Complete GLP-1 Agonist Dosage Chart
Every GLP-1 medication dosage in one place: semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, and more with escalation schedules and expected results.
Quick Reference
This chart covers all FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists including weekly injections (semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide) and daily injections (liraglutide). All medications require gradual dose escalation to minimize side effects.
Semaglutide Dosage Chart (Ozempic & Wegovy)
| Week/Month | Ozempic Dose | Wegovy Dose | Expected Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 0.25mg weekly | 0.25mg weekly | 1-2% body weight |
| Month 2 | 0.5mg weekly | 0.5mg weekly | 2-4% body weight |
| Month 3 | 1mg weekly* | 1mg weekly | 4-6% body weight |
| Month 4 | 1mg or 2mg weekly | 1.7mg weekly | 6-9% body weight |
| Month 5+ | 2mg weekly (max) | 2.4mg weekly | 10-15% body weight |
| Maintenance | 1-2mg weekly | 2.4mg weekly | 15-20% at 68 weeks |
*Ozempic Note: FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes at max 2mg. Wegovy is the same medication (semaglutide) FDA-approved for weight loss at max 2.4mg.
Tirzepatide Dosage Chart (Mounjaro & Zepbound)
| Week | Dose | Duration | Expected Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | 2.5mg weekly | 4 weeks | 2-3% body weight |
| Weeks 5-8 | 5mg weekly | 4 weeks | 4-6% body weight |
| Weeks 9-12 | 7.5mg weekly | 4 weeks | 7-10% body weight |
| Weeks 13-16 | 10mg weekly | 4 weeks | 12-15% body weight |
| Weeks 17-20 | 12.5mg weekly | 4 weeks (optional) | 15-18% body weight |
| Weeks 21+ | 15mg weekly (max) | Maintenance | 20-25% at 72 weeks |
Note: Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss) are the same medication at identical doses. Tirzepatide typically produces 20-25% more weight loss than semaglutide at comparable timeframes.
Dulaglutide Dosage Chart (Trulicity)
| Dose Level | Weekly Dose | A1C Reduction | Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | 0.75mg weekly | 1.0-1.5% | 2-3 kg (4-7 lbs) |
| Standard Dose | 1.5mg weekly | 1.5-2.0% | 3-4 kg (7-9 lbs) |
| Higher Dose | 3mg weekly | 1.6-2.0% | 4-5 kg (9-11 lbs) |
| Maximum Dose | 4.5mg weekly | 1.8-2.2% | 5-6 kg (11-13 lbs) |
Note: Trulicity is primarily used for type 2 diabetes management. Weight loss is less than semaglutide or tirzepatide. Typical escalation: start at 0.75mg, increase to 1.5mg after 4 weeks if tolerated.
Liraglutide Dosage Chart (Saxenda & Victoza)
| Week | Saxenda Dose (Weight Loss) | Victoza Dose (Diabetes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 0.6mg daily | 0.6mg daily | Starting dose |
| Week 2 | 1.2mg daily | 1.2mg daily | Increase weekly |
| Week 3 | 1.8mg daily | 1.8mg daily (max) | Victoza stops here |
| Week 4 | 2.4mg daily | - | Saxenda continues |
| Week 5+ | 3mg daily (max) | - | Maintenance dose |
Saxenda (3mg): FDA-approved for weight loss. Average weight loss: 5-10% body weight over 56 weeks. Requires daily injections.
Victoza (1.8mg max): FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes only. Same medication, lower dose. Weight loss: 3-5 kg average.
Other GLP-1 Agonists Quick Reference
Semaglutide Oral (Rybelsus)
• Month 2: 7mg daily
• Month 3+: 14mg daily (max)
Exenatide (Byetta/Bydureon)
• Then 10mcg twice daily
• Inject within 60 min before meals
• No titration needed
GLP-1 Agonist Comparison: Which Is Most Effective?
| Medication | Frequency | Max Dose | Avg Weight Loss | A1C Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) | Weekly | 15mg | 20-25% | 2.0-2.5% |
| Semaglutide (Wegovy) | Weekly | 2.4mg | 15-20% | 1.5-2.0% |
| Dulaglutide (Trulicity) | Weekly | 4.5mg | 3-5% | 1.8-2.2% |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | Daily | 3mg | 5-10% | 1.0-1.5% |
| Semaglutide Oral (Rybelsus) | Daily | 14mg | 3-5% | 1.0-1.5% |
| Exenatide (Bydureon) | Weekly | 2mg | 2-3% | 1.0-1.5% |
Winner: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)
Tirzepatide demonstrates superior weight loss outcomes (20-25% vs 15-20% for semaglutide) due to its dual GLP-1/GIP agonist mechanism. Clinical trials show patients lose an average of 48 lbs (22kg) at the 15mg maintenance dose over 72 weeks.
