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 for Weight Loss in the UK — Cost & How to Access It
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weekly weight loss injection available in the UK through NHS specialist services or private online prescribing. This guide explains how to access Wegovy, what it costs, eligibility criteria, and the difference between NHS and private routes. Understanding your options helps you make an informed decision about whether this GLP-1 weight loss treatment is right for you.
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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 Access in the UK
NHS access: Wegovy is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services in some regions, though availability varies significantly across ICBs (Integrated Care Boards). NICE has approved semaglutide for weight management, but NHS prescription typically follows referral from your GP to a specialist service. Waiting lists can extend several months to over a year in many areas.
Private access: Available through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultation without NHS referral. Costs typically range from £129 to £299 per month depending on the dose. A private consultation usually costs £50–£100, which may be deducted from your first prescription. Payment is required upfront, and prescriptions are dispensed by GPhC-registered online pharmacies. You must pay for all doses privately — prescriptions cannot be transferred to NHS once started privately.
Dose and cost relationship: Higher doses cost more. The starting dose (0.25 mg) costs less than the maintenance dose (2.4 mg). Most people gradually increase doses over 4–5 months before reaching their target dose.
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 Route — Which Is Right for You?
Choose NHS if: You're eligible, can wait months for an appointment, and prefer NHS-funded treatment. Your GP can refer you to your local tier 3 weight management service.
Choose private if: You want faster access without waiting lists, prefer convenience of home delivery, or don't meet NHS eligibility criteria yet. Private online consultations take days to weeks — prescriptions arrive within days of approval. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results before committing, and consult your GP if you have existing health conditions.
Online consultation process: You'll complete a health questionnaire, have a brief video or phone consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, and receive a decision within 24–48 hours if 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.
What does Wegovy cost per month in the UK privately?
Private Wegovy costs typically range from £129–£299 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) cost less; maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg) cost more. A private consultation is usually £50–£100 but may be deducted from your first prescription. Prices vary between providers.
Is Wegovy available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is available through NHS specialist weight management services in some regions, but availability varies. NICE has approved it for weight management. You need GP referral to a tier 3 service. Waiting lists are often very long — months to over a year in many areas.
How do I access Wegovy privately in the UK?
Contact a UK-registered online prescribing service. Complete a health questionnaire, have an online consultation with a prescriber, and if approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The entire process takes 1–2 weeks. Always verify the service is GPhC-regulated.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight loss?
Both are prescription-only injections, but Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist; Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. Clinical trials show both support weight loss — results vary individually. Wegovy costs typically £129–£299/month; Mounjaro pricing is similar. Your prescriber will assess which suits you.
Can I get Wegovy on prescription from my GP without referral?
Not typically. NHS Wegovy is accessed through specialist tier 3 weight management services, which requires GP referral. Your GP cannot prescribe it directly. Private prescribing (online consultation route) bypasses this requirement but is paid privately. Discuss options with your GP.
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.