Why does GLP-1 medication start at a low dose?

GLP-1 medications usually start at a low dose because your body needs time to get used to the medication.

This is especially important with GLP-1s because increasing the dose too quickly can make side effects more likely.

The process of slowly increasing your dose over time is called titration.

The early doses are often not the dose you stay on long term. They are there to help your body adjust.

As treatment continues, the clinician will review how you are doing, including:

Do not change your dose unless the clinician has advised you to do so.

For Wegovy injections, the standard titration schedule is:

Each step usually lasts 4 weeks, as appropriate.

For Wegovy tablets, the standard titration schedule is:

Each step usually lasts 30 days, as appropriate.

For Zepbound, the standard titration schedule is:

Each step usually lasts 4 weeks, as appropriate.

You will have an opportunity at your refill check-in to discuss your dose with the clinician. They will review your goals and any side effects you are experiencing, then decide the appropriate next step.