The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
Can I Get Wegovy On The NHS?
Getting Wegovy (semaglutide) on the NHS in the UK is possible but depends on your eligibility and local NHS availability. This guide covers NHS access through specialist weight management services, private prescription costs, and what to expect from both routes. We'll help you understand your options and what each pathway involves.
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Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
NHS Access To Wegovy — Eligibility And Waiting Times
NHS eligibility for Wegovy: Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea) may be eligible through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower thresholds may apply due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
NICE has approved semaglutide for NHS use, but availability varies significantly by region. You'll need a referral from your GP to a specialist weight management service in your area. Waiting times can range from several months to over a year in some regions, depending on local demand and NHS capacity. Not all NHS areas currently offer Wegovy through specialist services — some offer alternative GLP-1 options like liraglutide (Saxenda) instead.
- Check your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) website for tier 3 service details
- Ask your GP about referral eligibility and current waiting times
- Specialist services provide ongoing monitoring and support
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Private Prescription Route — Cost And How To Access
Private prescription costs for Wegovy in the UK typically range from £130 to £300 per month, depending on dose and provider. This covers the prescription consultation and medication. To access Wegovy privately, you'll complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber who will assess your eligibility based on your medical history, BMI, and weight-related health conditions. If approved, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The entire process usually takes 2–5 working days. You can use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes and compare options between Wegovy and alternatives like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which is also available privately.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
What's the difference between NHS and private Wegovy access?
NHS access is through specialist weight management services, free but with waiting lists (months to years in some areas). Private access is faster (2–5 days) but costs £130–£300/month. Both require clinical assessment and prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
Am I eligible for Wegovy on the NHS?
You'll likely be eligible if you have a BMI of 30+ or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Lower BMI thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Caribbean heritage. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility.
How long are NHS waiting times for Wegovy?
Waiting times vary by region from 3–12 months or longer. Check your local NHS Integrated Care Board website or ask your GP about current timescales in your area, as many services have significant backlogs.
Can I switch between NHS and private Wegovy?
Yes, you can switch between routes. Some people start privately while waiting for NHS services, or transition to NHS care if they become eligible through a specialist service. Always inform your prescriber if you're switching.
What dose of Wegovy would I start on?
Wegovy treatment starts at 0.25 mg weekly, escalating by 0.5 mg each week until reaching the target maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Dose progression takes approximately 16 weeks. Your prescriber will advise based on your tolerability and response.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.