLP-1 receptor occupancy: ~60-70%
• Gastric emptying: Significantly delayed
• Appetite effect: Strong suppression
• Weight loss: 8-12% body weight
• Food noise: Markedly reduced for most patients

2 mg - 2.4 mg Weekly (Maximum)

• GLP-1 receptor occupancy: ~80-90%
• Gastric emptying: Maximally delayed
• Appetite effect: Very strong suppression
• Weight loss: 12-17% body weight (clinical trial averages)
• Side effects: More common at this dose (nausea, constipation)

When to Increase Dose

Your provider will consider increasing your semaglutide dose when:

• You've tolerated the current dose for the full titration period (typically 4 weeks)
• Side effects have resolved or become manageable
• Weight loss has plateaued at current dose
• A1C goals haven't been met (for diabetes treatment)
• You're experiencing minimal appetite suppression

Important: Never increase dose faster than recommended. Your GI system needs time to adapt to higher GLP-1 levels. Rushing titration dramatically increases nausea, vomiting, and other side effects.

When to Stay at Lower Dose

You may not need the maximum dose if:

• You're achieving your weight loss goals at a lower dose
• Side effects are problematic even after adaptation period
• You're experiencing excessive appetite suppression (unable to meet nutritional needs)
• A1C is at goal (for diabetes patients)
• Cost is a factor (lower doses are sometimes more affordable)

Many patients achieve excellent results at 1 mg weekly without needing to escalate to maximum doses. More is not always better—the right dose is the one that achieves your goals with tolerable side effects.

Comparing Providers: Who Offers What Doses?

Pharmaceutical-Grade Options

• Coreage RX - Offers Ozempic and Wegovy at all FDA-approved doses with guaranteed potency (4.7/5 rating)

Compounded Semaglutide Providers

• Henry Meds - Flexible dosing up to 2.5 mg weekly (4.2/5)
• Gala GLP-1 - Standard titration schedule, modern platform (4.2/5)
• Elevate Health - Personalized dosing with enhanced support (4.1/5)
• Priority Meds - Reliable compounded options (4.0/5)

Key consideration: While compounded providers offer flexibility, pharmaceutical-grade options from Coreage RX provide FDA-verified potency. When your metabolic response depends on precise dosing, this assurance matters.

Common Dosing Questions

Can I split my weekly dose into smaller daily injections?

No. Semaglutide's long half-life (~7 days) means it accumulates in your bloodstream over time, reaching steady-state concentrations after 4-5 weeks. The medication is formulated for once-weekly dosing, and splitting it changes the pharmacokinetics in ways that haven't been clinically validated.

What if I miss a dose?

If you remember within 5 days of your scheduled dose, take it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip that dose and resume your regular schedule. Don't double up to make up for a missed dose.

Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient; Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names. See our detailed article: Is Semaglutide the Same as Ozempic?

How does semaglutide compare to tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with different dosing. See our Mounjaro Dosage Chart and Zepbound Dosage Chart for details.

Side Effects by Dose

Side effects generally correlate with dose, though individual tolerance varies:

Low Doses (0.25-0.5 mg)

• Mild nausea (10-15% of patients)
• Occasional constipation
• Minimal impact on eating capacity

Medium Doses (1 mg)

• Moderate nausea (20-25% of patients)
• Constipation or diarrhea (15-20%)
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Some sulfur burps (less common than with tirzepatide)

High Doses (1.7-2.4 mg)

• Nausea (30-40% of patients, usually manageable)
• Constipation (25-30%)
• Difficulty eating normal portions
• Occasional vomiting if overeating
• Fatigue (some patients)

Important: Most side effects improve after 4-8 weeks at a stable dose as your body adapts to the medication's effects on gastric emptying and GI motility.

The Bottom Line

Semaglutide dosing is not arbitrary—each dose level represents a specific degree of GLP-1 receptor activation with corresponding metabolic effects. The gradual titration schedule allows your body to adapt while minimizing side effects.

Whether you're taking brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, or compounded semaglutide from providers like Henry Meds or Gala GLP-1, understanding the dosing schedule helps you know what to expect at each stage.

Remember: the best dose is the one that achieves your goals (weight loss or glucose control) with tolerable side effects. Not everyone needs maximum doses, and your provider should individualize your regimen based on your response and tolerance.

Considering semaglutide? Explore our comprehensive provider reviews to find the right option for your needs and budget. For pharmaceutical-grade quality assurance, Coreage RX offers FDA-approved medications starting at $199/month.