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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Is Wegovy Safe? UK Cost and Access Guide
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for weight management in UK adults. Whether you're considering Wegovy for your weight loss journey, understanding how to access it safely and what it costs is essential. This guide covers the two main routes available in the UK—NHS and private—so you can make an informed decision about whether this medication is right for you and your budget.
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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 and Private Access in the UK
Private prescription costs for Wegovy in the UK typically range from approximately £129 to £320 per month, depending on your current dose and the provider you choose. Starting doses (0.25 mg) are usually at the lower end of this range, while maintenance doses (1.7 mg to 2.4 mg) cost more. Each dose represents a four-week supply of once-weekly injections.
To access Wegovy privately, you'll complete an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. The prescriber will evaluate your medical history, BMI, any weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease), and current medications. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy and delivered to your home. This route typically takes 2–5 working days from assessment to delivery.
Private access means you don't need an NHS referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service, making it faster in most areas. However, costs accumulate over time—a year on maintenance dose could exceed £3,500, so affordability is an important consideration when planning your treatment.
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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 Suits You?
NHS access is free at the point of use but involves referral to your local specialist weight management service (tier 3), assessment by a multidisciplinary team, and typically a waiting list of several months to over a year in many regions. Availability varies significantly by NHS integrated care board.
Private access is faster (assessment to prescription within days) and doesn't require an NHS referral, but you pay out of pocket. The online consultation process is straightforward: you complete a health questionnaire, have a video or telephone call with a UK-licensed prescriber, and receive your prescription if suitable. You can try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss at different Wegovy doses, helping you decide if the investment aligns with your goals. Most people continue treatment for at least 12 weeks to assess effectiveness; some continue longer for sustained results.
NHS access is free at the point of use but involves referral to your local specialist weight management service (tier 3), assessment by a multidisciplinary team, and typically a waiting list of several months to over a year in many regions. Availability varies significantly by NHS integrated care board.
Private access is faster (assessment to prescription within days) and doesn't require an NHS referral, but you pay out of pocket. The online consultation process is straightforward: you complete a health questionnaire, have a video or telephone call with a UK-licensed prescriber, and receive your prescription if suitable. You can try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss at different Wegovy doses, helping you decide if the investment aligns with your goals. Most people continue treatment for at least 12 weeks to assess effectiveness; some continue longer for sustained results.
- 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 safe to use in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is licensed in the UK by the MHRA for weight management in adults. Like all medications, it has potential side effects (commonly nausea, diarrhoea, constipation)—these are usually mild and often reduce over time as your body adjusts. A licensed prescriber will assess whether it's safe for your individual health profile before prescribing.
How much does Wegovy cost on the NHS?
Wegovy is free on the NHS if prescribed through a specialist tier 3 weight management service. However, NHS access requires an NHS referral from your GP and assessment by a specialist team. Waiting lists vary by region—some areas have lengthy delays. Ask your GP about local availability.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro for cost?
Private Wegovy typically costs £129–£320/month depending on dose. Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, costs similarly—around £129–£300/month privately. Both are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Clinical trials showed both support significant weight loss, though individual results vary.
What happens during an online clinical assessment for Wegovy?
You'll complete a health questionnaire covering your medical history, medications, BMI, weight-related conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure), and lifestyle. A UK-licensed prescriber then reviews your details and may conduct a brief video or telephone consultation. If approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC pharmacy for dispensing—typically within 2–5 working days.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS without waiting months?
NHS access depends on your local integrated care board. Some areas have shorter waiting times than others. If you need weight management support urgently, discuss all options with your GP—they may suggest tier 2 services (community programmes) while you wait for tier 3 assessment, or private access as an alternative.
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.