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
Is Wegovy Available in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is available in the UK for weight management. It's licensed by the MHRA and can be accessed through NHS specialist weight management services or privately through UK-licensed prescribers. However, NHS availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy. Many people access Wegovy privately following an online clinical assessment. This guide explains both routes, eligibility criteria, 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.
NHS Access to Wegovy in the UK
NHS Wegovy access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not standard GP prescription. Your GP can refer you, but availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). NICE guidance supports semaglutide for weight management in eligible adults, but regional commissioning varies — some areas have good access, others have very limited availability or long waiting lists.
- Must have BMI ≥30, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease)
- South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults may be eligible at BMI ≥27.5
- Prescription through specialist service only — not available on standard GP prescription
- NHS treatment typically includes dietary support and behavioural programme alongside medication
- Costs are covered by the NHS if prescribed through tier 3 services in your area
Check your local ICB website or contact your GP to understand Wegovy availability in your region.
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.
Private Access vs NHS Route
Many UK adults access Wegovy privately because NHS waiting lists are long or services aren't available locally. Private Wegovy requires an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber and costs approximately £129–£250+ per month depending on dose.
- Faster access — typically weeks rather than months
- No need for NHS referral or tier 3 service
- Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies
- Prescription issued after clinical assessment confirming eligibility
- You pay for medication directly — not NHS-funded
Both routes require clinical assessment and are prescription-only. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential outcomes at different doses.
- 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.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, but access is limited. Wegovy is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services in some areas, though waiting lists can be very long. Availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board. Not all regions currently commission it. Your GP can refer you, but you'll need to meet eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30 or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions).
How much does Wegovy cost privately in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs approximately £129–£250+ per month depending on the dose, clinic, and pharmacy. Starting dose (0.25 mg) is cheaper than maintenance dose (2.4 mg). This is not covered by the NHS if prescribed privately. Always check the specific price with your chosen provider before starting.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro in the UK?
Both are prescription-only weight loss injections available in the UK. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist; Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. Clinical trials show similar average weight loss (~15–21%). Wegovy is dosed 0.25–2.4 mg weekly; Mounjaro is 2.5–15 mg weekly. Individual response varies — your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option.
What are the side effects of Wegovy in the UK?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain — especially when starting or increasing dose. Most side effects reduce over time. Serious side effects are rare but can include gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, or changes in heart rate. Always report persistent or severe symptoms to your prescriber.
Am I eligible for Wegovy on the NHS or privately?
NHS eligibility requires BMI ≥30, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Private prescribing uses similar criteria but assessment is through an online consultation. Lower BMI thresholds (≥27.5) apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults. A prescriber will assess your individual suitability.
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.