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
Is Wegovy Safe? UK Cost and Access Guide
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weight management injection licensed in the UK and considered safe when used appropriately under medical supervision. This guide explains how to access Wegovy in the UK, what it costs, and whether it's the right option for you. Whether you're exploring NHS pathways or private prescription routes, understanding both the safety profile and practical access barriers will help you make an informed decision with your GP or prescriber.
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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.
How Much Does Wegovy Cost in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs in the UK typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on your dose and the prescribing provider. Costs are higher at the starting dose (0.25 mg, approximately £129–£150/month) and generally remain consistent as you increase doses, though some providers offer dose-based pricing tiers.
- Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) = £129–£160/month
- Mid-range doses (1–1.7 mg) = £180–£240/month
- Maximum dose (2.4 mg) = £220–£320/month
These costs are for the medication itself following a private online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. GPhC-registered pharmacies dispense the prescription. NHS access through specialist weight management services is free at point of use, but availability varies significantly by region and waiting times can be substantial.
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 Access to Wegovy in the UK
NHS access is free but requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service from your GP. Availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and demand—some regions have waiting lists exceeding 12 months. Private access is faster: complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, receive a prescription if clinically appropriate, and have it dispensed by a registered pharmacy within days. Private semaglutide is the same medication as NHS-prescribed Wegovy but sourced through private channels. To check eligibility, use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator and discuss options with your GP or a private prescriber.
- 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.
Is Wegovy safe to use for weight loss in the UK?
Yes. Wegovy (semaglutide) is licensed by the MHRA and approved for weight management in UK adults. Clinical trials showed it helps people lose weight on average—individual results vary. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhoea, usually temporary. Serious side effects are rare but require urgent medical attention. Safety depends on proper prescriber assessment, correct dosing, and regular monitoring. Always discuss your medical history with your prescriber.
What's the difference between NHS and private Wegovy access?
NHS access is free but requires GP referral to specialist services with potential waiting lists. Private access costs £129–£320/month but is faster—online consultation, prescription issued within days if approved. Both provide the same medication. NHS is available through tier 3 weight management services; private access through GPhC-registered pharmacies following online clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber.
Do I need a prescription to buy Wegovy in the UK?
Yes. Wegovy is prescription-only in the UK. You cannot buy it over the counter. You need either an NHS referral to specialist services or a private prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber. Private prescriptions require an online consultation assessing your medical history, BMI, and eligibility. Never purchase Wegovy without a valid UK prescription.
How is Wegovy different from Mounjaro for weight loss?
Both are prescription weight loss injections available in the UK. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist; Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro achieved slightly greater average weight loss (~20.9%) than Wegovy (~14.9%), though individual results vary. Both work differently and eligibility depends on your health profile. Your prescriber will assess which is appropriate for you.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
Yes, Wegovy is available on the NHS through NICE-approved specialist weight management services. Access requires GP referral to tier 3 services. Eligibility criteria: BMI ≥30 or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.). Regional availability varies significantly—some areas have long waiting lists. Ask your GP about local tier 3 services to check current availability and waiting times.
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.