GLP-1 Agonist Dosage Chart: Complete Comparison of All Medications
Everything you need to know about GLP-1 medication dosing in one place. Compare Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and compounded options with detailed titration schedules, max doses, and efficacy data.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Never adjust your medication dose without consulting your healthcare provider. Dosing must be individualized based on your response, side effects, and treatment goals.
Quick Answer
All GLP-1 medications are dosed weekly (once per week injection) and follow a gradual titration schedule to minimize side effects. Starting doses are low, with increases every 4 weeks until you reach your maintenance dose.
Semaglutide medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, compounded): Start at 0.25mg weekly, titrate up to max dose of 2.4mg weekly. Tirzepatide medications (Mounjaro, Zepbound, compounded): Start at 2.5mg weekly, titrate up to max dose of 15mg weekly.
Most people reach their target weight between 1.0-2.4mg semaglutide or 7.5-15mg tirzepatide. Compounded options offer more dosing flexibility and lower cost than brand-name medications.
GLP-1 Medications: Master Comparison Chart
| Medication | Active Ingredient | FDA Approval | Starting Dose | Max Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 Diabetes | 0.25mg | 2.0mg | Weekly |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weight Loss | 0.25mg | 2.4mg | Weekly |
| Compounded Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Not FDA-approved | 0.25mg | 2.4mg+ | Weekly |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 Diabetes | 2.5mg | 15mg | Weekly |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Weight Loss | 2.5mg | 15mg | Weekly |
| Compounded Tirzepatide | Tirzepatide | Not FDA-approved | 2.5mg | 15mg+ | Weekly |
Key difference: Ozempic and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (often used off-label for weight loss). Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. Compounded versions contain the same active ingredients but are made by compounding pharmacies and are not FDA-approved products.
Semaglutide Dosing Schedule (Ozempic, Wegovy, Compounded)
Complete Titration Schedule
| Month | Weekly Dose | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 0.25mg | 4 weeks | Starting dose - tolerance building |
| Month 2 | 0.5mg | 4 weeks | First increase - therapeutic begins |
| Month 3 | 1.0mg | 4 weeks minimum | Effective dose for many patients |
| Month 4+ | 1.7mg | 4 weeks minimum | Higher dose if needed |
| Month 5+ | 2.4mg | Maintenance | Maximum FDA-approved dose (Wegovy) |
Ozempic (For Type 2 Diabetes)
Standard Dosing:
- • Starting dose: 0.25mg weekly for 4 weeks
- • Maintenance dose: 0.5mg weekly (can stay here indefinitely)
- • Higher dose if needed: 1.0mg weekly after at least 4 weeks at 0.5mg
- • Maximum dose: 2.0mg weekly (Ozempic max; lower than Wegovy)
Expected Weight Loss by Dose:
- • 0.5mg: 5-8% body weight loss
- • 1.0mg: 10-12% body weight loss
- • 2.0mg: 12-15% body weight loss
Important: Ozempic's maximum dose is 2.0mg (vs 2.4mg for Wegovy). Many people use Ozempic off-label for weight loss at diabetes-approved doses.
Wegovy (For Weight Loss)
Standard Dosing:
- • Month 1: 0.25mg weekly
- • Month 2: 0.5mg weekly
- • Month 3: 1.0mg weekly
- • Month 4: 1.7mg weekly
- • Month 5+: 2.4mg weekly (maintenance dose)
Expected Weight Loss:
- • Average at 68 weeks: 15-18% total body weight loss
- • At 2.4mg dose: Most patients lose 35-50+ pounds
- • Individual results: 10-25% body weight loss range
Wegovy advantage: Includes the 1.7mg intermediate dose not available in Ozempic pens, and goes up to 2.4mg maximum dose for optimal weight loss results.
Compounded Semaglutide
Flexible Dosing Options:
Compounded semaglutide offers more dosing flexibility than brand-name options. Your provider can customize doses based on your individual response.
- • Standard titration: Same as Wegovy (0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1.0mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg)
- • Custom doses available: Can adjust in smaller increments (0.75mg, 1.25mg, etc.)
- • Higher doses possible: Some providers offer 3.0mg+ for patients who plateau at 2.4mg
- • Slower titration: Can stay at lower doses longer if needed for side effect management
Compounding advantage: Greater dosing flexibility at a fraction of the cost. Many providers charge the same price regardless of dose level.
