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 — Cost and Access in the UK
Semaglutide is a prescription-only weight loss injection licensed in the UK, but accessing it depends on whether you go through the NHS or choose private prescription. This guide covers what semaglutide costs, how to access it, and what to expect from the consultation process. Whether you're considering NHS specialist services or private online prescribing, understanding your options helps you make an informed decision about this weekly weight loss injection.
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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.
Semaglutide Cost — Private Prescription Pricing in the UK
Private semaglutide (Wegovy) costs vary significantly depending on the dose and provider. Monthly costs typically range from approximately £129 to £320, depending on which dose you're prescribed. Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) tend to be less expensive, whilst maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg) cost more. Many private providers also offer quarterly payment options or discount packages for longer-term prescriptions.
It's important to understand that private costs are separate from GP appointments — you'll pay for the online consultation with a licensed prescriber (usually £50–£100), and then a separate pharmacy fee for the medication itself. Some providers bundle consultation and prescription into one fee. Always check what's included before committing. Remember, this weekly weight loss injection is prescribed based on individual clinical assessment, so costs can vary if your prescriber recommends dose adjustments over time.
- Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg): typically £129–£180 per month
- Mid-range doses (1–1.7 mg): typically £200–£270 per month
- Maximum dose (2.4 mg): typically £270–£320 per month
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 — How to Access Semaglutide in the UK
NHS access: Semaglutide (Wegovy) is available through NHS specialist tier 3/4 weight management services, but only following referral from your GP. Waiting lists vary significantly by region and can be several months to over a year in some areas. Once prescribed through the NHS, the medication is free (paid through your prescription charge if applicable).
Private access: You can obtain a private prescription by completing an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. This typically takes 24–48 hours. No NHS referral needed. You'll be asked health questions, may have your blood pressure checked, and the prescriber will decide if semaglutide is suitable for you. If approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. This route offers faster access but involves out-of-pocket costs. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes, and our BMI calculator to check your starting point before consulting a 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 long does it take to get semaglutide on the NHS?
NHS waiting times vary greatly by region. In many areas, specialist weight management services have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer. Once referred by your GP, you'll be assessed by a multidisciplinary team before any prescription is issued. Fast-track access is sometimes available for patients with serious weight-related health conditions.
What happens during a private semaglutide consultation?
You'll complete a health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle. The prescriber reviews this and may request blood pressure reading or other health checks. They'll assess whether semaglutide is suitable for you based on NHS eligibility criteria. If approved, they'll discuss dosing and send your prescription to a pharmacy within 24–48 hours.
Is semaglutide (Wegovy) the same as Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes) has lower maximum doses. Wegovy is the licensed weight management version with doses up to 2.4 mg. Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK, so using it off-label for weight loss is not recommended. Always ensure your prescriber specifies Wegovy, not Ozempic.
Do I need a GP referral to get semaglutide privately?
No. Private semaglutide prescriptions don't require an NHS referral. You can contact a GPhC-registered online pharmacy directly, complete an online consultation, and receive a prescription if approved. However, it's advisable to inform your GP that you're starting weight loss medication so they can monitor your progress.
Can I switch from NHS semaglutide to private if waiting lists are too long?
Yes, you can access semaglutide privately whilst on an NHS waiting list. If you later access it through the NHS, inform your GP about your private prescription to avoid duplication. Some patients use private prescriptions temporarily while waiting for NHS assessment, though costs mean this isn't accessible for everyone.
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.