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 Weight Loss Dose Chart — Cost and Access in the UK
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist available in the UK for weight management. This guide explains the official dose progression for semaglutide 2.4mg, what semaglutide weight loss doses cost privately, and how to access this weekly weight loss injection through both NHS and private routes. Individual costs and availability vary depending on your route and region, but understanding the options helps you make an informed choice about weight loss treatment in the UK.
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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.
Semaglutide Dose Chart and UK Private Cost Guide
Wegovy (semaglutide) follows a strict dose escalation schedule over 16 weeks to the maximum 2.4mg once-weekly dose. Starting at 0.25mg, doses increase every 4 weeks: 0.5mg (weeks 5–8), 1mg (weeks 9–12), 1.7mg (weeks 13–16), and finally 2.4mg from week 17 onwards. Each dose remains for a minimum of 4 weeks before escalation.
Private prescription costs in the UK typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on the dose and provider, with lower doses costing less than the maximum 2.4mg. Costs vary between GPhC-registered online pharmacies and private clinics. No specific brand or pharmacy offers a "cheaper" option — prices are regulated similarly across providers. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to estimate projected weight loss at different dose levels, which may help you understand the investment.
- Starting dose (0.25mg): typically £129–£160/month
- Mid-range doses (0.5–1.7mg): typically £180–£250/month
- Maximum dose (2.4mg): typically £280–£320/month
Weight 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 — How to Get Semaglutide in the UK
NHS route: Semaglutide (Wegovy) is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services, but only following GP referral and assessment. NHS availability is highly variable by region — some areas have waiting lists of 6–18 months. You cannot access NHS semaglutide without specialist referral.
Private route: Complete an online health questionnaire with a UK-licensed prescriber, typically costing £20–£50 for the consultation. If approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy and dispensed the same or next day. Private access is faster but requires upfront payment. Both routes require a clinical assessment confirming you meet eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related health conditions). Track your weight management progress using our free progress tracker once you begin treatment.
- 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.
What is semaglutide and how is it different from Ozempic?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Wegovy is the licensed brand for weight management at 2.4mg doses. Ozempic is also semaglutide but approved only for type 2 diabetes at lower doses (up to 2mg). Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label in the UK. Wegovy is the correct, licensed option for weight management.
How much does semaglutide cost on the NHS?
Semaglutide is available on the NHS through specialist weight management services, but there is no direct cost to you. However, access requires GP referral and specialist assessment, and availability varies significantly by region. Waiting times can be several months to over a year depending on your local ICB (integrated care board).
Can I get semaglutide privately without NHS referral?
Yes. You can access semaglutide through a private prescription by completing an online health questionnaire with a UK-licensed prescriber. If clinically appropriate, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This typically takes 24–48 hours and costs £129–£320 per month depending on your dose.
What happens if I miss a dose of semaglutide?
If you miss your weekly injection within 4 days of the scheduled date, take it as soon as you remember and continue your normal weekly schedule. If more than 4 days have passed, skip that dose and take your next injection on the scheduled day. Never take a double dose. Minimum time between doses is 72 hours.
Is semaglutide weight loss assured?
No. Clinical trials showed semaglutide helped participants lose an average of approximately 15% of their body weight, but individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on the dose, adherence to the treatment plan, diet changes, physical activity, and individual metabolic factors. Results are not assured for any individual.
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.