Starter Dose
The deliberately low first dose — 0.25 mg for Wegovy, 2.5 mg for Zepbound — built for tolerance, not results.
The starter dose is a handshake, not a treatment: Wegovy's 0.25 mg and Zepbound's 2.5 mg exist to let the digestive system acclimate to slowed emptying before therapeutic doses arrive. Expecting dramatic first-month results from it misreads the design — some appetite quieting is common, but the trial numbers belong to maintenance doses.
This is also where pricing fine print lives: "starting at" prices across the industry, including our $149/month pill program at the 1.5 mg starter dose, are anchored to starter tiers, with dose-based pricing shown as you climb. The useful patient mindset for month one: judge tolerability, not transformation — the scale's real referendum comes later on the ladder.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and is written to be consistent with FDA prescribing information and primary trial publications as of its last review. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical decisions.
Questions about Starter Dose? Ask a doctor free.
A licensed doctor can apply this to your health history in a free telehealth consultation — booking takes about two minutes, with programs from $149/month. You're only charged after approval.
Book an Appointment