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 In The UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist injection for weight management available in the UK through both NHS and private routes. Getting Wegovy on the NHS involves referral to a specialist weight management service, though access varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Alternatively, private prescription pathways offer faster access following an online clinical assessment. This guide explains both routes, what to expect, and the realistic costs involved so you can understand your options.
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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.
Private Wegovy Prescription Costs In The UK
If accessing Wegovy privately, costs typically range from £129 to £299 per month depending on your dose and the prescribing provider. The starting dose (0.25 mg) costs less than higher maintenance doses, as each pen contains four weekly injections. Private providers usually offer consultations between £30 and £99, then dispense the medication via a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Monthly costs generally include: initial consultation fee, prescription fee, and medication cost combined. Prices vary between providers, so comparing options is advisable. Private access doesn't require NHS referral and offers faster turnaround — typically receiving your first dose within 1–2 weeks of approval. Many private services also provide ongoing support and dose adjustments as part of their package.
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 Route Vs Private Prescription For Wegovy
NHS access requires referral from your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Eligibility criteria include BMI ≥30, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension. However, NHS availability is severely limited — most regions have long waiting lists (often 6–18 months or longer), and some areas have closed services entirely. NHS prescriptions are free once approved. Private route skips NHS waiting lists; you attend an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber who assesses suitability based on your health details. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by a private pharmacy — no GP referral needed. Private costs between £129–£299/month but provides immediate access and flexibility with dose escalation.
- 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 available on the NHS for weight loss?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is NHS-approved for weight management and available through specialist tier 3 weight management services. However, availability is extremely limited — most NHS regions have closed services or have waiting lists exceeding 12 months. Your GP can refer you, but access depends on your local commissioning group's provision and your BMI/health conditions.
How much does private Wegovy cost in the UK?
Private Wegovy typically costs £129–£299 per month depending on your dose and provider. Starting doses (0.25 mg) cost less than maintenance doses (up to 2.4 mg). Most private providers charge an initial consultation fee (£30–£99) plus ongoing prescription and medication costs. Compare providers as prices vary.
How do I get a private Wegovy prescription in the UK?
Complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber through a private telehealth service. You'll answer health questions and provide medical history. If approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. The entire process typically takes 1–2 weeks from initial consultation to receiving your first dose.
What are the NHS eligibility criteria for Wegovy?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea). South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults may have lower BMI thresholds. A GP assessment determines final eligibility for NHS referral.
How long do NHS waiting lists for Wegovy usually take?
NHS waiting times for specialist weight management services vary dramatically by region — from 6 months to over 18 months. Some services have closed entirely, leaving no NHS option. Contact your local GP to check if your area has an active service and current waiting list length. Private prescription offers immediate access if NHS waiting is impractical.
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.