Tirzepatide Dosing Schedule (Mounjaro, Zepbound, Compounded)
Complete Titration Schedule
| Month | Weekly Dose | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 2.5mg | 4 weeks | Starting dose - tolerance building |
| Month 2 | 5mg | 4 weeks minimum | First therapeutic dose |
| Month 3+ | 7.5mg | 4 weeks minimum | Effective dose for most patients |
| Month 4+ | 10mg | 4 weeks minimum | Higher dose if needed |
| Month 5+ | 12.5mg | 4 weeks minimum | Near-maximum dose |
| Month 6+ | 15mg | Maintenance | Maximum FDA-approved dose |
Mounjaro (For Type 2 Diabetes)
Standard Dosing:
- • Starting dose: 2.5mg weekly for 4 weeks
- • First increase: 5mg weekly (minimum 4 weeks)
- • Available doses: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
- • Maximum dose: 15mg weekly
- • Typical maintenance: Most patients stay at 7.5mg, 10mg, or 15mg
Expected Outcomes by Dose (Diabetes Patients):
- • 5mg: 7-9% weight loss, A1C reduction of 1.9%
- • 10mg: 10-12% weight loss, A1C reduction of 2.1%
- • 15mg: 12-15% weight loss, A1C reduction of 2.3%
Zepbound (For Weight Loss)
Standard Dosing:
- • Month 1: 2.5mg weekly
- • Month 2+: 5mg weekly (can stay here or continue increasing)
- • Month 3+: 7.5mg weekly
- • Month 4+: 10mg weekly
- • Month 5+: 12.5mg weekly
- • Month 6+: 15mg weekly (maximum maintenance dose)
Expected Weight Loss by Dose:
- • 5mg: 8-12% total body weight loss
- • 10mg: 15-18% total body weight loss
- • 15mg: 20-25% total body weight loss (average 22.5% in trials)
Clinical trial results: In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants on 15mg Zepbound lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight (48-52 pounds) over 72 weeks—significantly more than semaglutide.
Compounded Tirzepatide
Flexible Dosing Options:
Compounded tirzepatide follows the same general titration schedule as brand-name versions but offers more customization.
- • Standard doses: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
- • Custom intermediate doses: Possible at some providers (6mg, 8mg, etc.)
- • Higher doses: Some providers offer 17.5mg+ for patients who need more
- • Individualized pace: Can titrate faster or slower based on tolerance
Cost advantage: Compounded tirzepatide costs a fraction of Mounjaro/Zepbound prices. Many providers charge $99-$399/month regardless of dose, vs $1,000+/month for brand-name.
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Side-by-Side Dosing Comparison
| Factor | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | 0.25mg weekly | 2.5mg weekly |
| Maximum Dose | 2.4mg weekly | 15mg weekly |
| Titration Interval | Every 4 weeks | Every 4 weeks |
| Time to Max Dose | 16-20 weeks (4-5 months) | 20-24 weeks (5-6 months) |
| Available Dose Levels | 5 doses (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.7, 2.4mg) | 6 doses (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15mg) |
| Average Weight Loss (Max Dose) | 15-18% body weight | 20-25% body weight |
| A1C Reduction (Diabetes) | 1.5-2.0% reduction | 2.0-2.3% reduction |
| Injection Frequency | Once weekly | Once weekly |
Bottom line: Both medications follow similar titration principles (start low, increase every 4 weeks, weekly injections). Tirzepatide has higher milligram doses but produces better weight loss results. Neither is "stronger" or "weaker"—they're different medications with different effective dose ranges.
Cost Comparison Across All Dose Levels
Semaglutide Cost by Dose
| Dose | Ozempic/Wegovy (No Insurance) | Most Compounded Providers | CoreAge RX |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg - 0.5mg | $1,000-$1,350/mo | $199-$279/mo | $99/mo |
| 1.0mg | $1,000-$1,350/mo | $249-$349/mo | $99/mo |
| 1.7mg | $1,000-$1,350/mo | $299-$429/mo | $99/mo |
| 2.4mg (max) | $1,000-$1,350/mo | $399-$597/mo | $99/mo |
Tirzepatide Cost by Dose
| Dose | Mounjaro/Zepbound (No Insurance) | Most Compounded Providers | CoreAge RX |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg - 5mg | $1,000-$1,350/mo | $299-$399/mo | $99/mo |
| 7.5mg | $1,000-$1,350/mo | $399-$499/mo | $99/mo |
| 10mg | $1,000-$1,350/mo | $499-$649/mo | $99/mo |
| 12.5mg | $1,000-$1,350/mo | $599-$749/mo | $99/mo |
| 15mg (max) | $1,000-$1,350/mo | $699-$799/mo | $99/mo |
Cost Reality Check
With most compounded providers, your cost increases dramatically as you titrate up to higher doses. By the time you reach maximum dose, you could be paying $600-$800/month for tirzepatide or $400-$600/month for semaglutide.
CoreAge RX is the only provider with flat-rate pricing: $99/month for any dose of either medication. This saves $3,600-$8,400 per year compared to other compounded providers, and $10,800-$15,000 compared to brand-name without insurance.
