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 on the NHS — How to Access It in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is available through the NHS in the UK, but access depends on eligibility and referral to specialist weight management services. Unlike some private online pharmacies, NHS provision requires assessment through tier 3 or tier 4 specialist services in your local area. This guide explains how the NHS system works, who qualifies, and what the referral journey typically involves.
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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.
How to Access Wegovy Through the NHS
NHS Wegovy access works through a referral pathway: Your GP refers you to a specialist weight management service (tier 3 or tier 4) in your local integrated care board (ICB) area. These services assess your health, discuss your weight loss goals, and if appropriate, prescribe Wegovy alongside a structured support programme. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has approved semaglutide for NHS use, but availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Some areas have dedicated services; others have long waiting lists. The NHS weight management pathway focuses on sustainable, medically supervised weight loss rather than medication alone—you'll typically receive support with diet, physical activity, and behaviour change alongside any prescription.
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.
Who Qualifies for Wegovy on the NHS?
You may be eligible for Wegovy through the NHS if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease). For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds may apply. Eligibility is assessed individually by your GP and the specialist service. Check your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above. Not everyone approved for specialist services will be prescribed Wegovy—the service will consider your medical history, previous weight loss attempts, and overall suitability.
- 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 is the NHS waiting list for Wegovy?
NHS waiting times vary by region, from weeks to many months or years. Your local integrated care board determines availability. You can ask your GP about typical wait times in your area. Some areas have limited capacity or no active Wegovy programmes. If speed is important, private online prescribing is available without NHS referral.
Is Wegovy definitely available on NHS in my area?
Not all areas have active Wegovy programmes. Availability depends on your ICB funding and service setup. Ask your GP whether your local specialist weight management service offers semaglutide. If not, they may signpost you to an alternative or discuss private options.
What's the difference between NHS Wegovy and private Wegovy?
NHS Wegovy is prescribed through specialist tier 3 or 4 services and includes multidisciplinary support (dietitian, behaviour change coach, GP coordination). Private Wegovy is prescribed following an online clinical assessment with a licensed prescriber and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Both are prescription-only, but access routes, costs, and support structures differ.
Will the NHS cover the full cost of Wegovy?
If prescribed through the NHS, Wegovy is supplied at no cost (you pay standard prescription charges if applicable, or none if exempt). Private prescriptions cost approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose. NHS prescriptions are significantly cheaper but availability is limited.
How does Wegovy compare to Mounjaro on the NHS?
Both semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are NICE-approved for NHS weight management. Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist; Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. Clinical trial data shows similar average weight loss (~15–20% body weight). Availability and prescribing practices vary by region. Your specialist service will advise which is appropriate for you.
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.