Introduction: What Happens After You Reach Full Dose?
If you’re using Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss, the journey begins slowly — starting at 0.25 mg and gradually increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. But what many people wonder is:
“Once I reach the maintenance dose, do I keep losing weight — or does it stop working?”
The short answer:
Yes, many people continue to lose weight on the maintenance dose of Wegovy — sometimes for several more months.
Let’s explore how it works, what the clinical research shows, and how to keep your results going long-term.
What Is the Maintenance Dose of Wegovy?
Wegovy is titrated slowly to reduce side effects. Most patients follow this schedule:
| Week | Dose |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg |
| 9–12 | 1.0 mg |
| 13–16 | 1.7 mg |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg → Maintenance dose |
At 2.4 mg, you’re at full therapeutic strength — the dose used in clinical trials that led to FDA approval.
Do You Keep Losing Weight at 2.4 mg?
Yes — for most people, weight loss continues at the maintenance dose, although it slows down over time.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Weeks 1–16: Fastest weight loss phase
- Weeks 17–52: Continued weight loss on maintenance dose
- Week 52+: Weight plateaus or slows, but results can be maintained or improved with lifestyle
In clinical studies, patients continued to lose weight for over a year after reaching 2.4 mg.
What the Research Says
The STEP 4 clinical trial evaluated Wegovy’s effects after reaching the maintenance dose:
- All patients started Wegovy and reached 2.4 mg by week 20.
- Then, half continued taking 2.4 mg, and the other half switched to placebo.
- After 48 more weeks:
- Those who stayed on Wegovy lost an additional 6.9% body weight (total ~17%).
- Those on placebo regained weight.
Conclusion: Staying on the 2.4 mg maintenance dose leads to continued weight loss, while stopping it often leads to regain.
Source: Wilding et al., JAMA 2021 – STEP 4 Trial
Weight Loss Timeline on Maintenance Dose
| Time on Wegovy | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Week 0–16 | Rapid weight loss phase begins |
| Week 17–24 | Still losing 0.5–2 lbs per week |
| Week 25–52 | Slower fat loss, body reshaping |
| After 1 year | Weight stabilizes, focus shifts to maintenance and fitness |
Some people lose 15–20% or more of body weight over 1 year — and many report continued fat loss and improved body composition even after the scale slows down.
Why Weight Loss Slows at Maintenance Dose
Even though you’re still taking 2.4 mg weekly, weight loss slows over time due to:
- Lower calorie needs as your body gets smaller
- Metabolic adaptation (your body adjusts to the weight loss)
- Plateaus — common at 6–12 months in any weight loss journey
- Diet drift — returning to old habits may reduce effectiveness
But this is normal — and not a sign Wegovy has stopped working.
How to Keep Losing Weight at Maintenance Dose
Here are proven strategies to maximize your results after reaching 2.4 mg:
1. Fine-tune your diet
- Prioritize protein (aim for 80–120g/day)
- Limit ultra-processed carbs and added sugars
- Increase fiber (veggies, legumes, whole grains)
2. Stay hydrated
- Dehydration can stall weight loss and mimic hunger
3. Track your intake
- Even small “calorie creeps” can slow progress
- Use an app like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer
4. Add strength training
- Building muscle helps fight metabolic slowdown
- Muscle burns more calories even at rest
5. Sleep and stress matter
- Poor sleep and high stress increase hunger hormones (ghrelin) and reduce fat loss
What If You Hit a Plateau?
If you stop losing weight even after months on 2.4 mg, try:
- Reassessing your calorie intake
- Changing your workout routine (new stimulus = new progress)
- Cycling calories (introduce 1–2 higher-calorie days weekly to “reset” metabolism)
- Talking to your provider about labs (thyroid, hormones, insulin)
Some patients may be advised to pause dose, add adjunct medications, or explore surgical options if needed.
The Maintenance Dose: Not Just for Weight Loss
Even if weight loss slows, staying on the 2.4 mg maintenance dose helps:
- Prevent weight regain
- Control blood sugar (for those with diabetes or prediabetes)
- Improve cardiovascular markers
- Keep appetite and cravings in check
Think of the maintenance dose as long-term metabolic support, not just a weight-loss trigger.
What Happens If You Stop Wegovy After Maintenance?
Many users regain weight quickly after stopping Wegovy — because the hunger and food cues come back.
Studies show up to 2/3 of lost weight can return within a year of stopping.
To avoid this:
- Stay on 2.4 mg as long as prescribed
- Continue lifestyle changes
- Consider step-down plans only under medical guidance
Key Takeaways
✅ Wegovy’s 2.4 mg maintenance dose continues to promote weight loss
✅ Most people lose weight for several months after reaching full dose
✅ You may lose 15–20% of body weight after 6–12+ months
✅ Lifestyle, not just medication, determines long-term success
✅ Don’t panic if the scale slows — body recomposition may still be happening
References
- Wilding JPH, et al. Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity. JAMA. 2021.
Read here - FDA Wegovy Label – Prescribing Info (PDF)
- Mayo Clinic – Semaglutide for Weight Loss