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 Oral Dose for Weight Loss in the UK
Semaglutide is not currently available as an oral dose for weight loss in the UK. The prescription weight loss form of semaglutide available in the UK is Wegovy, a once-weekly injection delivered at doses from 0.25 mg up to 2.4 mg. This guide explains the licensed semaglutide doses in the UK, how Wegovy works, NHS eligibility criteria, and what to expect if you're considering this GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results.
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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 Eligibility and Wegovy Dosing in the UK
In the UK, semaglutide is licensed for weight loss only as Wegovy injection — not as an oral tablet. Wegovy is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed to adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. The weekly injection dose escalates from 0.25 mg in week one to a maximum maintenance dose of 2.4 mg from week 17 onwards.
Clinical trials (STEP programme) demonstrated that participants on 2.4 mg semaglutide lost an average of approximately 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, though waiting lists vary significantly by region. Your GP can refer you to your local ICB's weight management service to assess suitability.
- Doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg (weekly injection)
- Injection site: stomach, upper thigh, or upper arm
- MHRA status: approved for weight management in UK adults
- Eligibility: BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities (age 18+)
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 for Semaglutide Weight Loss
Access to Wegovy (semaglutide) in the UK depends on your route: NHS tier 3 services offer Wegovy following specialist assessment, but availability and waiting times vary widely by region — some services have year-long waiting lists. Private online prescribing through UK-licensed prescribers is available without NHS referral, with prescriptions dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies; costs typically range from £150–£280 per month depending on dose.
Whichever route you choose, you'll need a clinical assessment to confirm suitability, as Wegovy is contraindicated in pregnancy, thyroid cancer history, and certain other conditions. Our BMI calculator can help you determine your starting point, and our weight loss calculator can estimate projected results at different doses. Your prescriber will advise on the safest escalation schedule for your individual health profile.
- 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 semaglutide available as a tablet or oral medication in the UK?
No. Semaglutide for weight loss in the UK is only available as Wegovy injection (0.25 mg to 2.4 mg weekly). Oral semaglutide tablets are not licensed for weight loss in the UK. An oral form exists in some countries for blood sugar control in diabetes, but not for weight management here.
What is the maximum dose of Wegovy (semaglutide) in the UK?
The maximum licensed dose of Wegovy in the UK is 2.4 mg once weekly. The dose escalates gradually over 16+ weeks: starting at 0.25 mg, then increasing weekly or bi-weekly to reach 2.4 mg. Your prescriber may maintain you at a lower dose if that gives good results with acceptable side effects.
How much weight can I expect to lose on semaglutide (Wegovy)?
Clinical trials showed participants on 2.4 mg semaglutide lost an average of approximately 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly — some people lose more, others less. Weight loss depends on adherence, diet, exercise, and individual factors.
Can I get semaglutide (Wegovy) on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is available on the NHS through specialist tier 3 weight management services. You need a GP referral to your local ICB's weight management service. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30 or above (or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions). NHS availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
What are the main side effects of Wegovy semaglutide injections?
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation, especially when starting or increasing dose. These often improve over time. Injection site reactions (redness, bruising) can occur. Serious side effects are rare but include severe stomach pain (possible pancreatitis) — seek urgent medical attention if this occurs. Tell your prescriber about all side effects.
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.