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
How Can I Get Wegovy in the UK?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weight management injection licensed in the UK, but getting it involves understanding two distinct pathways: NHS referral through specialist services or private prescription following an online clinical assessment. This guide explains exactly how each route works, who's eligible, and what to expect. Whether you're exploring your options or ready to take the next step, knowing the process helps you make an informed decision about this GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment.
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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 Route vs Private Route — What's the Difference?
The NHS route involves referral from your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Your GP will assess whether you meet the criteria, then refer you if appropriate. However, NHS services vary significantly by region—some areas have dedicated specialist teams, while others have lengthy waiting lists or limited availability. Wegovy may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management programme alongside dietary and lifestyle support.
The private route is faster and doesn't require a GP referral. You complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, who reviews your medical history and assesses your suitability. If approved, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This typically costs £129–£250 per month depending on your dose, with no NHS waiting lists. Both routes require a legitimate clinical assessment—Wegovy is never supplied without a prescription from a qualified prescriber.
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.
Who's Eligible for Wegovy in the UK?
You may be eligible for Wegovy if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, abnormal blood fats, sleep apnoea, or previous heart attack or stroke). For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels. You cannot take Wegovy if you're under 18, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. A prescriber will assess your individual circumstances during consultation—eligibility is personalised, not automatic.
- 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 the same as Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2mg doses). Wegovy is the licensed weight management version with higher doses (up to 2.4mg). Ozempic is not approved for weight loss in the UK—using it off-label for weight loss is not recommended. Always ask for Wegovy specifically if seeking weight management treatment.
How long does it take to get Wegovy on the NHS?
NHS waiting times vary dramatically by region—some areas have waiting lists of several months to over a year for tier 3 specialist services. Check with your local Integrated Care Board for current timescales. Private routes typically provide a prescription within 1–2 weeks of consultation, making this faster if you need treatment sooner.
How much does Wegovy cost privately in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs approximately £129–£250 per month depending on your dose. Starter doses (0.25–0.5mg) are cheaper; maintenance doses (1.7–2.4mg) are more expensive. Some providers offer package discounts. Always confirm the total cost including any consultation fees before committing.
What happens during a private Wegovy consultation?
You'll complete a medical questionnaire covering weight history, health conditions, medications, and family medical history. A prescriber reviews this and may ask follow-up questions. If approved, a prescription is issued and sent to a pharmacy. The entire process usually takes a few days. You'll receive your first pen and guidance on injection technique.
Can I use the GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate my potential results with Wegovy?
Yes—our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore projected weight loss at different semaglutide doses, based on clinical trial data. Clinical trials showed Wegovy helped participants lose an average of 14.9% of body weight, though individual results vary significantly. The calculator gives you a personalised estimate to discuss with your prescriber.
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.