Wegovy Weight Loss Timeline: Month-by-Month [2026]
Understanding the expected weight loss timeline on Wegovy helps set realistic expectations and maintain motivation. This comprehensive guide covers the dose escalation schedule, expected results during each phase, plateau timing, and long-term weight maintenance strategies.
Overview of the Wegovy Weight Loss Timeline
Wegovy (semaglutide) produces a predictable weight loss timeline that follows physiologic patterns of appetite suppression, calorie deficit accumulation, and metabolic adaptation. The timeline spans from the first injection through dose escalation, rapid weight loss phase, plateau phase, and long-term maintenance. Understanding each phase helps users anticipate changes, maintain motivation through plateaus, and implement sustainable lifestyle strategies for long-term success.
The overall Wegovy timeline can be divided into distinct phases: Weeks 1-4 (initial phase): Appetite suppression begins immediately, weight loss becomes evident within 1-2 weeks. Weeks 5-16 (dose escalation and rapid weight loss): Doses increase progressively, weight loss accelerates to maximal rates. Weeks 17-24 (plateau phase): Weight loss rate slows substantially as the body reaches weight equilibrium. Months 6+ (maintenance phase): Weight plateaus at a new lower level, requiring continued medication to maintain. The total timeline from initiation to plateau is typically 3-6 months, with most users reaching plateau by month 5. The maintenance phase can continue indefinitely as long as the medication is continued; discontinuation typically leads to gradual weight regain over weeks to months.
Week-by-Week Changes During the First Month
The first month on Wegovy is characterized by rapid onset of appetite suppression and initiation of weight loss. Week 1 begins with the first 0.25 mg injection. Many users notice appetite suppression within 24-48 hours of the first injection, describing dramatically reduced hunger and food cravings. This appetite suppression is the primary mechanism by which Wegovy promotes weight loss—with appetite suppressed, users naturally eat smaller portions and fewer calories without relying on willpower or strict dieting. The psychological impact of this appetite suppression is profound for many users who have previously struggled with constant hunger, food obsession, and difficulty maintaining caloric deficits. The medication essentially resets appetite set-point downward, making small portions feel satisfying rather than unsatisfying.
During week 1, physical changes are primarily appetite-related rather than weight-related. Nausea is uncommonly encountered at the low 0.25 mg starting dose. Some users report mild nausea or mild diarrhea, but most tolerate the starting dose well. Mild fatigue or headache is occasionally reported. Weight change in week 1 is minimal; most users lose less than 1 lb during the first week.
Week 2 typically shows the onset of measurable weight loss. The cumulative effect of reduced calorie intake from the previous week begins to manifest on the scale. Average weight loss during week 2 is 0.5-1.5 lbs. This early weight loss is motivating for many users and reinforces the medication\'s effectiveness. The appetite suppression continues and becomes more pronounced in many users. Some users report that previous favorite foods become less appealing, or that they feel satisfied with much smaller portions (a few bites of food creating fullness). The dramatic change in hunger sensation is the most notable subjective change during week 2 for most users.
Week 3-4 continue the pattern of week 2. Weight loss continues at approximately 0.5-1.5 lbs per week. Cumulative weight loss by the end of month 1 is typically 2-5 lbs, with most users at approximately 3 lbs. Side effects remain minimal at the 0.25 mg dose; nausea is uncommon. The appetite suppression reaches a plateau for the 0.25 mg dose—it is maximal for this dose level but less pronounced than what will occur with higher doses. By the end of month 1, many users describe eating 30-50% of their previous food quantities while feeling fully satisfied. This change in appetite physiology is sustained throughout the time the medication is continued.
Months 2-4: Dose Escalation and Rapid Weight Loss Phase
Month 2 begins with the dose increase to 0.5 mg weekly. In the first few days after this dose increase, appetite suppression intensifies further. Many users report that their appetite suppression at 0.25 mg was noticeable but still allowed reasonable eating; at 0.5 mg, the appetite suppression is profound, making eating feel unnatural or difficult. The reduction in hunger is dramatically more intense. Weight loss during month 2 typically accelerates to 1-2.5 lbs per week, with most users experiencing 4-10 lbs weight loss during the month (cumulative 6-15 lbs total from baseline).