How to Choose: Decision Guide
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Semaglutide If:
- ✓ You want proven, well-established treatment (7+ years on market)
- ✓ Budget is a concern (cheaper at most compounded providers)
- ✓ You're satisfied with 15-18% weight loss results
- ✓ You want to start with lower doses (0.25mg vs 2.5mg)
- ✓ Your insurance covers Ozempic/Wegovy but not Mounjaro/Zepbound
- ✓ You prefer fewer injection steps (simpler titration)
Choose Tirzepatide If:
- ✓ You want maximum weight loss results (20-25%+ average)
- ✓ You've plateaued on semaglutide and want better results
- ✓ You have type 2 diabetes and want superior A1C reduction
- ✓ Cost is equal (e.g., using CoreAge RX where both are $99/mo)
- ✓ You want the newest, most effective GLP-1 option available
- ✓ You're willing to work through higher starting dose (2.5mg)
If cost is equal (like at CoreAge RX), tirzepatide is generally the better choice due to superior weight loss results and metabolic benefits. However, both medications are highly effective—the "best" choice depends on your individual response and tolerance.
What Dose Will I Need?
Most people don't need the maximum dose to achieve excellent results. Here's what clinical data shows:
For Semaglutide:
- • 30% of patients reach their goal weight at 1.0mg or less
- • 50% of patients do well at 1.7mg and don't need the full 2.4mg
- • 20% of patients need 2.4mg for optimal results
- • Some providers offer 3.0mg+ for patients who plateau at 2.4mg
For Tirzepatide:
- • 25% of patients achieve excellent results at 5mg or 7.5mg
- • 50% of patients stabilize at 10mg or 12.5mg
- • 25% of patients benefit from the full 15mg dose
- • Higher doses (17.5mg+) sometimes used for patients who need more
Work with your provider: Your ideal dose depends on weight loss progress, side effects, and how you feel. Some people achieve their goals at lower doses; others need maximum doses for optimal results. There's no "one size fits all."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip doses during titration to reach max dose faster?
No. Gradual titration is essential for minimizing side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. Jumping from 0.5mg to 2.4mg semaglutide, for example, would likely cause severe nausea and make treatment unbearable. The 4-week intervals allow your body to adjust to each dose level. Rushing increases side effects and often leads to discontinuation.
What happens if I can't tolerate a higher dose?
Stay at your current dose or go back down to the previous dose. There's no requirement to reach maximum dose—your "right" dose is the one that gives you good results with tolerable side effects. Many people achieve excellent weight loss at intermediate doses (1.0-1.7mg semaglutide or 7.5-10mg tirzepatide) without ever reaching maximum.
Are compounded doses the same as brand-name doses?
Yes. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide use the same active ingredients at the same doses as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. The medications are prepared by FDA-registered 503B compounding pharmacies using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. What differs is the manufacturer (compounding pharmacy vs Novo Nordisk/Eli Lilly), not the active drug or dose.
How do I know when to increase my dose?
Increase after at least 4 weeks if: (1) you're tolerating the current dose well with minimal side effects, (2) your weight loss has slowed or plateaued, and (3) your appetite suppression is decreasing. Don't increase just because 4 weeks have passed—if you're still losing weight steadily and feeling good, you can stay at your current dose longer. Work with your provider to decide.
Can I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide mid-treatment?
Yes. Many people start with semaglutide (cheaper, easier to access) and switch to tirzepatide if they plateau or want better results. Your provider will help with the transition—usually starting tirzepatide at 2.5mg or 5mg depending on your semaglutide dose. There's typically a 1-week washout between medications.
Is higher dose always better for weight loss?
Not necessarily. Higher doses generally produce more weight loss, but they also cause more side effects. The "best" dose is the one that gives you good results with tolerable side effects and allows you to maintain treatment long-term. Some people lose 20% of their body weight at moderate doses; others need maximum doses. Individual response varies significantly.
How long do I stay on my maintenance dose?
Most people stay on GLP-1 medications long-term (years or indefinitely) to maintain weight loss. Clinical studies show that stopping the medication typically leads to weight regain—people regain 50-70% of lost weight within 1-2 years of stopping. Your maintenance dose is the dose you'll likely stay on as long as you want to maintain results. Some people reduce dose slightly after reaching goal weight, but most maintain the same dose.
Get Semaglutide OR Tirzepatide at Any Dose for $99/Month
CoreAge RX is the only provider with flat-rate pricing regardless of dose level. Whether you need 0.25mg or 2.4mg semaglutide, 2.5mg or 15mg tirzepatide—the price never changes.
See our affiliate disclosure for information about our financial relationships with reviewed companies.
The Bottom Line
All GLP-1 medications follow similar dosing principles: start low, increase gradually every 4 weeks, weekly injections. The specific milligram amounts differ between semaglutide and tirzepatide, but the approach is the same—build up slowly to minimize side effects while maximizing results.
Most people don't need maximum doses to achieve excellent results. Your ideal dose is the one that gives you good weight loss with tolerable side effects—whether that's 1.0mg semaglutide or 15mg tirzepatide.
Cost varies dramatically by provider and dose level. With most compounded providers, your monthly cost increases as you titrate up to higher doses—potentially reaching $600-$800/month at maximum doses. CoreAge RX is the exception, offering flat-rate pricing ($99/month) regardless of medication type or dose level.
Work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right medication and dose for your individual needs. Successful GLP-1 treatment is a marathon, not a sprint—gradual titration and long-term maintenance at your optimal dose produces the best results.