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 and Weight Loss in the UK
Wegovy's maintenance dose of 2.4 mg represents the final, ongoing weekly weight loss injection once your body has adjusted to the medication. At this stage, clinical trials showed participants achieved significant weight loss results, typically averaging around 15% of body weight when combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity. Understanding how the maintenance dose works, what results to expect, and how to access Wegovy through NHS or private routes in the UK can help you make an informed decision about whether this weekly weight loss injection is right for you.
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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.
NHS Eligibility and Wegovy Access in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weekly weight loss injection approved in the UK for adults meeting specific criteria. According to NICE guidance and NHS weight management services, you may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² alongside weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease.
For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower eligibility thresholds starting at BMI 27.5, reflecting higher health risks at lower weights in these populations.
Access routes differ significantly:
- NHS route: Referral to tier 3 specialist weight management services through your GP. Availability and waiting times vary considerably by region (ICB). In some areas, waiting lists extend many months.
- Private route: Online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber followed by dispensing through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. No NHS referral required. Available immediately subject to clinical suitability.
Eligibility requires clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber who will review your medical history, current medications, and health status to ensure semaglutide weight loss is appropriate for you.
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.
The Maintenance Dose and Weight Loss Expectations
Wegovy's maintenance dose of 2.4 mg is reached after a 16-week escalation schedule, starting at 0.25 mg and increasing gradually every 4 weeks. At this maximum dose, the STEP-1 clinical trial showed participants lost an average of approximately 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when using the medication alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Weight loss results vary significantly between individuals — some lose more, others less. The maintenance dose continues indefinitely for as long as the medication is being taken. Once you stop Wegovy, weight loss typically slows and some weight may return, which is why lifestyle changes are essential for long-term success.
Common side effects at the maintenance dose include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and reduced appetite. Most side effects decrease over time as your body adjusts. Use our free weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss at the maintenance dose, or try our BMI calculator to check your starting point.
- 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.
What is Wegovy's maintenance dose in the UK?
Wegovy's maintenance dose is 2.4 mg, a once-weekly injection. This is the maximum licensed dose in the UK. You reach this dose after a 16-week escalation schedule, increasing every 4 weeks from 0.25 mg. This highest dose is where the strongest weight loss effects typically occur.
How much weight can I lose on Wegovy's 2.4 mg maintenance dose?
Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of approximately 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks at the 2.4 mg dose. However, individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on your starting weight, adherence to diet and exercise, and how your body responds to semaglutide.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy can be prescribed through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions). However, availability varies greatly by region and waiting times can be several months. Private prescribing is available immediately through online clinical assessments.
How long does it take to reach the Wegovy maintenance dose?
It takes approximately 16 weeks (4 months) to reach the 2.4 mg maintenance dose. You start at 0.25 mg and increase every 4 weeks: 0.25 mg (weeks 1–4), 0.5 mg (weeks 5–8), 1 mg (weeks 9–12), 1.7 mg (weeks 13–16), then 2.4 mg (week 17 onwards).
What happens to weight loss if I stop taking Wegovy?
Weight loss effects slow significantly once you stop Wegovy because the medication is no longer managing your appetite and food intake. Some weight regain typically occurs, which is why sustaining the lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) you made during treatment is crucial for long-term weight management after stopping.
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.