Side effects may increase during the 0.5 mg phase. Nausea affects approximately 20-30% of users during the first 3-7 days after the dose increase to 0.5 mg, with most experiencing nausea in the first 2-3 days. The nausea is typically mild-to-moderate, described as queasiness rather than severe vomiting. For most users, nausea resolves substantially by day 7-10 as the body adapts. Strategies to minimize nausea include eating smaller, more frequent meals; avoiding heavy, fatty, or spicy foods during the nausea period; staying well-hydrated; and eating ginger, peppermint, or other antiemetic foods. Diarrhea or constipation may occur, typically mild. Fatigue is sometimes reported during the adaptation period. These side effects typically resolve over 1-2 weeks as the body acclimates to the higher dose.
Month 3 begins with the dose increase to 1 mg weekly. This is the FDA-approved maintenance dose for weight loss (Wegovy indication) and the standard dose for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic indication). The 1 mg dose produces maximal or near-maximal appetite suppression for most users; appetite suppression is profoundly intense at this dose. Many users report difficulty eating regular meal sizes, feeling full after just a few bites, and having to consciously remind themselves to eat adequate nutrition during this phase.
Nausea is most likely during the 0.25 mg to 1 mg dose increase, with approximately 35-40% of users reporting some nausea in the first week after the increase. The nausea patterns are similar to the previous increase: most prominent in days 2-5, substantially resolving by day 7-10. Weight loss during month 3 continues at 1-3 lbs per week on average, with cumulative weight loss from baseline of approximately 14-30 lbs by the end of month 3. This represents approximately 7-15% weight loss for most users, substantial enough to produce noticeable improvements in energy, mobility, and often blood glucose or blood pressure.
Month 4 typically sees the beginning of the weight loss plateau phase. At the 1 mg maintenance dose, the appetite suppression and metabolic effects have reached their maximal level. Weight loss during month 4 typically slows to 0.5-1.5 lbs per week (2-6 lbs during the month). The plateau represents the body reaching a new weight equilibrium at which the reduced calorie intake (from appetite suppression) balances energy expenditure. The slowing weight loss can be psychologically difficult for users who experienced rapid loss during months 2-3; it is important to recognize that this slowing is normal and expected, not an indication of treatment failure or loss of medication effectiveness.
Months 5-6: The Plateau Phase
The plateau phase typically becomes apparent during month 5, though it may begin as early as month 3 or as late as month 6, depending on individual factors. The plateau represents stabilization of weight at a new lower level. Some users perceive this as the medication "stopping working," but mechanically it represents the body achieving equilibrium between energy intake and energy expenditure at the new lower weight. Physiologically, this is normal and expected.
During the plateau, weight loss continues at a very slow rate: approximately 0.1-0.5 lbs per week, or 0.5-2 lbs per month. For a user who lost 25 lbs in 3 months, losing an additional 5-10 lbs over 3 months during the plateau phase is typical. The plateau plateau can last indefinitely while the medication is continued; the weight remains stable at the plateau level.
Several physiologic mechanisms contribute to the plateau: Appetite suppression has reached its maximal level at the 1 mg dose; additional dose increases produce minimal additional appetite suppression in most users. Metabolic adaptation occurs as the body adjusts to the lower weight. The basal metabolic rate (calories burned at rest) decreases as body mass decreases, requiring a larger calorie deficit to produce further weight loss. GLP-1 receptor saturation: maximal receptor activation is achieved at doses around 1 mg; higher doses produce diminishing additional effects. The body\'s weight regulation system (hypothalamic set-point) has adapted to the new lower weight, with hunger and energy expenditure signals adjusting to stabilize at the new weight.
The plateau can be frustrating for users expecting continuous weight loss, but it is important to recognize that the total weight loss achieved by the plateau is substantial for most users—typically 8-15% of baseline body weight, with many achieving 10-12%. This represents profound improvement in weight-related health metrics.
Long-Term Maintenance: Months 6 and Beyond
After the plateau is reached (typically by month 6), the weight loss curve becomes essentially flat. The plateau weight is maintained with continued Wegovy injections. Weight loss beyond month 6 is minimal, averaging less than 1-2 lbs monthly, which is essentially stable. This maintenance phase can continue indefinitely, with weight remaining stable at the plateau level as long as Wegovy is continued.
Appetite suppression remains at the plateau level throughout maintenance. Users continue to experience reduced hunger and appetite compared to baseline, allowing them to maintain the reduced-calorie intake necessary to sustain the weight loss. This is fundamentally different from weight loss achieved through dieting alone—diet-based weight loss requires sustained willpower to maintain caloric restriction, whereas GLP-1 agonist-based weight loss maintains appetite suppression hormonally, making caloric restriction feel automatic rather than effortful.
