In STEP-1, Wegovy averaged about 2.0% body-weight loss by week 4, 6.5% by week 12 and about 14.9% by week 68. The dose is raised in steps, so the effect builds over months; individual results vary widely.
When Wegovy reaches its full dose
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg/week — Starting dose.
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg/week
- Weeks 9–12: 1 mg/week
- Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg/week
- Week 17+: 2.4 mg/week — Recommended maintenance dose; 1.7 mg is also approved.
Expected weight-loss curve
Mean body-weight change across 68 weeks on Wegovy from the STEP-1 trial. Curve smoothed from published endpoints; individual results vary significantly.
Trial participants also received lifestyle counseling. Real-world results depend on dose adherence, side-effect tolerance, and lifestyle factors.
When to reassess
The Wegovy label sets no time point for judging whether it is working. Ask your prescriber when they plan to review your response, and do not change the dose on your own.
Why GLP-1 medicines work gradually, and what the first weeks usually feel like, is covered once for the whole class in how long GLP-1 medications take to work.
Common questions
How long does Wegovy stay in the body?
Wegovy has a half-life of about one week and is taken once weekly.
When should I talk to my prescriber if Wegovy isn't working?
The Wegovy label sets no time point for judging response. Ask your prescriber when they plan to review it, and do not change the dose on your own.