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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Wegovy for Diabetes in the UK — Cost and Access
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for both type 2 diabetes management and weight management in adults. If you have diabetes and are considering Wegovy, understanding your access options and costs is essential. You can access Wegovy through the NHS via specialist services or privately through online prescription services. This guide explains both routes, typical costs, eligibility criteria, and what to expect from the application process.
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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.
Wegovy Cost and Private Prescription Access in the UK
Wegovy in the UK is available through private prescription at varying costs depending on your dose and provider. Private semaglutide typically costs between £120 and £300 per month, with lower doses (0.25–0.5 mg) at the lower end and maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg) at the higher end. Costs vary between providers because semaglutide is a branded medicine and pricing differs by pharmacy.
To access Wegovy privately, you'll need a UK prescription from a licensed prescriber. This involves an online clinical consultation, usually costing £50–£150. The prescriber will assess whether Wegovy is suitable based on your diabetes status, BMI, current medications, and overall health. If approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. Private access typically takes 3–7 days from consultation to first delivery.
Many people choose private access because NHS waiting lists for weight management services can be several months long in many regions, and not all areas offer semaglutide through specialist services.
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 Wegovy Diabetes Access
NHS route: Access Wegovy on the NHS through a specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service. Your GP must refer you, and you'll be assessed by a multidisciplinary team. NICE has approved semaglutide for NHS use in weight management, but availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. This route is free at point of use but involves longer waits and stricter eligibility criteria.
Private route: Consult with a UK-licensed prescriber online, who will assess your clinical suitability. No GP referral needed. Faster access but you pay for consultations and medication. Using our GLP-1 weight loss calculator, you can estimate potential weight loss outcomes at different semaglutide doses to help inform your decision.
For diabetes specifically, discuss with your GP whether Wegovy is appropriate alongside your current diabetes treatment, as dose adjustments to other medications may be necessary.
- 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.
Can I get Wegovy free on the NHS if I have type 2 diabetes?
Potentially, yes. NICE approved semaglutide for NHS weight management use. Access is through specialist tier 3 services via GP referral. However, availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be very long. Not all ICBs currently fund it. Ask your GP about local NHS provision in your area.
What is the average cost of Wegovy in the UK privately?
Private Wegovy typically costs £120–£300 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) are usually £120–£150/month, while maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg) are £200–£300/month. Prices vary between providers. Online consultations typically cost £50–£150 separately.
How long does it take to access Wegovy through a private prescription?
Usually 3–7 days from your initial online consultation. You'll have a clinical assessment, and if approved, your prescription goes to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. NHS access typically takes several months due to waiting lists for specialist services.
Do I need my GP's permission to get a private Wegovy prescription?
No, you don't need GP referral for private access. However, it's sensible to inform your GP that you're considering semaglutide, especially if you have type 2 diabetes and take other medications. Your prescriber will ask about current treatments and may suggest coordinating with your GP.
Is semaglutide the same as Wegovy and Ozempic?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2 mg). Wegovy is licensed for weight management (up to 2.4 mg). In the UK, Wegovy is the approved weight loss version; using Ozempic off-label for weight loss is not recommended due to licensing differences.
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.