At 6 months and beyond, some users consider increasing the dose from 1 mg to 1.5 mg or 2 mg weekly (if not already on a higher dose) to pursue additional weight loss beyond the plateau. However, clinical data shows that dose increases above 1 mg produce minimal additional weight loss in most users. Users achieving adequate weight loss at 1 mg do not benefit substantially from further increases. For users with inadequate weight loss (less than 5% total loss) at 1 mg after 4-5 months, dose increase to 1.5 mg or 2 mg may produce 2-5 lbs additional loss, though diminishing returns are apparent.
The decision to increase dose beyond the standard 1 mg maintenance should be individualized based on weight loss achieved, presence of residual weight-related comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea), side effect tolerance, and patient goals. For most users, 1 mg maintenance represents the optimal dose for sustained weight loss and comorbidity improvement with tolerable side effects.
Timeline After Wegovy Discontinuation
If Wegovy is discontinued, weight loss is not permanent; weight regain typically occurs over weeks to months as appetite suppression resolves and appetite returns toward baseline. The timeline of weight regain follows: Week 1-2 after discontinuation: Appetite suppression begins to fade as semaglutide levels decline. Hunger returns gradually. Weight typically remains stable during week 1 but begins to increase during week 2. Week 3-4: Hunger returns substantially toward baseline. Weight begins increasing noticeably, typically 1-2 lbs per week. Weeks 5-12: Weight regain continues at variable rates, averaging 1-2 lbs weekly, dependent on dietary behavior and whether lifestyle changes are maintained.
By 3-6 months after discontinuation, weight may return close to baseline, though the return is often incomplete. Many users maintain some weight loss (5-20% of the loss achieved on Wegovy) if lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and exercise patterns established during Wegovy use are sustained. The more the user consciously maintains healthy eating and exercise during the medication, the more residual weight loss is maintained after discontinuation.
This weight regain timeline has important implications: if a user discontinues Wegovy due to side effects, cost, or other reasons, they should expect weight regain and should prepare with lifestyle interventions (dietary support, exercise programs, behavioral counseling) if they want to minimize regain. Conversely, users intending to maintain long-term weight loss should expect to continue Wegovy indefinitely, as discontinuation typically results in weight regain. The medication is best thought of as chronic maintenance therapy, similar to blood pressure or diabetes medications, rather than a short-term intervention.
Individual Variation in Weight Loss Timeline
The weight loss timeline varies substantially between individuals. The factors influencing individual timeline variation include: Baseline weight: heavier individuals typically lose weight more rapidly initially (faster absolute weight loss in lbs per week), though the percentage weight loss is similar. A 300-lb person losing 1.5 lbs per week may achieve 15% weight loss total, while a 150-lb person losing 1 lb per week may also achieve 15% weight loss total. Baseline insulin sensitivity: individuals with insulin resistance (pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes) often lose weight more readily on GLP-1 agonists compared to insulin-sensitive individuals. This reflects the medication\'s effect on insulin signaling. Female sex: women average slightly less weight loss than men on GLP-1 agonists (approximately 10-12% for women versus 8-10% for men), though individual variation dominates this sex difference. Age: older individuals may lose weight slightly more slowly than younger individuals, though age effects are modest. Previous dieting history: people with extensive previous dieting may develop some resistance to further weight loss, though GLP-1 agonists often overcome this. Medication adherence: consistent weekly injections and adherence to recommendations produce better weight loss than sporadic use or poor adherence. Dietary behavior: users who implement healthier eating patterns lose more weight than users consuming processed foods despite appetite suppression. Exercise: adding structured exercise accelerates weight loss by approximately 0.5 lbs per week compared to no exercise. Comorbidities: people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome may lose weight more readily. Sleep quality: poor sleep can impair weight loss. Stress and mental health: high stress and depression may impair weight loss.
The practical implication is that the expected timeline should be individualized: users who are heavier, insulin-resistant, female, younger, adherent, eating well, and exercising typically achieve more rapid weight loss and greater total weight loss. Users who are lighter, insulin-sensitive, male, older, sporadic with adherence, eating processed foods, and sedentary typically achieve slower weight loss and less total loss. Setting expectations based on individual characteristics produces greater satisfaction than assuming all users will achieve similar results.
