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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Keeping Weight Off After Wegovy — Cost and Access in the UK
Keeping weight off after stopping Wegovy (semaglutide weight loss injection) requires planning ahead. Many people wonder about the cost of continuing treatment, accessing it through the NHS, or managing weight maintenance once they stop. This guide explains UK prescription options, typical costs, and what to expect during and after Wegovy treatment.
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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.
Wegovy Cost and Access Options in the UK
Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, available through two main routes: NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing. Private Wegovy costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose and the provider, though exact pricing varies. A weekly weight loss injection at the maintenance dose (2.4 mg) generally costs more than lower doses used during the initial 17-week escalation phase.
NHS access to Wegovy involves referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP. However, availability varies significantly across UK regions, and waiting lists can be substantial. Private online prescribing offers faster access without NHS referral — you complete an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, and if approved, receive a prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Both routes require you to meet eligibility criteria: BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
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.
Managing Weight After Stopping Wegovy — The Access Puzzle
Once you've reached your target weight on Wegovy, the question of maintenance becomes both clinical and financial. Some people continue Wegovy long-term; others stop and rely on lifestyle changes. Wegovy eligibility and continued access depend on whether you're using NHS or private routes. Private providers may allow ongoing prescriptions at your chosen maintenance dose, though costs continue monthly. On the NHS, continuation depends on your specialist service's protocols and funding — this varies between regions.
To maintain weight loss after Wegovy, whether you continue the injection or not, work with your healthcare provider on a structured plan. Track your progress using free tools like our weight loss calculator and progress tracker. Focus on sustainable dietary habits, regular physical activity, and regular GP check-ins. Many people find that a weekly weight loss injection at a lower dose helps maintain results long-term, whilst others transition to lifestyle management alone. Your choice depends on cost, access, and personal preference — discuss options with your prescriber.
- 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.
How much does Wegovy cost per month in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs typically £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider. The maintenance dose (2.4 mg weekly) costs more than lower doses. NHS access is free but involves waiting lists and regional variation. Always check current pricing with your chosen provider.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, but access is limited. You must be referred to a tier 3 specialist weight management service by your GP. Availability varies significantly by region (ICB), and waiting lists can be months or years in some areas. Private routes offer faster access without NHS referral.
What happens to my weight if I stop taking Wegovy?
Weight often returns after stopping, though the rate depends on whether you've maintained lifestyle changes. Continuing a healthy diet and regular activity helps, but many people find ongoing support (including continued medication) necessary. Discuss a long-term plan with your GP or prescriber before stopping.
How do I get a private Wegovy prescription in the UK?
Complete an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber through a private provider. If approved, you receive a prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The process typically takes a few days. You'll need to meet eligibility criteria and provide health information.
Is Wegovy cheaper than Mounjaro in the UK?
Pricing is similar, with both typically ranging £129–£320 monthly depending on dose. Mounjaro may cost more at higher doses (up to 15 mg). Compare providers directly, as costs vary. Both are prescription-only and require clinical assessment before prescribing.
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.