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 You Get Wegovy On The NHS?
Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is available on the NHS in the UK, but access is limited and varies significantly by region. Wegovy is approved by NICE for weight management in adults and is typically prescribed through specialist tier 3 weight management services rather than by your GP. However, NHS availability is often restricted, waiting lists can be lengthy, and not all integrated care boards (ICBs) currently fund it. Many people seeking Wegovy in the UK therefore explore private prescribing options alongside NHS pathways.
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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 Wegovy Access and Eligibility Criteria
NICE approval status: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) are both approved by NICE for use within NHS weight management services. However, NICE guidance emphasises that these medications should be prescribed as part of a comprehensive tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management pathway, not as standalone treatments.
Who is eligible for NHS Wegovy: Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease history). For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower thresholds may apply (BMI 27.5 or above).
How to access: You typically need a referral from your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Your GP cannot prescribe Wegovy directly — it must come through the specialist pathway.
- Tier 3 services are run by integrated care boards and NHS trusts
- Regional availability varies — some areas have good access, others have very long waiting lists or no service
- Assessment involves health checks and discussion of medical history and lifestyle factors
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 Waiting Times and Private Alternatives
Many NHS weight management services in the UK currently face significant waiting lists — sometimes 12 months or longer depending on your region. NHS funding for weight loss medications also varies between ICBs, and some areas have restricted access or are not currently prescribing GLP-1 medications like Wegovy.
For this reason, many UK adults pursue private prescribing through UK-registered online pharmacies and prescribers, where Wegovy is available without NHS referral. Private access typically takes 1–2 weeks following an online clinical assessment. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to explore projected outcomes with Wegovy at different doses, regardless of your access route. You can also check your BMI using our free calculator to assess your personal eligibility criteria.
- 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.
Is Wegovy covered by the NHS in all parts of the UK?
No. Wegovy is NICE-approved and available through some NHS tier 3 services, but access is patchy. Some integrated care boards fund it readily, while others have long waiting lists or have not yet implemented it. Availability varies between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Contact your local ICB or GP to check your specific area's policy.
How long does it take to get Wegovy on the NHS?
This varies significantly. Typical NHS pathways involve a GP referral, then an assessment appointment at a tier 3 specialist service. Waiting times range from 3 months to over 12 months depending on demand and regional funding. Private routes are typically faster — usually 1–2 weeks from initial consultation to first prescription.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro on the NHS?
Both are GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists approved by NICE for NHS weight management. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss (~15–21% vs ~15% for Wegovy), but both are prescribed based on individual assessment.
Can my GP prescribe Wegovy directly, or do I need a referral?
Your GP cannot prescribe Wegovy directly on the NHS. You need a referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. However, your GP can discuss weight management options with you and arrange the referral if appropriate. Private Wegovy prescriptions can be issued by a UK-licensed prescriber following an online clinical assessment without NHS referral.
What side effects should I expect with Wegovy on the NHS?
Common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, and stomach pain — especially when starting or increasing doses. Most side effects ease within a few weeks. Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis or gallbladder problems. Your NHS specialist will monitor you and adjust your dose accordingly.
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.