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 Weight Loss Drug — UK Cost and Access
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weekly weight loss injection available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private online prescribing routes. Understanding how to access Wegovy and what it costs is essential if you're considering this medication for weight management. This guide covers UK pricing, eligibility, and the practical steps involved in obtaining a prescription, alongside the health considerations you should discuss with your prescriber.
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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 in the UK: NHS vs Private Access
NHS access: Wegovy is available through NHS specialist weight management services, but access is limited and varies by region. You'll typically need a referral from your GP to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist service. NHS waiting lists can be lengthy — some areas have waits of 18 months or more. When available on the NHS, there is no direct cost to you beyond your standard prescriptions (or free if you're exempt).
Private prescription costs: Through private online prescribing, Wegovy costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on the dose you're prescribed. Costs may include the consultation fee (usually £15–£50) and the medication itself. Prices vary between providers. A standard 4-week supply at the maximum dose (2.4 mg) usually costs around £250–£320. Lower doses cost proportionally less.
- Starting dose (0.25 mg): approximately £129–£160
- Mid-range dose (1.7 mg): approximately £180–£240
- Maximum dose (2.4 mg): approximately £250–£320
Individual costs vary — it's worth comparing quotes from multiple GPhC-registered providers before committing.
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.
How to Access Wegovy: Private Route and What to Expect
To obtain Wegovy privately, you'll complete an online health assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. You'll be asked about your weight, height, medical history, current medications, and weight loss goals. The prescriber will assess whether Wegovy is clinically appropriate for you. If approved, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy — usually delivered within 1–3 working days.
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above (or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure). You must be aged 18 or over and not pregnant or breastfeeding. Once you start, doses are escalated gradually over 16 weeks to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses alongside your personal circumstances.
- 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 long does Wegovy take to be delivered in the UK?
Once your prescription is approved, delivery typically takes 1–3 working days from a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Some providers offer next-day delivery for an additional fee. The medication arrives in pre-filled injection pens, ready to use immediately. Always check the delivery timeframe with your chosen provider before ordering.
Is Wegovy cheaper on the NHS or through private prescription?
On the NHS, Wegovy is free if you're eligible and can access it — but waiting lists are very long and access varies by region. Through private prescription, costs range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose. For many people, private access is faster but costs significantly more over time. Discuss both options with your GP.
Can I get Wegovy without a prescription in the UK?
No. Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and can only be obtained legally with a valid prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber. Any supply without a prescription is illegal. Always use GPhC-registered pharmacies to ensure safety and legitimacy.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic in terms of cost?
Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (not weight loss) and costs differently. Ozempic on the NHS is free for diabetes management. Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management and costs £129–£320 monthly privately. Ozempic is not approved for weight loss in the UK — using it off-label is a prescriber decision.
Do I need to pay for repeat prescriptions if I stay on Wegovy?
Yes. Whether through NHS or private prescription, you'll need ongoing prescriptions to continue treatment. On the NHS, repeat prescriptions are free (or standard prescription cost if not exempt). Privately, you'll pay the full cost each month — though some providers offer discounts for annual subscriptions or bulk ordering. Factor ongoing costs into your decision.
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.