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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Weight Loss Injections: Semaglutide Cost and Access in the UK
Semaglutide weight loss injections are available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private prescription routes. The cost and access pathway differ significantly depending on which route you choose. This guide explains how to access semaglutide, what it costs, eligibility criteria, and the difference between NHS and private options. Whether you're exploring options through your GP or considering a private online consultation, understanding the practical steps and costs involved will help you make an informed decision about weight loss injections in the UK.
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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.
Private Semaglutide Cost and Access in the UK
Private semaglutide (Wegovy) prescriptions in the UK typically cost between £129 and £320 per month, depending on the dose you're prescribed. The weekly weight loss injection is available in escalating doses from 0.25mg up to the maximum 2.4mg maintenance dose. Costs vary by provider and dose strength — starting doses are usually at the lower end of the price range, while the full 2.4mg maintenance dose costs more.
- Starting dose (0.25–0.5mg): approximately £129–£180 per month
- Mid-range doses (1–1.7mg): approximately £180–£240 per month
- Full maintenance dose (2.4mg): approximately £240–£320 per month
Private access typically involves an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. You'll complete a health questionnaire, and a clinician will assess whether semaglutide is appropriate for you. If approved, your prescription is dispensed directly, usually within 2–5 working days. This route is faster than NHS referral and doesn't require a GP referral, though costs are entirely out-of-pocket.
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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.
NHS vs Private Access: How to Get Semaglutide
NHS access: GLP-1 weight loss injections including semaglutide are available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services, but only after GP referral and specialist assessment. Availability is free at the point of use but varies significantly by region (ICB area) and can involve waiting lists of several months. Not all areas currently commission semaglutide through the NHS — your local ICB determines what medications are available.
Private access: Faster route without waiting lists. Requires an online consultation with a UK prescriber who can assess your eligibility. You'll provide your medical history, current medications, and health details. If approved, semaglutide is prescribed at your chosen dose and delivered to your home. No GP involvement is needed, though informing your GP is advisable for medical safety.
Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses, which may help you decide which access route suits your needs and budget.
- 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 semaglutide available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, but access varies by region. Semaglutide (Wegovy) is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services after GP referral. However, commissioning decisions differ between ICBs, and waiting lists can be lengthy. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions. Ask your GP whether your local area commissions semaglutide and what the waiting time is.
How much does semaglutide cost privately in the UK?
Private semaglutide costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses (0.25–0.5mg) cost less than the full maintenance dose (2.4mg). Costs are paid privately and are not covered by the NHS when prescribed through private routes. Each KwikPen injection lasts one week.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic semaglutide?
Both contain semaglutide but serve different purposes. Wegovy is licensed for weight management and uses doses up to 2.4mg. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes management (doses up to 2mg) and is not licensed for weight loss in the UK — using it for weight loss is off-label. Always ensure you're prescribed the correct licensed medicine for your condition.
How long does an online semaglutide prescription take?
Most private online consultations are completed within 24–48 hours. Once approved by a UK-licensed prescriber, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy, and your medication is typically dispatched within 2–5 working days. NHS referrals take significantly longer, often several months depending on local waiting lists.
Can I get semaglutide on prescription without a referral?
Yes, through private prescription. You can access semaglutide privately by completing an online consultation with a licensed UK prescriber — no GP referral is needed. However, informing your GP is advisable so they're aware of your treatment. NHS access does require a GP referral to specialist services, and availability depends on your local ICB commissioning decisions.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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