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?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is available through the NHS, but access is limited and varies significantly by region. You cannot get Wegovy from your standard GP practice—instead, you'll need a referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. Waiting times can be lengthy, sometimes months or even years, depending on your local area. Many people choose private prescription options as an alternative. This guide explains NHS eligibility, the referral pathway, and what to expect.
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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.
How To Access Wegovy Through The NHS
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by NICE for weight management in UK adults. However, NHS access is strictly through specialist tier 3 weight management services—not your local GP surgery.
The NHS pathway:
- Step 1: Speak to your GP about weight management support
- Step 2: Your GP refers you to your local ICB (Integrated Care Board) tier 3 service
- Step 3: You're assessed by the specialist team (this can take weeks to months)
- Step 4: If eligible, Wegovy is prescribed and monitored by the specialist service
Waiting lists for tier 3 services are very long in most areas—some regions have waiting times exceeding 18 months. Regional availability also varies; some areas have more developed services than others.
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.
NHS Eligibility Criteria For Wegovy
You may be eligible for NHS Wegovy if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease.
Lower BMI thresholds apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage—eligibility may begin at BMI 27.5 or above due to higher health risk at lower weights.
You must also have attempted lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) first. Use our free BMI calculator to check your starting point, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes with semaglutide treatment.
- 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 Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (doses up to 2mg). Wegovy is the licensed weight management version with doses up to 2.4mg. Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label; Wegovy is the correct licensed product for weight management in the UK.
How long is the NHS waiting list for Wegovy?
Waiting times vary by region (ICB). Some areas wait 6–12 months; others exceed 18 months. You can ask your GP for an estimate for your local service. Private prescription options are available immediately but at a cost.
Can I get Wegovy prescribed by my GP?
No. Your GP cannot prescribe Wegovy directly—only tier 3 specialist weight management services can. Your GP's role is to refer you to the specialist service in your area if you meet criteria.
What if I can't wait for NHS Wegovy?
Private prescription is available through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers. You'll have a clinical assessment, and if suitable, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a regulated pharmacy. Costs range from approximately £150–£300 monthly depending on dose.
How much weight does Wegovy help you lose?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15% of body weight over 68 weeks at the maximum dose (2.4mg). Individual results vary significantly and depend on dose, diet, exercise, and personal factors. Results are not assured.
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.