Timeline Strategies for Optimizing Weight Loss
Several strategies can optimize the weight loss timeline and maximize total weight loss achieved: Start with realistic expectations: anticipating 10-15% weight loss over 4-6 months, with plateau occurring, prevents disappointment. Maintain dietary focus during dose escalation: the appetite suppression during months 1-3 makes dietary improvement easier. Using this period to establish healthy eating patterns creates lasting benefits even if weight loss slows. Implement exercise early: beginning or increasing exercise during months 1-3, when motivation is high from rapid weight loss, creates sustainable exercise habits. The exercise need not be intense; 150 minutes weekly of moderate activity (brisk walking, cycling) accelerates weight loss. Track metrics beyond weight: weight fluctuates daily; focusing only on the scale can be demoralizing. Tracking waist circumference, how clothes fit, energy levels, and comorbidity improvements (blood glucose, blood pressure) provides broader perspective on progress. Anticipate the plateau: expecting weight loss to plateau at month 3-6 prevents psychological distress when it occurs. Understanding that plateau is normal physiologic adaptation, not medication failure, helps maintain motivation. Address side effects proactively: nausea during dose escalation can be managed with dietary strategies, antiemetic medications, and dose escalation extension. Actively managing side effects improves medication tolerance and adherence. Plan for long-term maintenance: recognizing that Wegovy is long-term maintenance therapy guides decisions about affordability, insurance coverage, and continued use. Users intending long-term use should plan accordingly rather than assuming it is short-term. Consider behavioral support: weight loss counseling, support groups, or working with dietitians helps translate medication-induced appetite suppression into sustained dietary change. Behavioral support improves long-term maintenance compared to medication alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Weight loss timing on Wegovy follows a predictable pattern. Many users notice appetite suppression beginning within 2-3 days of the first injection, with dramatic reduction in hunger and cravings by the end of the first week. However, weight loss itself typically becomes evident within the first 1-2 weeks, with initial losses of 2-5 lbs common during the first month. This initial rapid weight loss reflects both fat loss and water loss, as reduced calorie intake decreases water retention. The rate of weight loss accelerates during months 2-4 as the appetite suppression compounds and the cumulative calorie deficit accumulates. Average weight loss during months 2-4 is 1-3 lbs per week, with some users losing up to 4-5 lbs weekly. By month 4-6, weight loss typically plateaus—the rate slows substantially as the body adapts to the medication and approaches a new weight equilibrium. The plateau occurs regardless of whether the target dose has been reached or if dose escalation continues. Total weight loss by month 6 is typically 5-15% of baseline body weight, with most users achieving 8-12% loss at the standard maintenance dose of 1 mg weekly. Important variables affecting speed include baseline weight (higher baseline weight typically produces faster absolute weight loss), insulin sensitivity (people with insulin resistance often lose weight more readily as insulin improves), adherence to dietary recommendations (Wegovy works best when combined with healthy eating patterns), and exercise (adding exercise accelerates weight loss). Some users achieve 15-20% weight loss with aggressive adherence, while others achieve only 5% despite consistent use. Individual variation is substantial. The weight loss curve typically shows: weeks 1-2 (rapid initial loss), weeks 2-8 (steady rapid loss), weeks 8-16 (slightly slower but still substantial loss), weeks 16-24 (plateau beginning), and months 6+ (plateau maintained with minimal additional loss). Understanding this timeline helps set realistic expectations and maintain motivation through the plateau phase.
The dose escalation phase is the first 16 weeks (4 months) of Wegovy treatment, during which the dose increases progressively from the starting dose to the maintenance dose. This phased approach allows the body to adapt to the medication and minimizes side effects, particularly nausea. The standard escalation protocol is: Week 0-4: Start 0.25 mg once weekly (subcutaneous injection). This introductory dose is low enough to be well-tolerated by most users. Appetite suppression begins immediately, though it is moderate compared to higher doses. Weight loss during month 1 is typically 2-5 lbs. Side effects like nausea are uncommon at this dose; most users tolerate the 0.25 mg dose well. Week 4-8: Increase to 0.5 mg once weekly. The appetite suppression intensifies, and many users report dramatic reduction in hunger and food cravings during this phase. Weight loss accelerates to 1-2.5 lbs per week on average during month 2. Nausea may become apparent for the first time during this dose increase, particularly in the first few days after the dose increase, then typically resolves within a week. Some users require eating smaller, more frequent meals to tolerate the appetite suppression. Week 8-12: Increase to 1 mg once weekly. The 1 mg dose is the FDA-approved maintenance dose for weight loss (Wegovy) and the standard dose for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic). Appetite suppression is profound at this dose; most users report difficulty eating regular meal portions. Weight loss continues at 1-3 lbs per week during month 3. Nausea is most likely to occur during this increase, with approximately 30-40% of users reporting nausea in the first 1-2 weeks, typically resolving by day 7-10. Week 12-16: Some protocols increase further to 1.5 mg or 2 mg weekly, though 1 mg is typically sufficient and is considered the standard maintenance dose. For users achieving adequate weight loss at 1 mg, further increases are not necessary. Weight loss during month 4 continues at approximately 1-2 lbs per week. The plateau phase typically begins toward the end of month 4, with weight loss slowing. Throughout the escalation phase, nausea is the most common side effect, affecting 20-40% of users, primarily during the dose increases. Other GI side effects like diarrhea or constipation may occur but are less common than nausea. The slow escalation minimizes these effects compared to jumping directly to the 1 mg maintenance dose. If nausea becomes severe and intolerable, extending the interval between dose increases (taking 5-6 weeks at each dose instead of 4 weeks) can help, or the dose can be held constant until nausea resolves before increasing further. The escalation phase typically lasts 16 weeks but can be extended if nausea or other side effects require slower progression. The benefit of the slow escalation is that most users tolerate the medication well and complete the escalation to maintenance dosing.
