Why Your Dose Changes Over Time

Most people don’t stay on the starter dose forever.

For many, lower starting doses are there to help your body adjust with fewer side effects. Once you’re tolerating it, your prescriber may increase it to improve appetite suppression.

But going higher isn’t always the answer. Some people find that at higher doses, the appetite suppression becomes too strong. That’s not success, it's a sign the balance is off.

If you can’t eat enough to nourish yourself, if you’re feeling lightheaded, faint, or constantly nauseous because you physically can’t get food down, that’s not “just the meds working.”

That’s a red flag.

How Do You Know the Dose You’re On Is the Right Dose?

This is such an important question, and it doesn’t get asked enough.

The right dose isn’t the highest you can tolerate. It’s the one where you see meaningful, sustainable change while still feeling like you.

✅ Your appetite is reduced, but you can still eat enough to nourish yourself.

✅ Food noise is quieter, but you’re not afraid of meals.

✅ You feel in control, without feeling punished or starved.

✅ Side effects are manageable, and they do not stop you from living your life.

✅ Your energy levels are stable, and you can go about your day without crashing.

If you’re ticking those boxes, chances are you’re on the right dose for you , no matter what someone else is taking.

It’s not a race to the top; it’s about finding the balance that actually supports your health and goals in real life.

Signs You Might Need to Talk About an Adjustment

Everyone is different, but here are some of the most common signs it might be time to chat with your prescriber:

When It Might Be Too Low

• Food noise is returning in a big way

• Hunger feels much stronger than before

• Portion sizes creeping back up

• Cravings are getting harder to manage

• Weight loss has completely stalled (especially if you’re also noticing those other signs)

These aren’t personal failures. They’re your body telling you the current dose might not be enough.

It’s also worth knowing that a mild return of these signs is expected toward the fourth week on a given dose. That’s often your body’s signal that it may be time to consider increasing, if your prescriber agrees.

But if you’re not experiencing these signs at all, if your food noise is quiet, your appetite feels managed, and you’re staying consistent, that can be a sign you’re on a good dose for you right now. In that case, there’s no rush to increase. Many people find it works well to stay on the same dose for another month.

When It Might Be Too High

• You’re feeling constantly nauseous with no relief

• You’re lightheaded or faint from not eating enough

• Appetite suppression is so strong that you can’t get enough food in

• You’re losing weight too quickly in an unhealthy way

• Energy levels are crashing because you simply can’t fuel yourself

This is important. Weight loss isn’t the only goal here. Staying nourished and healthy matters just as much, if not more.

If the dose is too high, you’re not “being good” by toughing it out. You could be putting your health at risk.