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
Wegovy Benefits: UK Cost and Access Guide
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist that may help support weight loss in UK adults. In clinical trials, Wegovy helped participants lose an average of around 15% of their body weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Access in the UK is available through both NHS specialist services and private prescription routes, with costs and availability varying significantly depending on which pathway you choose.
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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.
Wegovy Cost and Pricing in the UK
Private prescription costs for Wegovy in the UK typically range from £150 to £300 per month, depending on your dose and the prescribing service. The starting dose (0.25 mg) is usually at the lower end of this range, while the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg is typically at the higher end. Each pre-filled pen contains four weekly injections, so monthly costs reflect one month's supply. Some online prescribing services offer initial consultation fees (£30–£50) on top of medication costs, though many include this within their pricing. It's important to note that private costs can vary between providers, and some offer loyalty pricing or subscription discounts if paying for multiple months upfront.
- Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg): approximately £150–£180/month
- Mid-range doses (1–1.7 mg): approximately £200–£240/month
- Full maintenance dose (2.4 mg): approximately £280–£320/month
Unlike medications purchased from standard pharmacies, prescription weight loss medications are typically dispensed only following a clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber, which is factored into the overall cost.
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 to Wegovy
NHS route: Wegovy is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services following referral from your GP. However, availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy—sometimes 6–18 months or longer depending on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Once accessed, NHS-prescribed Wegovy is free, but access is typically limited to those with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions.
Private route: You can access Wegovy privately without an NHS referral by completing an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. This typically takes 24–48 hours, and if approved, your prescription is sent directly to a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The GLP-1 weight loss calculator on this page can help you estimate potential weight loss at different doses, and our BMI calculator allows you to check your starting point before choosing your route to 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.
How much does Wegovy cost in the UK privately?
Private Wegovy costs typically range from £150–£320 per month depending on dose. Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) cost around £150–£180, while the full maintenance dose (2.4 mg) is approximately £280–£320 per month. Initial consultation fees (if applicable) are usually £30–£50.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
Yes, Wegovy is available on the NHS through specialist weight management services. However, access requires a GP referral to tier 3 services, and availability varies significantly by region. Waiting lists can be 6–18+ months. Once accessed, it's free, but not all areas have immediate availability.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes (doses up to 2 mg), while Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management (doses up to 2.4 mg). Wegovy is the correct licensed option for weight loss in the UK—using Ozempic off-label is not recommended.
How do I access Wegovy privately?
Complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. If approved, your prescription goes to a GPhC-registered pharmacy within 24–48 hours. You'll need to meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+, or 27+ with health conditions) and answer health questions honestly during assessment.
How does Wegovy compare to Mounjaro in terms of benefits?
Both are GLP-1-based injections with similar average weight loss (around 15% body weight in trials). Mounjaro has a dual GIP+GLP-1 mechanism, while Wegovy is GLP-1-only. Individual results vary. Your prescriber can advise which suits you best based on your medical history.
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.