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 Take Wegovy in the UK: Cost and Access Guide
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only, once-weekly injection for weight management available in the UK through NHS specialist services or private online prescribing. Getting started requires a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility, then learning the correct injection technique. This guide explains how to access Wegovy, understand the costs, and begin taking this GLP-1 receptor agonist medication safely. Individual circumstances vary significantly, so your prescriber will assess what's 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 UK Access Routes
In the UK, you can access Wegovy through two main routes: NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing.
NHS Access: NICE has approved semaglutide for use within NHS tier 3 and tier 4 specialist weight management services. However, NHS availability is limited and varies significantly by region (ICB). Your GP can refer you, but waiting lists for specialist assessment can be very long—sometimes many months or years. Once assessed and approved, Wegovy would be prescribed through the specialist service.
Private Access: Wegovy is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route typically offers faster access without NHS referral requirements. Private costs vary by dose and provider, generally ranging from £129 to £320 per month depending on which dose you're taking. Doses progress from 0.25mg to 2.4mg over approximately 17 weeks, so early-stage costs differ from maintenance costs.
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: What to Expect
NHS Route: Free at point of use once approved, but requires GP referral, specialist assessment, and typically involves a substantial waiting period. Not all regions have equal provision. Your GP can discuss whether you meet NHS eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or 27+ with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease).
Private Route: Faster access (usually within days of assessment), no referral needed, but you pay the full cost. The online consultation asks about your medical history, current medications, and weight management goals. If approved, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a registered pharmacy. Some people use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes before committing.
- 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 privately in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on your dose and the provider. Starting doses (0.25mg–0.5mg) are cheaper than maintenance doses (1.7mg–2.4mg). Always check with individual pharmacies for exact pricing, as costs vary.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is NICE-approved for NHS use through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services. However, availability is limited and varies by region. Ask your GP about referral options and expected waiting times in your area.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist; Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. Wegovy uses once-weekly 0.25mg–2.4mg doses; Mounjaro uses 2.5mg–15mg. Clinical trials showed both support weight loss, though individual results vary significantly.
How do I know if I'm eligible for Wegovy?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnoea). A prescriber will assess your individual circumstances during consultation.
What happens during an online Wegovy consultation?
You'll complete a health questionnaire covering medical history, current medications, allergies, and weight management goals. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews your answers, assesses eligibility, and either issues a prescription or explains why it's not suitable. The process typically takes 24–48 hours.
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.