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 on the NHS — How to Access in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is available through the NHS in the UK, but access is limited and varies significantly by region. Rather than being prescribed by your GP, Wegovy is accessed through specialist tier 3 weight management services following referral. NHS availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and current service capacity. Many areas have substantial waiting lists. This guide explains NHS eligibility, how to access it, and what private alternatives exist if NHS waiting times are too long for your needs.
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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.
NHS Access to Wegovy — Eligibility and Referral
Wegovy on the NHS is prescribed through specialist weight management services, not standard GP prescriptions. To access it, you'll need to be referred by your GP to your local tier 3 weight management service. Eligibility criteria are: BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, OR BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea).
For people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds — eligibility may start at BMI 27.5 or above. Once referred, the specialist team will assess whether Wegovy is appropriate for you. NICE has approved semaglutide (Wegovy) for use within NHS weight management services, but regional availability varies considerably. Some areas have robust services; others have limited capacity or long waiting lists spanning many months.
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 Waiting Times and Private Alternatives
NHS waiting times for tier 3 weight management services can be extremely long in many regions — sometimes 6–18 months or longer depending on your local ICB. If you need support sooner, private prescribing is available through GPhC-registered online services. Private Wegovy requires a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, who will assess your eligibility and issue a prescription if appropriate. Private costs vary but typically range from £129–£200 per month depending on dose. The GLP-1 weight loss calculator on this page can help you estimate potential results across different doses, while our BMI calculator can confirm your current BMI category and eligibility range.
- 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.
Can my GP prescribe Wegovy directly on the NHS?
No. Wegovy is prescribed through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not standard GP prescriptions. Your GP can refer you to your local service, but the specialist team makes the final prescription decision. NHS access is separate from private prescribing.
What weight-related health conditions qualify for NHS Wegovy?
Qualifying conditions include type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia), obstructive sleep apnoea, and history of heart attack or stroke. Your GP and specialist team will assess whether your conditions meet the criteria.
How long does it typically take to get Wegovy on the NHS?
NHS waiting times vary significantly by region. Many areas have waits of 6–18 months or longer for tier 3 weight management services. Some regions have shorter waits. Contact your local ICB or ask your GP about expected timelines in your area.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic in the UK?
Both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management (up to 2.4 mg dose), while Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2 mg dose). Wegovy is the approved weight loss version. Using Ozempic for weight loss would be off-label.
Is private Wegovy available in the UK without NHS referral?
Yes. Private prescribing is available through GPhC-registered online services following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This bypasses NHS waiting lists but involves private costs of approximately £129–£200 per month depending on dose.
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.