Foundayo dosage — 3mg to 36mg explained

Simple oral GLP-1 dosing with no timing tricks

Quick read · 4 min

Last reviewed: April 2026Every claim linked to source

Foundayo (orforglipron) starts at 3mg and steps up every 4 weeks through four doses, reaching the maximum of 36mg by around week 13. Unlike most GLP-1 medications, there are no food or timing restrictions — take it any time of day.

Your step-up schedule

You start at 3mg and increase every 4 weeks through four dose levels. The full schedule takes about 12 weeks to reach the maximum dose.

  1. Weeks 1–43mg

    Starter dose. Low side effects — this is mostly to let your body adjust.

  2. Weeks 5–86mg

    First real working dose. Mild nausea possible but usually manageable.

  3. Weeks 9–1212mg

    Weight loss becomes noticeable. Some people stay here long-term.

  4. Week 13 onwards36mg

    Maximum approved dose. Take with or without food, any time of day — no empty stomach rule.

    Maximum dose

Reaching the maximum dose takes about 12 weeks if you tolerate each step. Some people find their long-term dose at 12mg.

See the full titration schedule with week-by-week expectations →

Starting dose vs maximum dose

The maximum dose is the highest approved dose — it is not the same as your maintenance dose.

Starting dose
3mg
Your first dose — the lowest to let your body adjust
Maximum dose
36mg
The highest approved dose — not everyone needs to reach it

Maintenance dose is different from maximum dose. Your maintenance dose is wherever you stay long-term — this could be any dose where you have good weight loss with tolerable side effects. Many people maintain on doses lower than the maximum.

Weight loss at each dose

Average weight loss from clinical trials. Bars scale with the percentage — higher doses produce more weight loss, but returns get smaller toward the top.

3mg~4%
6mg~7%
12mg~10%
36mg12.4%

Lower than tirzepatide or semaglutide at max dose, but Foundayo has no food or timing restrictions.

Source: ATTAIN-1 trial (n=3,127, 72 weeks)

What this means
In the ATTAIN-1, ATTAIN-2, and ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trials: weight loss was about 4% at 3mg, 7% at 6mg, 10% at 12mg, and 12.4% average at 36mg. This is lower than tirzepatide or semaglutide at their max doses, but Foundayo's main advantage is no food timing rules — you can take it with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

When your doctor might change your dose

Your dosing is flexible and tailored to your needs.

Tolerating well

Increase to the next dose every 4 weeks as planned.

Side effects notable

Stay at current dose for 6–8 weeks before increasing, or pause increases.

Reached your goal

If you reach your weight loss target at 12mg, you can stay there — no requirement to reach 36mg.

Keep reading

Full Orforglipron overview →How to take it →Titration schedule →Side effects →

Next step most people take

Learn how to take it
Injection technique or daily pill routine
See the titration schedule
Week-by-week expectations and timeline

Backed by evidence · Every claim linked to its source

Last reviewed: April 2026

Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.