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Dose Management

How to Adjust Mounjaro & Wegovy Doses? A Physician's Guide

Slimly Editorial Team · March 2026

Correct dose adjustment of GLP-1 weight loss medications is a critical factor for success. Increase it too fast, and the side effects can become unbearable; increase it too slow, and you might not see the results. This article explains the standard dose escalation steps for 3 medications, and principles on when to step up and when to pause.

Mounjaro Dose Escalation Ladder

2.5mg
Starting dose, maintain for 4 weeks
↓
5mg
Maintain for at least 4 weeks (can stay at this dose)
↓
7.5mg
Maintain for at least 4 weeks
↓
10mg
Maintain for at least 4 weeks
↓
12.5mg
Maintain for at least 4 weeks
↓
15mg
Maximum dose, maintain use
⏱️ It takes at least 20 weeks (5 months) to reach the maximum dose
Stay on each dose for at least 4 weeks. Do not escalate prematurely—it drastically increases the risk of side effects.

Wegovy Dose Escalation Ladder

0.25mg
Starting dose, maintain for 4 weeks
↓
0.5mg
Maintain for 4 weeks
↓
1.0mg
Maintain for 4 weeks
↓
1.7mg
Maintain for 4 weeks
↓
2.4mg
Max dose (Maintenance dose)

Saxenda Dose Escalation Ladder

Saxenda is injected daily. The dose adjustment method is different from Wegovy and Mounjaro: increase by 0.6mg every week, taking 5 weeks to reach the target dose.

0.6mg
Week 1
↓
1.2mg
Week 2
↓
1.8mg
Week 3
↓
2.4mg
Week 4
↓
3.0mg
Week 5 and beyond, target maintenance dose

When Should You Delay a Dose Increase?

🔍 Self-Assessment Before Escalating

Question 1 Are you still experiencing significant side effects (persistent nausea, vomiting) on your current dose? → If yes, don't increase the dose yet. Wait until side effects stabilize.
Question 2 Is your weight still dropping steadily? → If yes, there is no rush to increase. You can stay on this dose for longer.
Question 3 Are you satisfied with the appetite control exactly as it is? → If yes, this might be your optimal "maintenance dose".
⚠️ Always Notify Your Physician If You Experience:
  • Severe, persistent abdominal pain
  • Noticeably rapid heartbeat
  • Sudden changes in vision
  • Severe allergic reactions

Do I Have to Reach the Maximum Dose?

Not necessarily. The goal of dose adjustment is to find the lowest effective dose that works for you with acceptable side effects, not to blindly reach the maximum limit.

Some people achieve magnificent results on just 5mg of Mounjaro or 1.0mg of Wegovy; others might need the maximum dose to see their targets. It's highly personalized and something to be determined with your doctor.

📊 The Importance of Tracking Dose Logs
Record the dose of every injection. Letting your doctor see your log records during visits will help them make more accurate judgments on whether it's time to adjust the dose.

Track every dose accurately for more efficient doctor visits

Slimly automatically logs every injection dose and date, providing clear trend charts that make medical decision-making much easier.

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😣 Mounjaro Side Effects 🔍 Top 3 Medications Compared 📉 Dealing with Plateaus ⏹️ Managing Weight Post-Medication