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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Semaglutide GLP-1 — Cost and Access in the UK
Semaglutide, sold as Wegovy for weight management, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist injection available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private prescription routes. Understanding your access options and the true costs involved is essential before deciding which path suits your situation. This guide explains how to get semaglutide in the UK, what you'll pay, and what the clinical assessment process involves.
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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 Semaglutide Access and Costs in the UK
Private prescribing for semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) is available through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultations, without requiring an NHS referral. Private costs vary significantly depending on dose and provider but typically range from £129 to £320 per month. The starting dose (0.25mg) tends to be cheaper, while the maximum maintenance dose (2.4mg) costs more. Each prescription requires an online clinical assessment where you'll answer health questions and discuss your weight loss goals. A UK-licensed prescriber then reviews your information and decides whether semaglutide is appropriate for you. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy and dispatched to your home. Most private providers offer monthly subscriptions or one-off purchases. Private access is faster than NHS — typically initial consultations happen within days and medication arrives within a week. However, ongoing costs add up quickly: a year of semaglutide at maximum dose could cost £3,500–£3,800, while lower doses range from £1,500–£2,400 annually.
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 Routes: Which Is Right for You?
NHS access to semaglutide is free at point of care but requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service via your GP. This route is only available if your GP agrees you meet the criteria (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related health conditions). NHS waiting lists for specialist services vary dramatically by region — some areas have waits of 6–12 months, others over 2 years. Once seen by the specialist team, further assessment and blood tests determine suitability. The advantage is cost; the disadvantage is significant delay and regional postcode lottery. Private prescription access bypasses NHS waiting lists but costs money upfront. Choose NHS if you can wait and prefer no cost; choose private if you want faster access and can afford the ongoing expense. Using our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator, you can estimate potential results at different doses to help inform your decision.
- 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 semaglutide on the NHS for weight loss?
Yes, semaglutide (Wegovy) is approved for NHS weight management through specialist tier 3 services. You need a GP referral and must meet BMI criteria (≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities). NHS access is free but availability and waiting times vary greatly by region — some areas have waits of 12–24 months.
How much does Wegovy cost privately in the UK?
Private semaglutide (Wegovy) costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider. Starting dose (0.25mg) is cheaper; maximum dose (2.4mg) costs more. Annual costs range from £1,500–£3,800 depending on dose and duration of treatment.
Do I need a prescription for semaglutide?
Yes, semaglutide is prescription-only in the UK. Whether NHS or private, you must have a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber following a clinical assessment. You cannot buy semaglutide without a valid prescription.
What happens in a private semaglutide consultation?
You complete an online health questionnaire covering medical history, current medications, and weight loss goals. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews your information and decides if semaglutide is appropriate. If approved, a prescription is issued to a pharmacy for dispatch. The process typically takes 24–48 hours.
Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide but serve different purposes. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2mg dose); Wegovy is licensed for weight management (up to 2.4mg dose). Wegovy is the appropriate licensed weight loss version. Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label 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.