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
Semaglutide Injections Cost & Access in the UK
Semaglutide injections, sold as Wegovy for weight management, are available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private online prescribing. The cost and access route depend on which pathway you choose. This guide explains UK pricing, how to access semaglutide 2.4mg through private prescription, the NHS route, and what to expect during an online consultation so you can make an informed decision about this GLP-1 receptor agonist medication.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Costs in the UK
Private prescription costs for Wegovy (semaglutide) typically range from £129 to £320 per month in the UK, depending on the dose and the provider. Costs vary because different GPhC-registered online pharmacies set their own pricing. A 4-week supply contains one pre-filled pen with four weekly injections.
- Starting dose (0.25mg–0.5mg): Usually around £129–£160/month
- Maintenance dose (1mg–1.7mg): Typically £180–£240/month
- Maximum dose (2.4mg): Often £250–£320/month
Most private providers offer repeat prescriptions on a subscription basis, which can reduce costs slightly. You'll need an online clinical assessment (usually £20–£50 one-time fee) before a UK-licensed prescriber will issue a prescription. Many people choose the private route because NHS waiting lists for specialist weight management services can be months to years long in some regions.
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 Access for Semaglutide
NHS access: Semaglutide (Wegovy) is available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services, but only after GP referral. NHS availability varies by region—some areas have dedicated services, whilst others have significant waiting lists. If available, NHS-prescribed semaglutide is free on prescription. However, you must meet strict BMI eligibility (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related health conditions) and be referred by your GP.
Private access: Available without NHS referral. You complete an online health questionnaire, have a video or telephone consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, and if approved, receive a prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The entire process typically takes 24–48 hours. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, and our BMI calculator to check your starting point.
Private access: Available without NHS referral. You complete an online health questionnaire, have a video or telephone consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, and if approved, receive a prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The entire process typically takes 24–48 hours. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, and our BMI calculator to check your starting point before your consultation.
- 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 long does a Wegovy pen last?
Each pre-filled pen contains four weekly injections, so one pen lasts four weeks (one month). You'll receive one pen per month on a subscription basis through private providers. NHS prescriptions are typically also monthly supplies.
Is Wegovy available on the NHS for weight loss in the UK?
Yes, semaglutide (Wegovy) is NHS-approved for weight management through specialist tier 3 services. However, availability is regional and waiting lists can be lengthy. You must be referred by your GP and meet BMI eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities).
Can I get semaglutide without NHS referral?
Yes. Private online prescribing services allow you to access semaglutide without an NHS referral. You'll need an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber and will pay privately. This route is faster than NHS referral but requires upfront payment.
What happens during an online semaglutide consultation?
You complete a health questionnaire covering medical history, current medications, and weight management goals. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews this and conducts a brief video or telephone consultation. If semaglutide is appropriate, they issue a prescription to a GPhC-registered pharmacy, which ships to you.
Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
Both contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes and uses lower doses (up to 2mg). Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management at higher doses (up to 2.4mg). Only Wegovy should be prescribed for weight loss in the UK.
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.