Universal GLP-1 Dosing Principles
Always Start Low, Go Slow
All GLP-1 medications require gradual dose escalation over 4-20 weeks to minimize side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Never skip titration steps or increase doses faster than prescribed.
Individualize Your Dose
Maximum dose isn't always necessary. Many people achieve excellent results at mid-range doses with fewer side effects. Work with your provider to find your optimal dose based on tolerability and results.
Consistency Is Critical
Take your medication on the same day each week (weekly injections) or same time each day (daily medications). Missing doses reduces effectiveness and may require re-titration if you're off for more than 2 weeks.
Monitor for Plateaus
Weight loss typically slows after 6-12 months. If you plateau for 4+ weeks at a mid-range dose and tolerate it well, your provider may increase to the next dose level. Never self-adjust dosing.
Important Safety Information
Common Side Effects (especially during titration): Nausea (20-40%), diarrhea (20-30%), vomiting (10-20%), constipation (15-25%), abdominal pain (10-15%). These usually improve after 4-8 weeks.
Serious Risks: Pancreatitis (rare, 0.1-0.2%), gallstones (more common with rapid weight loss), thyroid tumors (seen in rodent studies, unknown human risk), severe gastroparesis (very rare).
⚠️ Stop medication and seek immediate medical attention if you experience: Severe abdominal pain (especially upper left or center), persistent vomiting, signs of pancreatitis, vision changes, or severe allergic reactions.
Contraindications: Do not use if you have personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), or are pregnant/planning pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start at a higher dose to lose weight faster?
No. Starting at higher doses dramatically increases your risk of severe nausea, vomiting, and other side effects that may force you to stop treatment entirely. The titration schedule exists to allow your body to adapt. People who follow the proper escalation schedule have much better long-term adherence and results.
Which GLP-1 medication is most effective for weight loss?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) shows the highest weight loss in clinical trials at 20-25% body weight, followed by semaglutide (Wegovy) at 15-20%. However, "best" depends on individual factors including tolerability, cost, insurance coverage, and injection frequency preference. Both are highly effective.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Weekly injections: If you miss by 1-2 days, take as soon as you remember. If more than 5 days late, skip that dose and resume your normal schedule. Daily injections: Take as soon as you remember if it's the same day. If you've missed more than 3 consecutive doses of liraglutide, contact your provider as you may need to re-titrate.
How long do I need to stay on GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications are typically intended for long-term or lifelong use. Clinical trials show that most people regain 2/3 of lost weight within 1 year of stopping. These medications treat the biological factors that defend against weight loss. Many people successfully maintain weight loss by staying on a maintenance dose indefinitely.
Can I switch between different GLP-1 medications?
Yes, you can switch between GLP-1 medications with your provider's guidance. When switching to a similar potency medication (e.g., Ozempic to Wegovy), you may continue at an equivalent dose. When switching to a different medication class (e.g., semaglutide to tirzepatide), some titration may be needed depending on your current dose and tolerance.
Are compounded versions dosed the same as brand-name?
Generally yes—compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide typically follow the same escalation schedules as their brand-name counterparts. However, compounded medications aren't FDA-approved and may have different concentrations. Always verify your exact dosing schedule with your compounding pharmacy and prescriber, and ensure concentration matches what you expect.
Do I need to increase to the maximum dose?
No. Many people achieve excellent results at mid-range doses (e.g., semaglutide 1.7mg instead of 2.4mg, or tirzepatide 10mg instead of 15mg). If you're losing 1-2 lbs per week consistently with minimal side effects, there's no need to increase. Maximum doses are available for those who need additional efficacy and tolerate the medication well.
Why are weekly injections better than daily?
Weekly injections (semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, exenatide ER) improve adherence significantly—you only need to remember once per week. They also maintain more stable blood levels throughout the week. Daily injections (liraglutide, exenatide IR) may provide more consistent appetite suppression day-to-day but are less convenient for most people.
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The Bottom Line
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) delivers the highest weight loss at 20-25% body weight with doses escalating from 2.5mg to 15mg over 20 weeks.
Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) remains highly effective at 15-20% weight loss, with simpler titration from 0.25mg to 2.4mg over 16-20 weeks.
All GLP-1 medications require gradual dose escalation to minimize side effects. Starting doses are deliberately low—not for weight loss, but to allow your digestive system to adapt. The therapeutic effects build as you reach maintenance doses.
Never adjust your dose without medical supervision. While this chart provides comprehensive dosing information, your individual titration schedule should be personalized based on your response, side effects, weight loss progress, and medical history.
The "best" GLP-1 medication is the one you can access affordably, tolerate well, and take consistently long-term. Adherence matters more than choosing between semaglutide and tirzepatide—both are proven, effective treatments when used as prescribed.
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