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 in the UK — Cost, Access & How to Get It
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weight loss injection available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private prescribing. Access routes, costs, and waiting times differ significantly depending on which pathway you choose. Understanding your options helps you make an informed decision about whether this medication is right for you and how to access it. This guide covers UK Wegovy prescription routes, typical costs, and eligibility criteria.
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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.
Private Wegovy Cost in the UK
Private prescription costs for Wegovy in the UK typically range from £129 to £290 per month depending on your dose and the prescribing provider. Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) cost less than maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg). Each pre-filled pen contains four weekly injections. Some providers offer annual packages or bundle discounts, though these vary. When budgeting, remember that costs include both the prescriber's assessment fee and the medication itself. Private access requires an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, clinical assessment, and dispensing through a GPhC-registered pharmacy—no NHS referral needed. This route can offer faster access than NHS services, though individual timelines depend on appointment availability. It's worth comparing prices across GPhC-regulated providers, as costs and service inclusions vary. A wegovy uk prescription from a private prescriber typically takes 1–5 working days from approval to delivery.
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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 for Wegovy
NHS access to Wegovy is free at point of use but involves referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service and can involve significant waiting lists—sometimes 6 months to over a year in some regions. Your GP can refer you if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions). Private access costs £129–£290 per month but offers faster prescription and no NHS waiting list. Your choice depends on your budget, timeline, and preference. Both routes require clinical assessment confirming you're suitable for semaglutide. Regional NHS availability varies considerably across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you're considering wegovy vs mounjaro, both are prescription-only and available through similar UK routes, though Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism while Wegovy is GLP-1 only. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses, and our BMI calculator to confirm your eligibility category.
- 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 £129–£290 per month depending on dose. Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) cost less than maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg). Costs include the prescriber consultation and the medication dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Some providers offer package deals or discounts for longer-term commitments.
Can I get Wegovy free on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is available free on the NHS through tier 3 specialist weight management services if you meet eligibility criteria and are referred by your GP. However, waiting lists can be lengthy (6 months to over a year in many areas). NHS availability varies by region and ICB.
What is the online consultation process for Wegovy in the UK?
You complete an online health questionnaire with a UK-licensed prescriber, who reviews your medical history and eligibility. If approved, a prescription is issued and sent to a GPhC pharmacy for dispensing. Most consultations take 1–2 working days, with delivery within 3–5 days.
What's the difference between Wegovy doses and costs in the UK?
Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg and escalates to 2.4 mg over 16+ weeks. Lower starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) typically cost £129–£160/month; higher maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg) cost £220–£290/month. Your prescriber determines your starting dose and escalation schedule.
Am I eligible for Wegovy on the NHS or private prescription in the UK?
You're eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea). NHS access requires GP referral to specialist services. Private access requires clinical assessment through an online prescriber confirming suitability.
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.