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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Getting a Wegovy Prescription in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weight loss injection licensed for use in the UK. It's a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps reduce appetite and supports weight management when combined with lifestyle changes. You can access Wegovy through the NHS specialist weight management services or via private prescription after an online clinical assessment. This guide explains how to get a Wegovy prescription, eligibility criteria, and what the process involves so you can make an informed decision about whether this medication is right for you.
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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.
How to Access Wegovy in the UK
There are two routes to obtaining a Wegovy prescription in the UK:
- NHS route: Referral from your GP to a specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy — some areas have waits of several months to over a year. Not all ICBs (Integrated Care Boards) currently fund Wegovy through the NHS.
- Private route: Consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber through an online platform. If clinically appropriate, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This route typically offers faster access without needing an NHS referral. Costs range from approximately £129 to £320 per month depending on your starting dose.
Whichever route you choose, a clinical assessment is required to confirm eligibility and ensure Wegovy is safe for you based on your medical history and current medications.
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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.
Wegovy Eligibility and Dosing
You may be eligible for a Wegovy prescription if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease. If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds may apply.
Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg once weekly and escalates over 16 weeks to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight, though individual results vary. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses, and our BMI calculator to check your current BMI against NHS healthy weight thresholds.
- 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 I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Some NHS specialist weight management services do prescribe Wegovy, but availability is very limited and varies by region. Your GP can refer you to a specialist service, but there are often long waiting lists. Private prescription is often faster if you meet eligibility criteria and choose to pay.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic (up to 2 mg) is approved for type 2 diabetes management only. Wegovy (up to 2.4 mg) is specifically licensed for weight management. Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label. Wegovy is the licensed weight loss version in the UK.
How much does Wegovy cost on private prescription in the UK?
Costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose level. Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) are usually lower cost; maintenance dose (2.4 mg) is typically more expensive. Prices vary between providers — compare options before committing.
What happens if I'm not eligible for Wegovy?
Your prescriber will discuss alternative options based on your health. These may include other weight loss medications, referral to NHS tier 2 or 3 services for support, or lifestyle-based weight management programmes. Your GP can always provide guidance tailored to your circumstances.
How long does the Wegovy prescription process take?
Private prescription typically takes 2–7 days from consultation to receiving your first pen. NHS referral to specialist services can take weeks to months depending on your region and service waiting times. Ask about timescales when you book your consultation.
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.