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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How to Access Wegovy in the UK and What It Costs
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weight management injection available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private prescribing routes. Access and cost vary significantly depending on which route you choose. Understanding your options — including eligibility, waiting times, and pricing — helps you make an informed decision about whether Wegovy is right for you. This guide explains both pathways and what to expect.
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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.
Private Wegovy Cost and Access in the UK
Wegovy is available privately through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultation. Private costs typically range from £129 to £280 per month, depending on the dose and provider, as Wegovy is not currently funded by the NHS for most adults. The price usually includes the prescription, pharmacy consultation, and delivery.
To access Wegovy privately, you complete an online health questionnaire and consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. If approved, a prescription is issued to a GPhC-registered pharmacy, which dispenses and delivers your medication. Most providers offer different doses — starting from 0.25 mg through to 2.4 mg — and pricing increases with dose escalation. Private access does not require NHS referral or specialist service involvement, so treatment can often begin within days rather than months.
- Typical cost: £129–£280 per month depending on dose
- No waiting list — treatment can start quickly
- Requires online clinical assessment
- Dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacy
- Monthly or quarterly payment options often available
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 Access to Wegovy vs Private Route
NHS access to Wegovy is limited and varies by region. NICE has approved semaglutide for weight management, but NHS prescribing is restricted to specialist tier 3 weight management services. You cannot obtain Wegovy from your GP — referral to a specialist weight management clinic is required, and these services have significant waiting lists in many areas, often 6–18 months or longer.
Your GP must refer you to your local integrated care board's (ICB) weight management service. You'll then be assessed against clinical criteria: BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Once approved through the NHS pathway, Wegovy is free — but availability depends on your region's budget allocation and service capacity. The private route offers faster access but at personal cost, while the NHS route is free but involves waiting and regional variation.
Starting Wegovy involves a clinical assessment to confirm suitability. Your prescriber will review your medical history, current medications, and weight-related health conditions. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses — this can help you understand what to expect. You'll also benefit from checking your BMI and current healthy weight range using our BMI calculator to establish your starting point. The online consultation typically takes 10–20 minutes, and you'll receive clear guidance on injection technique, storage, and what side effects to watch for. Payment is usually processed once your prescription is approved.
- 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 Wegovy available on the NHS in the UK?
Wegovy is available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3), but not through standard GP prescribing. You need an NHS referral to a specialist clinic, and availability varies significantly by region. Waiting times are often 6–18 months or longer. Private prescription is faster but costs £129–£280 per month.
How much does Wegovy cost privately in the UK?
Private Wegovy typically costs £129–£280 per month, depending on the dose (0.25 mg to 2.4 mg) and provider. Some providers offer discounts for quarterly or annual subscriptions. This price includes the prescription, pharmacy consultation, and delivery. Costs increase as you escalate to higher maintenance doses.
Do I need a GP referral to get Wegovy privately?
No. For private access, you complete an online consultation directly with a UK-licensed prescriber — no GP referral is needed. For NHS access, you do need a GP referral to a specialist weight management service. The private route is faster but involves personal cost; the NHS route is free but involves waiting and regional availability.
What happens during a Wegovy online consultation?
You complete a health questionnaire covering medical history, medications, and weight-related conditions. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews this and may ask follow-up questions via the consultation platform. If approved, a prescription is issued to a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The whole process usually takes a few days. You'll receive clear guidance on injection technique and storage.
Can I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro on the NHS?
Switching between medications can only be done under medical supervision. If you're on NHS Wegovy and your specialist considers Mounjaro more suitable, they may make a switch — but this varies by service. Both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are GLP-1 receptor agonists with similar mechanisms, though Mounjaro is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist. Any change must be managed by your prescriber, not self-initiated.
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.