How Long Does It Take for Wegovy^® To Work?

When considering a weight loss medication — or any medication — it’s normal to wonder when the effects will kick in. So, how long does it take for Wegovy^® to work? The Wegovy^® weight loss timeline can vary a bit between individuals, but Wegovy^® goes to work pretty quickly, with the medication reaching peak concentration in your body within one to three days.   

In clinical trials, people taking Wegovy^® and participating in healthy lifestyle changes lost an average of four percent of their body weight within the first eight weeks of treatment. 

Weight loss typically progresses over the following year, with continued treatment. Wegovy^® has been shown to help people lose up to 20 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks, when paired with healthy lifestyle changes. 

Below, we’ll explore how quickly Wegovy^® works, the Wegovy^® weight loss timeline, how you can maximize results with a comprehensive weight loss program, and more.

Wegovy^® starts working soon after it’s injected, with the medication reaching peak concentration in your body within one to three days. 

When you first start taking Wegovy^®, you’ll take a lower dose. Your prescribing healthcare provider will provide you with a dose escalation (titration) schedule that outlines when to increase your dose (typically every four weeks) until you reach your long-term “maintenance” dose. 

You’ll increase your dose over time to allow your body time to adjust to the medication. You might notice some of the early gastrointestinal side effects of Wegovy^® within the first few days or weeks of starting the medication. 

If you have trouble tolerating your dose, your provider may slow down your dose escalation schedule to give your body time to adjust. Wegovy^® side effects like nausea and stomach upset are typically temporary. 

Weight loss typically begins within a few weeks, with more noticeable changes appearing over time.

At What Dose Does Wegovy^® Start Working? 

A 2021 Wegovy^® study followed nearly 2,000 adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (or 27+ with a weight-related condition). 

By week four of the trial, participants who took Wegovy^® and made lifestyle changes lost around two percent of their body weight. During those initial weeks, they took an introductory dose of 0.25 milligrams (mg) of Wegovy^®. 

This suggests that Wegovy^® starts working at the introductory dose of 0.25mg. 

Participants in the Wegovy^® trial increased their dose every four weeks until reaching a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. For continued weight loss success and long-term weight management, a higher dose is typically necessary.  

Your experience with Wegovy^® may depend on many factors, including your biology, lifestyle, and medication dose. But, if you’d like a rough idea of what to expect, the Wegovy^® study we mentioned above found that people lost weight steadily over the course of several months.

The average weight loss among participants in that study, who also made healthy lifestyle changes, was as follows:

After 68 weeks, participants who also made lifestyle changes lost up to 20 percent of their body weight. 

While your journey may look different, these milestones can offer a general sense of what to expect. 

How long can you take semaglutide for weight loss? Our guide covers long-term use.

You may begin to notice the effects of your first Wegovy^® dose within a few days — or it could take a few weeks to feel a difference.

Common early effects include a reduced appetite, feeling full more quickly, and eating less. 

Be patient. Wegovy^® is working behind the scenes, even if physical changes aren’t immediately apparent. It takes time for your body to adjust and for semaglutide to build up to therapeutic levels.

Every body is different. Several factors could potentially affect how quickly Wegovy^® works. Here’s what may influence how soon you start seeing results:

Your Wegovy^® Dose

Your prescribing healthcare provider will probably get you started on a low dose of Wegovy^® that gradually increases over time. You may start with a 0.25-mg dose that slowly increases every four weeks until you reach the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg.

If you experience side effects, your provider might adjust your dosing schedule, which can also impact your timeline.

Missed Doses

Consistency matters. Regularly missing doses of Wegovy^® could delay results.

Lifestyle Habits

Wegovy^® is most effective when paired with healthy lifestyle changes like healthy eating and increased activity. Weight Loss by Hims includes a comprehensive treatment plan designed to support these healthy habits, including:

• Personalized nutrition guidance, meal plans, and daily protein goals

• Daily activity recommendations

• Sleep content designed by psychologists

• Access to 24/7 Care Team support for accountability

Your Goals

If you’re monitoring your appetite, you may notice effects within the first few days or weeks of taking Wegovy^®. If your focus is on weight loss goals or metabolic health, it may take longer to see full effects.

The rate of weight loss varies when taking Wegovy^®. While some people notice changes quickly, the recommended pace for healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week to keep the weight off in the long term. Other advice suggests that losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight in the first six months is a realistic and healthy target.

For healthy weight loss, it's also important that the weight you're losing is adipose tissue (fat) rather than lean body mass (muscle). Losing the "right" weight is more important — and more sustainable — than losing weight quickly. To help preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss with Wegovy^®, prioritize protein intake. 

Craig Primack, MD, Senior Vice President of Weight Loss at Hims & Hers, recommends consuming 100 grams of protein per day to support healthy weight loss. 

Looking for personalized guidance on how much protein you should be eating? Check out the Hims Protein Calculator for Weight Loss.

Dr. Primack also advises strength training to help preserve lean muscle mass while losing weight. 

Need more guidance? A healthcare professional can give you more advice on a realistic goal weight and a rate of weight loss that supports muscle retention. Get a free consultation on the Hims platform for a personalized treatment plan. 

Weight Loss by Hims

When you sign up for Weight Loss by Hims, you get access to healthcare providers trained in weight management. They can help you find a weight loss medication that supports your goals and your budget, including Wegovy^® injections at 50 percent off the retail price and oral weight loss kits starting at $69 per month when you opt for a 10-month plan, paid in full up front. 

With Hims, you also get access to a comprehensive, doctor-backed weight loss program that includes: 

• Dynamic Protocols to help improve nutrition, movement, and sleep habits for sustained weight loss.

• Daily Protein Recommendations to help maintain muscle mass while taking medication. 

• Daily Activity Goals to achieve regular movement while taking medication. 

• Over 100 High-Protein Recipes that are nutritious and easy to make. 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Exercises tailored to your eating patterns and emotional triggers.

• In-App Sleep Content designed by psychologists to help improve sleep quality. 

• Science-Backed Tips and Techniques focused on topics like hunger hormones, sleep, and more — so your care feels holistic, not one-size-fits-all.

Through Hims, you can also order doctor-recommended meal replacement bars and shakes that contain up to 27 grams of protein per serving, helping to simplify your routine and pack more protein into your day. 

While every person’s experience is different, here’s a general timeline of what to expect when taking Wegovy^® for weight loss:

• First week: You might feel some effects in the first week. This can include reduced appetite, eventually resulting in a lower food intake. 

• You might notice weight loss in the first month. Studies suggest people lose weight within their first four weeks of taking Wegovy^®.

• You might notice significant weight loss in a few months. As your dose increases over time and you continue your Wegovy^® treatment and lifestyle changes, you may experience steady, sustained weight loss over the next few months or years.

If you’re considering medical weight loss, you can take our free weight loss assessment. 

Hims offers access to Wegovy^® at 50 percent off the retail price, starting at $599 per month with a six-month plan, paid in full — no insurance required and no hidden membership fees. The Hims program includes unlimited access to 24/7 provider messaging at no additional cost. 

After your free initial assessment, a licensed healthcare provider will go over your answers and let you know if you’re a good candidate and which medication could work best for you.