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Semaglutide Weight Loss Dosage Chart: What You Need to Know in Bel Air, MD
- Dr Titilayo Akinsola
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
The buzz around semaglutide (brand names: Wegovy®, Ozempic®) is everywhere. From news headlines to TikTok to your neighbor who suddenly dropped 30 pounds. It’s true: semaglutide can be an effective medical tool for weight loss. But what most people don’t realize is that the dosage matters as much as the medication itself.
If you live in Bel Air, Harford County, or the greater Baltimore area and are considering semaglutide, here’s what you need to know about its dosing schedule, why it’s designed this way, and how Favor Mental Health can support you safely through the journey.
Semaglutide Weight Loss Dosage Chart
Here’s the FDA-approved dosing schedule for semaglutide when used for weight management (Wegovy® protocol):
Phase / Duration | Weekly Dose | Why This Matters |
Weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg | Starter dose; helps your body adapt and reduces GI side effects. |
Weeks 5–8 | 0.5 mg | Still considered a “tolerability dose,” not intended for weight loss yet. |
Weeks 9–12 | 1.0 mg | Weight loss may begin, as the therapeutic window is approached. |
Weeks 13–16 | 1.7 mg | Continued escalation to boost results if tolerated. |
Week 17 onward | 2.4 mg (maintenance) | Target dose for long-term weight management in most patients. |
Important: These steps are not optional. The “slow climb” is essential to minimize nausea, vomiting, or digestive distress.
Why Semaglutide Dosing Starts Low and Increases Slowly
Unlike some medications that work at a fixed dose, semaglutide must be carefully titrated:
To protect your body: Rapid escalation overwhelms the gut, leading to severe nausea, vomiting, or even dehydration.
To maximize effectiveness: Research shows that slow titration allows patients to reach the 2.4 mg “sweet spot” and stay there consistently.
To personalize care: Not everyone tolerates 2.4 mg. Some patients stabilize at 1.7 mg and still achieve significant results.
What to Expect During Each Stage
Early weeks (0.25–0.5 mg): You may not notice major weight changes yet. Think of this as “training your body.”
Middle weeks (1.0–1.7 mg): Appetite suppression usually becomes noticeable. Cravings and portion sizes decrease.
Maintenance phase (2.4 mg): Most people see steady, sustainable weight loss when combined with healthy eating, activity, and mental health support.
Safety and Side Effects to Watch For
The most common side effects include:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Fatigue, dizziness
Rare but serious: pancreatitis, gallbladder issues
If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration, you must contact your provider immediately.
⚠️ Semaglutide is not safe for everyone, including those with:
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
Certain GI conditions
This is why medical supervision is non-negotiable.
Why Work With Favor Mental Health in Bel Air?
Here’s what sets us apart:
17+ years of healthcare experience guiding patients through both physical and mental health journeys.
Comprehensive approach: we don’t just prescribe semaglutide; we address the mental and emotional side of weight loss (stress, anxiety, emotional eating, body image).
Individualized care: we titrate at the right pace for you—not just what the chart says.
Confidential & compassionate support: your health journey stays private, always.
Convenience: located right in Bel Air, easily accessible to Harford County residents, with flexible in-person and telehealth options.
Bottom Line
Semaglutide can be a powerful weight loss tool—but only when used correctly. The dosage chart is not a suggestion; it’s a roadmap for safety and success.
At Favor Mental Health, we help clients in Bel Air, Maryland achieve meaningful weight loss by blending evidence-based medicine with compassionate mental health support
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