weight loss
∙3 minute read
Medically reviewed
The landscape of weight management is shifting. For a long time, the maximum semaglutide dose available was 2.4mg, but as we learn more about how different bodies respond to treatment, that ceiling is rising. Wegovy 7.2mg is now the highest licensed dose, providing a new option to those who need it.
This update comes on the back of the STEP UP clinical trial, which explored whether a higher dose could help people push past progress plateaus. While 2.4mg is still the standard maintenance dose for most, 7.2mg is now officially on the map as the maximum.1
If you’re just starting your journey, you can check out how the Wegovy treatment works to help recalibrate your appetite.
It’s official: Wegovy 7.2mg has overtaken 2.4mg as the highest tested and licensed dose.
Weight loss isn't a one-size-fits-all process. While most people experience continued success moving up through the doses until they settle on their maintenance dose, that isn’t the case for everyone. Some people see great results early on but then they stall, while others (known as "partial responders") find that the standard dose doesn't quite get them to their health goals. The 7.2mg dose was developed specifically for these scenarios. It’s an extra tool in the kit for when 2.4mg isn't doing the heavy lifting anymore.
The data says yes.1 On average, upping the dosage correlates with a higher percentage of total body weight lost. Here’s how the two maintenance doses stack up based on clinical averages:
Wegovy 2.4mg: Typically leads to around 15-17.5% weight loss.1
Wegovy 7.2mg: In clinical trials, this stepped up to an average of 18.7–20%.1
It’s a significant jump, but remember, these are averages. Your biology is unique, and while a higher dose provides a stronger biological nudge, it works best when paired with healthy lifestyle changes.
The STEP UP trial is the reason that the new maximum Wegovy dose available for prescription is 7.2mg . The trial demonstrated that higher doses were effective and had a safety profile consistent with lower doses within the study period.
The timeline: Researchers followed participants for 52 weeks to ensure the results held up over time.
The results: Patients who moved up to 7.2mg saw superior weight loss compared to those who stayed at 2.4mg.1
The experience: The trial showed that while the dose is higher, the way the body handles the medication remains largely the same.1
You don't just dive in at the deep end. Wegovy uses a steady ramp-up (titration) schedule that gives your body time to get used to the medication. Your dosage level will only increase if your clinician deems it medically appropriate.
Most people reach their goals on 2.4mg, but it’s good to know there’s a higher dose available if clinically appropriate for you. You can find a deeper breakdown in our Wegovy timeline guide.
Just because it’s licensed doesn't mean it’s the right move for everyone. Increasing to the maximum dose is a specialised option and isn't yet the standard prescription for every patient.
A clinician might suggest moving to 7.2mg if:
You’ve spent several months on 2.4mg but your weight loss has stalled.
Your body has tolerated the 2.4mg dose well without major side effects.
You still have significant health goals to reach.
Availability can vary, so it’s always worth checking our Wegovy hub to see what’s currently being prescribed.
Higher doses may increase the likelihood or intensity of gastrointestinal side effects, particularly during dose escalation. As Wegovy mimics a natural hormone, your gut might need time to catch up.
You might notice:
Nausea
Changes in digestion (diarrhoea or constipation)
Feeling more tired than usual
These are usually temporary. The most important thing is that any move to 7.2mg is done under clinical supervision to make sure you’re losing weight in a way that’s safe, manageable, and sustainable.
Wegovy 7.2mg represents a new frontier of weight management, providing a clinical pathway for those who need to push past plateaus. While the standard 2.4mg dose is highly effective for most, this increased maximum ensures your treatment can evolve alongside your body’s needs.
Wharton S, Freitas P, Jøran Hjelmesæth, Kabisch M, Kandler K, Ildiko Lingvay, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide 7·2 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology [Internet]. 2025 Sep 1; Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(25)00226-8/abstract
Women's Health Copywriter,
Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
