GLP-1 Medication Titration: When to Increase and When to Stay at Your Current Dose
- Lori Fauquier, APN-C, WHNP
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 27
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have revolutionized medical weight loss, helping individuals control cravings, regulate blood sugar, and achieve sustainable weight loss.
A key factor in maximizing the benefits of GLP-1 medications is proper titration—the process of gradually increasing your dose. Many people wonder:
When should I increase my GLP-1 dose?
Should I stay at my current dose longer than four weeks?
How do I minimize GLP-1 side effects while losing weight effectively?
Let’s break down GLP-1 medication titration, how it works, and when to increase your dose or hold steady for optimal results.
Understanding the Standard GLP-1 Medication Titration Schedule
Most GLP-1 weight loss medications follow a structured dose titration schedule to allow your body to adjust while minimizing side effects like nausea, bloating, and fatigue.
Here’s a standard semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) dose schedule:
Week 1-4: 0.25 mg once a week
Week 5-8: 0.5 mg once a week
Week 9-12: 1 mg once a week
Week 13+: 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg (as prescribed)
For tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), the dosing schedule is similar, starting at 2.5 mg and increasing every 4 weeks based on tolerance and response.
💡 But here’s the key: Titration should be based on your body’s response, not just a preset timeline.
When to Increase Your GLP-1 Dose
Moving to the next dose level may be the right choice if:
✅ You’ve been on your current dose for at least 4 weeks – This ensures your body has adjusted and experienced the full effects.
✅ Your appetite is still high, and cravings are not well controlled – If you're frequently hungry or still dealing with strong food cravings, a dose adjustment may help.
✅ Your weight loss has stalled for more than 3-4 weeks – If you’re not seeing progress despite following your meal plan and lifestyle changes, an increase might be beneficial.
✅ You're tolerating the medication well – If you don’t have significant side effects (like nausea, vomiting, or GI distress), you may be ready to move up.
Increasing your GLP-1 medication should always be a discussion with your weight loss provider to ensure it aligns with your weight loss goals and overall health.
When NOT to Increase Your Dose
Not everyone needs to move up on schedule. Sometimes, staying at your current GLP-1 dose for longer is the best decision for your body.
🚫 Avoid increasing your dose if:
❌ You're experiencing moderate to severe side effects, like persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness. Wait until your body adjusts before increasing.
❌ You haven’t been on your current dose for at least 4 weeks. Your body may still be adapting, and premature increases can lead to unnecessary side effects.
❌ Your current dose is already working well. If you're losing weight, managing hunger, and tolerating the medication, why rush an increase?
❌ You’re feeling excessively full or struggling to eat enough protein. A higher dose can worsen appetite suppression, making it harder to meet your nutrition needs.
❌ You want to minimize medication costs. Higher doses are more expensive, and if you're achieving your weight loss goals on a lower dose, it may not be necessary to move up.
How to Know If You’ve Found Your Ideal GLP-1 Dose
The best GLP-1 dosage for weight loss is the dose that:
✅ Keeps your hunger and cravings controlled
✅ Allows for steady weight loss without excessive side effects
✅ Lets you meet your protein and nutrition goals
For some people, lower doses work just fine, while others need to titrate up to higher doses like 2.4 mg semaglutide or 15 mg tirzepatide for maximum results.
The Bottom Line: Personalize Your GLP-1 Medication Titration
Titration is not a race to the highest dose. The goal is to find the dose that works best for YOU while minimizing side effects.
📌 Key Takeaways:
Increase your dose if hunger isn’t controlled, weight loss has stalled, and you're tolerating the medication well.
Stay at your current dose longer if you’re experiencing side effects, struggling to eat enough, or already seeing great results.
Talk to your provider before making any dose adjustments.
💡 Need expert guidance on your GLP-1 medication journey?
At Kya Wellness, we provide personalized weight loss support to help you navigate GLP-1 titration, optimize your results, and feel your best.
📆 Schedule your consultation today and take control of your weight loss journey with expert care!