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
Free tracker included with every download this week
Wegovy Weight Loss Medication in the UK
Wegovy is a prescription-only weekly weight loss injection licensed in the UK for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. This guide covers how to access Wegovy through both NHS and private routes in the UK, realistic costs, eligibility requirements, and what the prescription process involves. Individual results vary, but clinical trials showed Wegovy helped participants lose an average of around 15% of their body weight when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Understanding your access options and costs is an important first step.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
How Much Does Wegovy Cost in the UK?
In the UK private sector, Wegovy costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on the dose and provider. The price varies because different online prescribing services set their own fees for the consultation, prescription, and medication supply. A standard four-week supply of Wegovy (one pen containing four weekly injections) costs more at higher doses — for example, the maximum 2.4mg dose usually costs more than lower maintenance doses like 0.5mg or 1.7mg.
It's important to note that Wegovy is a weekly weight loss injection, meaning each pen lasts approximately four weeks. Costs accumulate over time, so budgeting for ongoing treatment is essential. Some people choose to take breaks between doses or adjust their treatment plan based on results and affordability. Private prescribing services often offer different pricing tiers, so comparing options is worthwhile. The NHS does not typically prescribe Wegovy in primary care — access through the NHS is limited to specialist tier 3 weight management services in some regions, though this is increasingly rare due to demand and resource constraints.
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 to Wegovy in the UK
NHS access: NICE has recommended tirzepatide (Mounjaro) within NHS specialist services, but Wegovy access on the NHS is very limited. NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3/4) can prescribe weight loss medications, but availability varies by region and waiting lists are often very long. Referral typically comes through your GP, and assessment takes many months.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a video or telephone consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. The consultation fee (typically £50–£100) is added to medication costs. This route is faster — consultations can be arranged within days. You'll complete a health questionnaire, discuss your medical history, and the prescriber will assess suitability. If approved, a prescription is issued and the medication is dispensed by a registered pharmacy. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses before starting treatment.
- 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 available on the NHS in the UK?
Wegovy access on the NHS is extremely limited. NICE has recommended tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS specialist services instead. Some NHS tier 3 weight management services may prescribe semaglutide, but availability is very restricted and waiting lists are typically 6–24 months. Your GP can refer you to your local specialist service if available.
What is the typical cost of Wegovy in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider. This covers the prescription fee, consultation, and medication supply. Each pen lasts four weeks. Total annual costs can exceed £1,500–£3,840 depending on the dose you're prescribed and ongoing treatment duration.
How do I get a Wegovy prescription in the UK?
Through a private online prescribing service, you complete a health questionnaire and have a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. If approved, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The process typically takes 3–7 days from initial consultation to receiving your first pen.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight loss?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 only medication with weekly injections up to 2.4mg. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP+GLP-1 medication with weekly injections up to 15mg. Both are licensed for weight management. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro produced slightly higher average weight loss (~20.9%) compared to Wegovy (~14.9%), though individual results vary significantly.
Do I need any health checks before starting Wegovy?
Yes. A prescriber will assess your medical history, current medications, blood pressure, and eligibility criteria (typically BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with weight-related health conditions). You may be asked about gallbladder problems, pancreatitis history, or thyroid concerns. Some prescribers request recent blood test results. Your GP can provide these if needed.
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.