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 It in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for weight management in the UK. Access is available through both NHS specialist services and private prescription routes, though availability, costs, and waiting times differ significantly between the two. This guide explains your options, eligibility criteria, and what to expect when seeking Wegovy treatment 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 Prescription Costs and Access Routes
Private prescription Wegovy is available in the UK through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Private costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose and provider, though prices vary. A standard treatment course usually involves starting at a lower dose (0.25 mg) and escalating weekly over several months to reach the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Each pen contains four weekly doses. Many private providers offer flexible payment options and regular monitoring. The advantage of private access is that you don't need an NHS referral to tier 3 specialist services — you can access treatment directly after an online consultation. However, costs are entirely your responsibility and not covered by the NHS. Before starting, you'll need to discuss eligibility, potential side effects, and suitability with a qualified prescriber through a structured online or telephone consultation.
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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 Routes — What's the Difference?
NHS access: Wegovy is approved by NICE for use within NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3 or 4 services). However, access is typically only available following referral from your GP to a dedicated specialist weight management team in your area. NHS provision is free at the point of use, but availability and waiting times vary significantly depending on your region (Integrated Care Board). Many areas have waiting lists of several months or longer due to high demand and limited funding. Your GP will assess whether referral is appropriate based on your BMI and weight-related health conditions.
Private access: Available without NHS referral through regulated online prescribing services. Treatment begins quickly after assessment. You pay the full cost privately, but retain control over timing and choice of provider.
Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to explore potential outcomes with Wegovy at different doses, and check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your eligibility context.
- 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 available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is approved by NICE for NHS use within tier 3 specialist weight management services. However, availability varies by region and waiting times can be several months. You'll need GP referral and assessment to access NHS provision. Private prescription options are also available without NHS referral.
How much does Wegovy cost privately in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose and provider. Costs cover the medication and prescription. Many online services offer flexible payment plans. Always check pricing with your chosen provider before starting treatment.
What is the eligibility criteria for Wegovy in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease), may be eligible. South Asian and Black African adults may qualify at slightly lower BMI thresholds due to higher health risks at these levels. A prescriber or GP will assess your individual circumstances.
How long does it take to access Wegovy privately?
Private access is typically faster than NHS routes. After booking an online consultation, clinical assessment usually takes 1–5 business days, and if approved, your first prescription can be dispensed within days. Total time from inquiry to receiving treatment is often under two weeks, compared to several months for NHS waiting lists in many areas.
How does Wegovy compare to Mounjaro for cost and access?
Both are prescription-only and available privately and through NHS specialist services. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) have similar private costs (typically £129–£320/month). Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist, while Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. NHS and private availability vary. Your prescriber will advise which is more suitable based on your health profile.
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.