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 Injection in the UK: Cost and How to Access It
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weekly weight loss injection licensed for use in the UK. Access is available through two routes: NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescription following a clinical assessment. This guide explains what Wegovy costs in the UK, how to access it, 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.
Private Wegovy Cost and Private Prescription Access in the UK
Private Wegovy costs in the UK typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on your dose and the provider. Prices vary because different registered online pharmacies set their own pricing. The cost covers the prescription fee, clinical assessment, and the medication itself.
- Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) are usually at the lower end of the price range, around £129–£150/month
- Maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg) are typically £200–£320/month
- You pay per month of treatment (4 injections per pen)
- Private prescribing does not require NHS referral — you can access treatment directly through a GPhC-registered online pharmacy
To access private Wegovy, you complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. If approved, a prescription is issued and your medication is dispensed by the pharmacy. This entire process typically takes 1–5 working days. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and check your BMI using our free calculator to understand your starting point.
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: What You Need to Know
NHS access to Wegovy is available but limited and varies significantly by region. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) for NHS use within specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services. However, you cannot simply ask your GP for a Wegovy prescription — access is through referral to a specialist weight management service.
- You must be referred by your GP to your local NHS weight management service
- Waiting times can range from weeks to over a year depending on your ICB (integrated care board) area
- Availability is subject to local funding and capacity — not all areas offer equal access
- When available on the NHS, Wegovy is provided free at point of use
The private route is faster if you need treatment sooner. Online consultations are quick and discreet, but involve upfront costs. Discuss both options with your GP to understand what is available in your area.
- 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 per month in the UK on the private route?
Private Wegovy costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. Lower doses (0.25–0.5 mg) start around £129–£150, while maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg) are usually £200–£320. Prices vary between GPhC-registered pharmacies. Treatment is ongoing monthly unless you stop.
How do I get a Wegovy prescription in the UK without the NHS?
Complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber through a registered online pharmacy. Answer health questions honestly, and if approved, a prescription is issued. A GPhC-regulated pharmacy then dispenses your Wegovy. The process typically takes 1–5 working days from consultation to delivery.
Can I get Wegovy free on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, but access is limited. NICE approved Wegovy for NHS specialist weight management services. You need a GP referral to your local tier 3/4 weight management service. Waiting times and availability vary greatly by region. Contact your GP to find out if your ICB funds this treatment and current waiting times.
What is the difference between accessing Wegovy privately and through the NHS?
NHS access is free but typically involves waiting lists (weeks to months or longer) and requires a GP referral. Private access is faster (1–5 days) and doesn't require NHS referral but costs £129–£320/month. NHS eligibility also requires meeting specific BMI and health criteria assessed by specialists.
Is Wegovy injection the same as a weekly weight loss injection I've heard about?
Yes. Wegovy is a weekly weight loss injection — you inject once per week. This is different from daily injections like Saxenda (liraglutide). Wegovy and Mounjaro are both once-weekly options. Eligibility depends on your BMI, health conditions, and a clinical assessment by a prescriber.
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.