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 Pill: Cost and How to Access It in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist injection available in the UK for weight management. While it's not technically a pill—Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable pen—many people search for it this way. The cost and how you access Wegovy depends on whether you go through the NHS or a private route. Understanding your options helps you make an informed decision about this weight loss medication, which clinical trials showed may help people lose an average of around 15% of their body weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
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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.
Wegovy Cost in the UK: Private Prescription Pricing
Private prescription costs for Wegovy typically range from approximately £130 to £300 per month, depending on your dose and the provider. The medication is dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Pricing varies because different providers set their own fees for the consultation and medication supply.
Each Wegovy KwikPen contains four weekly injections and costs vary by dose level:
- Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) are typically cheaper
- Higher maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg) cost more per month
- Your prescriber will recommend a dose based on your individual assessment
Unlike Mounjaro, which uses a tirzepatide dual mechanism, Wegovy works as a single GLP-1 receptor agonist. Many private providers offer repeat prescriptions once your dose is established, reducing the need for multiple assessments. Total annual costs via private prescription range from approximately £1,500 to £3,600 depending on dose stability.
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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 Route: What's Available Now
NHS access to Wegovy is available through specialist tier 3/tier 4 weight management services, but availability varies significantly by region. Your GP can refer you to your local NHS weight management service if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions). However, waiting lists in many areas are several months to over a year long.
Private access is faster: Online consultations with a UK prescriber typically take 24–48 hours, and you can start treatment within days. The private route requires no NHS referral and works through registered online pharmacies. You'll complete a health questionnaire, discuss your medical history, and if approved, receive a prescription that's dispensed by a GPhC-regulated pharmacy. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, and our BMI calculator to check your eligibility category.
- 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 actually a pill, or is it an injection?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable pen, not a pill. People often search for "Wegovy pill" because they're confused about the format or looking for an oral alternative. Semaglutide does exist as a tablet (Rybelsus, used for diabetes), but Wegovy for weight management is specifically an injection. The pen is easy to use and can be self-administered at home.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
Yes, Wegovy is available on the NHS through specialist weight management services if you meet eligibility criteria. However, access varies widely by region and waiting times can be very long—sometimes 12+ months. Your GP must refer you to your local NHS tier 3/4 service. Private prescription routes are generally faster, taking days to weeks.
How much does Wegovy cost privately per month?
Private prescription costs range from approximately £130 to £300 per month, depending on your dose and provider. Starting doses are typically cheaper than the maximum 2.4 mg maintenance dose. Annual costs usually range from £1,500 to £3,600. Prices vary because providers set their own consultation and supply fees.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro for cost?
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are similarly priced in the private market, roughly £130–£300 per month depending on dose. Mounjaro uses a dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism while Wegovy uses GLP-1 only. Both require prescription and clinical assessment. Cost shouldn't be the only deciding factor—your prescriber will recommend based on what's most suitable for your health profile.
What happens after I get a Wegovy prescription—how do I order and receive it?
Once approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy, which dispenses Wegovy as KwikPen packs (4 pens per pack = 4 weeks supply). You typically receive it within 2–5 working days. Many providers offer online repeat prescriptions after your initial assessment, so renewal is streamlined. Always store Wegovy in the fridge (2–8°C) unopened, or at room temperature for up to 30 days after first use. ```
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