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Medically reviewed byDr. Rachel Morrison, MD, ABOM·Updated July 2026
Treatment Guide

Your dosing schedule, explained

Every patient follows a physician-supervised titration protocol - starting low and gradually increasing to your optimal therapeutic dose. Here's exactly what to expect.

Start my free screening →About GLP-1 medication
Why Titration?

Why we start low and go slow

Titration - gradually increasing your dose over time - dramatically reduces side effects while letting your body adapt. Jumping straight to a full dose causes unnecessary nausea and GI discomfort. Our physicians follow evidence-based titration protocols that balance efficacy with tolerability.

  • Reduces nausea incidence by up to 70%
  • Allows your GI system to adapt gradually
  • Physician adjusts based on your response
  • Faster titration available if well-tolerated
  • No cookie-cutter schedules - personalized to you

Your physician is in control

The schedule below is a typical protocol. Your physician may adjust timing, skip steps, or extend phases based on your tolerance, weight loss, and health markers.

Never adjust your dose without physician guidance. More medication ≠ faster results - it just means more side effects.

Titration Timeline

Standard titration schedule

Typical 20-week ramp from starting dose to full therapeutic dose. Each phase lasts 4 weeks minimum.

Phase 1 - Starting Dose

Weeks 1–4 · Lowest dose

Your body begins adapting to the medication. Most patients notice reduced appetite and less "food noise" within 5-7 days. Weight loss is modest - typically 2-4 lbs. Focus is on tolerability.

What to expect: Mild nausea (usually first 3-5 days), slightly reduced appetite, possible mild constipation. Eat smaller meals. Stay hydrated. These effects typically resolve within the first week.

Phase 2 - First Increase

Weeks 5–8 · 2× starting dose

Appetite suppression becomes more noticeable. Food noise decreases significantly. Patients typically lose 4-8 lbs in this phase. Your physician reviews your progress before increasing.

What to expect: Stronger appetite reduction, continued GI adaptation. Some patients experience brief nausea after the dose increase - usually resolves within 2-3 days. Energy levels often improve as weight drops.

Phase 3 - Mid Titration

Weeks 9–12 · Approaching therapeutic range

Weight loss accelerates. Most patients are losing 1-2 lbs/week consistently. Cravings are substantially reduced. Clothing starts fitting differently. Lab markers begin improving.

What to expect: Strong appetite control, minimal food cravings. Some patients experience temporary constipation - increase fiber and water intake. Your physician may order labs to monitor metabolic markers.

Phase 4 - Therapeutic Increase

Weeks 13–16 · Near full dose

Approaching your optimal dose. Weight loss continues at a steady pace. Most patients have lost 10-15% of starting body weight by this point. Side effects are typically minimal at this stage.

What to expect: Sustained, predictable weight loss. Your body has fully adapted to the medication. Energy and mood often improve. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar markers may normalize.

Phase 5 - Full Therapeutic Dose

Weeks 17–20+ · Maximum efficacy

Full therapeutic dose achieved. Maximum appetite suppression and metabolic benefit. Weight loss continues toward your goal. Your physician monitors progress and plans for long-term maintenance.

What to expect: Peak weight loss phase. Average total weight loss of 20-22.5% of starting body weight over 6-12 months at full dose. Your physician will discuss maintenance strategies as you approach your target weight.
Important: Never skip doses, double up on missed doses, or adjust your dose without physician guidance. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it's within 5 days of the scheduled dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Contact your care team if you have questions.
Injection Schedule

When and how to inject

Once weekly, same day each week. See our step-by-step injection guide for detailed preparation and technique instructions.

Pick your day

Choose any day of the week. Most patients prefer mornings. Inject on the same day each week - consistency matters more than which day.

Rotate injection sites

Abdomen (2 inches from navel), front of thigh, or back of upper arm. Rotate between sites each week to prevent tissue irritation.

Track your progress

Log your injection, dose, and any side effects in your patient portal. Your physician reviews your logs at each check-in.

Common Questions

Dosing FAQ

What if I miss a dose?
If it's within 5 days of your scheduled injection, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose on time. Do not double up. Contact your care team if you miss more than one dose.
Can I titrate faster if I feel fine?
Possibly, but only with physician approval. Some patients tolerate faster titration well. Your physician will evaluate your side effect profile, labs, and progress before considering an accelerated schedule.
What if I can't tolerate a dose increase?
Your physician may extend the current phase for 2-4 additional weeks before retrying the increase, or they may adjust the increment. Some patients do well at a slightly lower maintenance dose than the maximum - efficacy can still be excellent.
Do I inject at the same time each day?
GLP-1 medications are once weekly, not daily. Inject on the same day each week. Time of day doesn't matter clinically, but many patients prefer mornings so they can monitor for any side effects during the day.
How long will I need to stay on medication?
Treatment duration varies by patient and goals. Most patients remain on medication for 12-18 months during active weight loss, then transition to a lower maintenance dose. Your physician will develop a long-term plan based on your progress and metabolic markers.
What happens when I reach my goal weight?
Your physician will work with you on a maintenance protocol - often a reduced dose rather than complete discontinuation. The goal is sustained weight management without regain. Some patients eventually taper off medication entirely.
Explore More

Related pages

Prep Guide

Injection Instructions

Step-by-step reconstitution and injection guide for your medication.

Learn more →
Treatment

Your Medication

FDA-approved GLP-1 medications that work with your biology.

Learn more →
Your Path

How It Works

From free screening to your first dose in under a week.

Learn more →
Physician review within 24-48 hours

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