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 Maintenance Dose: UK Cost and Access
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly weight loss injection that reaches its maintenance dose of 2.4 mg after a gradual 16-week escalation programme. In the UK, you can access Wegovy through the NHS or private prescription routes, each with different costs and timelines. This guide explains how much Wegovy costs, how to get it, and what the maintenance phase means for your weight loss journey. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses, and consult your GP or a licensed prescriber to see if you're eligible.
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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.
UK Wegovy Cost: NHS vs Private Access
NHS route: Wegovy is available through NHS specialist weight management services, but access is limited and varies by region. You'll need a referral from your GP to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist service. NHS supply is free at the point of use, but waiting lists can be lengthy (often 12–24 months in many areas). NICE has approved semaglutide for use within specialist services for eligible adults.
Private route: UK private online prescribing services offer Wegovy following a clinical assessment. Costs typically range from £150–£300 per month depending on your maintenance dose and the provider. This usually covers the prescription, dispense fee, and delivery. Private prescriptions are processed more quickly (days to weeks) compared to NHS routes. You'll need to meet eligibility criteria: BMI 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea.
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.
Accessing Wegovy: What to Expect
NHS access: Ask your GP for a referral to your local NHS specialist weight management service. Services will assess you, discuss lifestyle changes, and if appropriate, prescribe Wegovy. The NHS typically starts at the lowest dose (0.25 mg) and escalates weekly through to maintenance (2.4 mg). Ongoing monitoring and support are provided free.
Private access: Complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. You'll answer health questions, provide your height and weight, and discuss any medical conditions. If approved, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Most private services deliver within 3–7 working days. Track your progress using our free weight loss progress tracker to monitor results alongside your clinical support.
- 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 long does it take to reach Wegovy maintenance dose?
The standard escalation programme takes 16 weeks. You start at 0.25 mg weekly, then increase by 0.25 mg each week until reaching 2.4 mg. Your prescriber may adjust this timeline based on side effects or response. Once at 2.4 mg, you continue this dose weekly for ongoing weight management.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2 mg). Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management (up to 2.4 mg). Ozempic is not approved for weight loss in the UK. Using Ozempic off-label for weight loss is not recommended and creates supply issues for diabetes patients.
How much weight can I expect to lose on Wegovy maintenance dose?
Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of approximately 14.9% of body weight at the 2.4 mg maintenance dose over 68 weeks. Individual results vary significantly based on diet, activity level, and personal metabolism. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results for your weight.
Is Wegovy available on NHS prescription in my area?
NHS Wegovy availability varies by region and ICB (Integrated Care Board). Contact your GP or your local NHS weight management service to check. Many areas have long waiting lists. If NHS access is limited, private prescription may be a faster alternative at a cost.
What happens if I stop taking Wegovy at maintenance dose?
Weight loss is typically maintained only while continuing the medication alongside healthy eating and activity. If you stop, weight regain is common over weeks to months. Your prescriber will discuss long-term use, whether you continue indefinitely, or transition to maintenance of lifestyle changes alone.
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.