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 Cost and Access in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weekly weight loss injection licensed in the UK for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions. Access is available through both NHS specialist services and private online prescribing, but costs, waiting times, and eligibility pathways differ significantly. Understanding your options and what to expect can help you make an informed decision about whether this weekly weight loss injection is right for you.
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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 Cost in the UK
In the UK private market, Wegovy costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on your dose and the provider. Most private online prescribing services offer Wegovy at doses from 0.25 mg up to the maximum maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, with costs increasing at each escalation step.
- Starting dose (0.25–0.5 mg): approximately £129–£160 per month
- Mid-range doses (1–1.7 mg): approximately £180–£240 per month
- Maximum dose (2.4 mg): approximately £250–£320 per month
Private prescriptions are issued by UK-licensed prescribers following an online consultation, which typically costs £0–£50 depending on the provider. GPhC-registered pharmacies then dispense the medicine. Many people find private access quicker than NHS routes, with prescriptions available within days rather than months, though this comes at a personal cost.
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 Access Routes
The NHS route involves referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, which is free but often involves significant waiting lists—sometimes 12–24 months in some regions. NICE has approved semaglutide (Wegovy) for NHS use, but availability and speed of access vary widely by region. The private route requires a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, typically via an online platform, and dispenses through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private access is faster and doesn't require an NHS referral, but costs £129–£320 monthly. Both routes require clinical assessment to confirm eligibility based on BMI and health conditions. Your GP can advise on NHS availability in your area, while private providers can assess you independently.
- 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.
What is the actual cost of Wegovy in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses cost around £129–£160; maximum dose (2.4 mg) costs £250–£320. Prescriber consultations cost £0–£50. NHS Wegovy is free but involves waiting lists and regional variation in availability. Costs vary by provider.
How do I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Ask your GP for referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. NICE has approved semaglutide for NHS weight management, but availability varies by region and waiting lists can be long (often 12–24 months). Your GP can check what's available locally. Some integrated care boards (ICBs) have shorter waits.
Can I get Wegovy through a private prescription without an NHS referral?
Yes. Private prescribing services allow you to have an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber without an NHS referral. If approved, a prescription is issued to a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This is faster than NHS routes but costs £129–£320 per month plus consultation fees.
What happens during a private Wegovy consultation?
You complete a health questionnaire and have a video or telephone consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. They assess your BMI, weight-related health conditions, medications, and contraindications. If approved, a prescription is issued and sent to a pharmacy for dispensing. The process typically takes 24–48 hours.
Is Wegovy on the NHS NICE list?
Yes, NICE has approved semaglutide (Wegovy) for use within NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions. However, NHS access is limited by regional availability and waiting lists vary significantly across the UK.
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.