The weight loss plateau typically begins 3-6 months after starting Wegovy, most commonly around month 4-5. The plateau represents a stabilization point where the body reaches a new weight equilibrium at which energy intake (reduced by appetite suppression) balances energy expenditure. The plateau is not an indication of treatment failure; it is a normal physiologic adaptation. Several factors influence plateau timing: medication half-life reaches steady state at approximately 4-5 weeks, so the effects continue to accumulate through approximately week 4. By week 16 (month 4), maximal medication levels have accumulated. Adipose tissue (fat cells) sensitivity to further weight loss decreases as the body loses weight, requiring progressively larger calorie deficits to lose additional weight. This is a normal metabolic adaptation. GLP-1 receptor saturation: maximal appetite suppression is typically achieved by 6-8 weeks, so additional dose increases produce less additional appetite suppression. By month 4, appetite suppression is typically maximal regardless of further dose increases. Body composition changes: the ratio of fat loss to lean mass loss influences energy expenditure. As users lose significant weight, their basal metabolic rate (the calories burned at rest) decreases because they have less body mass. This lower metabolic rate increases the calorie deficit needed to continue losing weight. The plateau curve typically looks like: months 1-2 (steep weight loss curve), months 2-4 (less steep but still substantial loss), month 4-6 (curve flattening, minimal additional weight loss), month 6+ (flat plateau). The total weight loss achieved at plateau varies widely: average is 5-15% of baseline body weight, with most achieving 8-12%. Some users achieve 15-20% or greater. Others achieve only 5%. The variability reflects baseline weight, individual insulin sensitivity, dietary adherence, exercise habits, and individual medication response variation. The plateau can be frustrating for users expecting continuous weight loss, but it is normal and expected. The plateau weight is substantially lower than baseline for the vast majority of users, representing substantial improvement. The plateau is typically sustainable without further medication increases. Once the plateau is reached, additional dose increases (from 1 mg to 1.5 mg or 2 mg weekly) produce minimal additional weight loss in most cases. For users achieving adequate weight loss at 1 mg, staying at the maintenance dose is reasonable. For users with inadequate weight loss at 1 mg (less than 5% total loss after 4-5 months), increasing to 1.5 mg or 2 mg may produce additional loss, though the magnitude is typically only 2-5 lbs additional. If weight loss after dose increase is still minimal, further increases are unlikely to help. The plateau is not permanent—users who maintain Wegovy typically maintain the plateau weight. If Wegovy is discontinued, weight gradually returns toward baseline, though often not completely, particularly if lifestyle changes are sustained. The plateau weight maintenance suggests the body has reached a new "set point" that Wegovy helps maintain.
