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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How to Get a Wegovy Prescription in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weight management injection available in the UK through two main routes: NHS specialist services and private online prescribing. Access, costs, and waiting times vary significantly depending on which route you choose. This guide explains how the UK prescription system works for Wegovy, what to expect during a clinical assessment, and the differences between NHS and private access so you can make an informed decision about your weight management options.
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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 Prescription Cost and Access in the UK
In the UK, private Wegovy prescriptions are available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a remote clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Private Wegovy costs typically range from £130–£300 per month depending on your dose and the provider you choose. The starting dose (0.25 mg) is usually at the lower end of this range, while the full maintenance dose (2.4 mg) costs more. Many private providers offer flexible payment options, including per-dose purchases or monthly subscriptions. You do not need an NHS referral or GP approval to access private semaglutide — the prescriber assesses your eligibility independently based on your BMI, health history, and current medications. The entire process, from initial consultation to receiving your first prescription, typically takes 3–7 days. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point before your consultation, and try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses.
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 vs Private: Which Route is Right for You?
NHS access to semaglutide is through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services following a GP referral. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) for use within NHS services, but availability varies dramatically by region — some areas have substantial waiting lists of 12–24 months, whilst others may not offer these medications at all. Private prescribing offers faster access without a waiting list, but you pay the full cost yourself. NHS prescriptions are free once approved, but you must meet eligibility criteria and navigate the referral pathway. If you prefer to explore your options now, a private online consultation gives you immediate feedback on semaglutide eligibility and cost, even if you later choose to pursue NHS access. Compare your weight status using our weight converter to understand your baseline, and track your progress with our free progress tracker whichever route you choose.
- 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 much does a Wegovy prescription cost in the UK privately?
Private Wegovy prescriptions cost between £130–£300 per month in the UK, depending on your dose. The starting dose (0.25 mg) is typically the cheapest, whilst the full maintenance dose (2.4 mg) costs the most. Some providers offer discounts for upfront payment or multi-month purchases, so compare options before committing.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved by NICE for use on the NHS through specialist weight management services. However, access is limited and varies by region. You'll need a GP referral to tier 3 services, and waiting times can be 12–24 months. Availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB).
What happens during a private Wegovy prescription consultation?
A UK-licensed prescriber will assess your BMI, weight-related health conditions, current medications, and medical history via a secure online consultation (usually 15–30 minutes). If approved, they issue a prescription to a GPhC-registered pharmacy, which then prepares and ships your first dose within 3–7 days.
Do I need my GP's permission to get a private Wegovy prescription?
No. Private online prescribers assess your eligibility independently and do not require GP approval or referral. However, you should inform your GP that you're using semaglutide in case you need other medication adjustments or medical care.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic in the UK?
Both contain semaglutide, but they are different. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (doses up to 2 mg) and is not approved for weight loss in the UK. Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management at doses up to 2.4 mg. Never use Ozempic for weight loss outside of a clinical diabetes context.
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.