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
Wegovy Medication — UK Cost and Access
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management in UK adults. Access is available through two routes: NHS specialist services or private prescription via online consultation. Costs and waiting times differ significantly between routes. This guide explains your options, eligibility criteria, and what to expect throughout the process, helping you understand both pathways to access this medication in the UK.
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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.
Private Wegovy Cost in the UK
Private prescription costs for Wegovy in the UK typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on the dose and provider. Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) are usually cheaper than maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg). Costs generally include the online consultation, clinical assessment, and medication dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Most providers offer flexible payment options and some provide discounts for longer-term commits. It's important to note that private prescription costs may vary between providers, so comparing options before committing is recommended. Wegovy remains a long-term treatment—many people use it continuously rather than for a fixed period—so budgeting for ongoing costs is important. Your online prescriber will explain the full cost structure during your consultation.
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 vs Private Route
NHS route: Free on prescription through a tier 3 specialist weight management service, but requires GP referral and can involve waiting lists of several months or longer depending on your area. Private route: Immediate access following an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, but at a cost. Eligibility for both: Adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m², or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, etc.). Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes with Wegovy. Your GP can advise on NHS pathways; private prescribers assess eligibility during online consultations.
- 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 quickly can I access Wegovy privately in the UK?
Private access is typically fastest. After completing an online consultation, clinical assessment usually takes 1–2 business days. If approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy, and medication can be dispatched within 2–5 working days. NHS access involves referral, assessment, and waiting lists that may be considerably longer depending on your local integrated care board.
What's included in the private Wegovy cost?
The monthly cost typically covers the online consultation, clinical assessment by a licensed UK prescriber, the medication itself, and dispensing by a registered pharmacy. Delivery is usually included. Some providers offer additional support such as progress tracking or follow-up consultations. Check with your chosen provider for their exact package and whether ongoing review appointments are included.
Can I switch from NHS to private Wegovy, or vice versa?
Switching between routes is possible but requires communication with both services. If moving from private to NHS, inform your GP that you're on Wegovy—they may support NHS continuation depending on your circumstances. Moving from NHS to private is straightforward; you'd simply arrange a new private consultation. Any switch should ideally be discussed with your current prescriber to ensure continuity.
Is Wegovy covered by private health insurance in the UK?
Most private health insurance policies do not cover Wegovy for weight management, as it's classified as a lifestyle/elective treatment rather than treatment for acute illness. Check your specific policy wording. Some occupational health schemes may offer support. It's worth contacting your insurer directly to confirm whether any weight management costs might be covered.
What happens if I can't afford to continue Wegovy?
If private costs become unaffordable, discuss alternatives with your prescriber—dose reductions may lower costs. Ask your GP about NHS tier 3 referral, though waiting times vary by region. Some charitable organisations and weight management support services offer additional resources. Stopping Wegovy suddenly is not recommended; always discuss any changes with your prescriber to plan safely.
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.