Weight loss expectations should be individualized based on baseline characteristics and response variation. Clinical trial data provides realistic benchmarks: STEP 1 trial (Wegovy in obese without diabetes): average weight loss 9.3% of baseline body weight at 1 mg weekly, 14.7% at 1.7 mg weekly. STEP 2 trial (Wegovy in obese with type 2 diabetes): average weight loss 6.2% at 1 mg weekly, 10.7% at 1.7 mg weekly. STEP 3 trial (Wegovy at higher doses): average weight loss 17.3% at 2.4 mg weekly. The data shows average weight loss is typically 10-15% at the standard 1 mg maintenance dose, though individual variation is substantial. Better weight loss predictors include baseline weight (higher baseline weight often predicts greater absolute weight loss), baseline insulin sensitivity (insulin-resistant individuals often respond better), female sex (women average 10-12% loss versus 8-10% for men, though variation is substantial), and medication adherence (consistent weekly injections and dietary efforts produce better results than sporadic use). Worse predictors of weight loss include baseline weight less than 200 lbs (smaller people have less weight to lose, so absolute loss is less), already normalized insulin sensitivity (glucose-controlled individuals lose less weight), previous GLP-1 agonist use (chronic users develop some tolerance), and poor dietary adherence (Wegovy suppresses appetite but does not force healthy eating; high-calorie liquid foods or foods with simple carbohydrates can still be overconsume despite reduced appetite). Realistic weight loss ranges at 1 mg weekly maintenance: Conservative estimate: 5-10% of baseline body weight loss after 4-6 months. This represents a 200-lb person losing 10-20 lbs, or a 300-lb person losing 15-30 lbs. Average estimate: 10-15% of baseline body weight loss after 4-6 months. This represents a 200-lb person losing 20-30 lbs, or a 300-lb person losing 30-45 lbs. Optimistic estimate: 15-20% of baseline body weight loss with aggressive adherence and higher doses (1.5-2.4 mg weekly). This represents a 200-lb person losing 30-40 lbs, or a 300-lb person losing 45-60 lbs. Users should avoid expecting weight loss exceeding 2 lbs weekly on average over months (which would be 8-9 lbs monthly), as this is unusually aggressive and carries higher side effect and complication risk. Users should also avoid expecting weight loss to continue indefinitely; plateauing at 3-6 months is expected and does not indicate treatment failure. Setting realistic expectations—anticipating 10-15% weight loss, understanding the plateau will occur, and focusing on metabolic health improvements beyond just scale weight—produces greater satisfaction with treatment outcomes. Users achieving 10% weight loss often experience profound improvements in comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea), quality of life, and long-term health despite not achieving their ideal body weight.
Wegovy weight loss occurs more rapidly than most other weight loss methods, both pharmacologic and behavioral. Comparison to behavioral interventions: Dietary weight loss alone (calorie restriction) typically produces 0.5-1 lb per week loss (approximately 2-4 lbs monthly, or 6-12 lbs in 3 months). This represents 3-5% weight loss over 6 months for most dieters. Exercise alone produces minimal weight loss (0.25-0.5 lb per week) unless extremely intensive. Diet plus exercise combined typically produces 1-1.5 lbs per week (4-6 lbs monthly, or 12-18 lbs in 3 months), representing 5-8% weight loss over 6 months. Wegovy produces 1-3 lbs per week initially (4-12 lbs monthly, or 12-36 lbs in 3 months), representing 8-15% weight loss over 6 months. The Wegovy timeline is 2-3 times faster than diet and exercise for equivalent patients. Comparison to other weight loss medications: Metformin produces minimal weight loss (average 2-3 lbs over 3 months). Phentermine (sympathomimetic amine appetite suppressant, used for short-term weight loss) produces approximately 1 lb per week (similar to diet alone) for maximum 12 weeks of use. Orlistat (lipase inhibitor reducing fat absorption) produces approximately 0.5 lb per week if combined with diet. Naltrexone-bupropion combination produces approximately 0.5-1 lb per week. Contrave (combination naltrexone-bupropion) produces approximately 5% weight loss over 6 months. GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy produce 8-15% weight loss over 6 months, substantially more than other oral medications. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist) produces slightly more weight loss than semaglutide: approximately 12-17% at the 10 mg dose. The Wegovy timeline is substantially faster than other pharmacologic options except tirzepatide. Comparison to weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery): Gastric bypass produces rapid initial weight loss of 2-4 lbs per week for the first 2-3 months (similar to Wegovy), then slows to 1-2 lbs per week for months 3-6, with plateau after 12 months at typically 15-30% weight loss. Gastric banding produces slower weight loss of 0.5-1.5 lbs per week. Sleeve gastrectomy produces approximately 1-2 lbs per week initially. The rapid Wegovy timeline mimics the rapid initial weight loss of bariatric surgery but without the surgical risk. The weight loss plateau with Wegovy (month 3-6) is sooner than bariatric surgery (month 12), so bariatric surgery may produce greater total weight loss in some patients. The key advantage of Wegovy timeline compared to other methods is the rapid initial weight loss (which improves motivation), the substantial total weight loss (rivaling bariatric surgery), and the non-invasive nature (no surgery). The plateau timing is sooner than bariatric surgery but rapid enough to produce substantial improvement in weight-related comorbidities within 3-6 months.