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
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How To Get Wegovy On The NHS
Getting Wegovy (semaglutide) on the NHS in the UK is possible but requires referral through specialist weight management services. The process involves seeing your GP, being assessed by a tier 3 weight management team, and meeting specific eligibility criteria. NHS access to Wegovy varies significantly by region, and waiting times can be lengthy in many areas. This guide explains the NHS route, eligibility requirements, and how it compares to private prescribing options available to UK adults seeking weight loss support.
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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 Eligibility And The Tier 3 Referral Route
To access Wegovy on the NHS, you must be referred to a tier 3 specialist weight management service by your GP. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has approved semaglutide for use within NHS specialist services. Eligibility criteria include:
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity), OR
- BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease)
- Lower thresholds may apply if you are of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage
Your GP will assess whether referral is appropriate and refer you to your local integrated care board (ICB) tier 3 service. The GLP-1 receptor agonist that Wegovy represents has demonstrated meaningful weight loss in clinical trials — the STEP-1 trial showed an average of approximately clinically studied weight loss at 68 weeks alongside diet and activity changes. However, NHS availability is highly variable by region, and many services have extended waiting lists.
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 Vs Private Wegovy In The UK
The NHS route offers free treatment once prescribed but involves GP referral, tier 3 assessment, and potentially long waiting times (many regions have 6–12+ month waits). Private prescribing is faster — typically within days — through UK-registered online prescribers, but involves upfront costs (approximately £129–£250 per month depending on dose). Both routes require a clinical assessment and a valid prescription. Neither route assures Wegovy will be prescribed; both depend on individual clinical need and eligibility. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, and our BMI calculator to check if you might meet the criteria for either route. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can confirm suitability for you.
- 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 (up to 2 mg) is licensed for type 2 diabetes and is not approved for weight loss on the NHS. Wegovy (up to 2.4 mg) is specifically licensed for weight management. Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label and not recommended on the NHS.
How long are NHS waiting lists for Wegovy?
Waiting times vary significantly by region and NHS ICB. Some services have waits of 6–12 months or longer. Contact your local tier 3 weight management service for current waiting times in your area, or ask your GP for regional guidance.
Can I switch from NHS to private Wegovy?
Yes. If NHS waiting times are too long, you can pursue private prescribing independently. However, costs differ between routes, so discuss options with your GP. Any prescription — NHS or private — requires ongoing clinical assessment and monitoring.
What happens if I'm not eligible for NHS Wegovy?
If you don't meet NHS tier 3 criteria, private prescribing through a UK-licensed online prescriber may be available if a clinical assessment confirms suitability. Private routes are not dependent on tier 3 referral but do involve costs and require a valid UK prescription.
Does NHS Wegovy cost anything if I'm prescribed it?
No — once prescribed by the NHS, Wegovy is dispensed free on the NHS. You pay the standard prescription charge (or nothing if exempt) per item, not per dose. Private Wegovy involves full costs to you, typically £129–£250 monthly depending on dose strength.
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.