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 Jab Wegovy — UK Cost and Access Guide
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weekly weight loss injection available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private online prescribing. The cost varies significantly depending on whether you access it privately or through the NHS, and eligibility depends on your BMI and health conditions. This guide explains how to access Wegovy, what it costs, and what to expect from the process. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore projected outcomes at different doses.
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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 and Access in the UK
Private prescription costs for Wegovy typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on your dose and the provider you choose. Costs vary because different GPhC-registered online pharmacies set their own pricing. A single pre-filled pen contains 4 weekly injections, so one box covers approximately one month of treatment.
- Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg): Usually the most affordable option, often £129–£180/month
- Escalation doses (1–1.7 mg): Mid-range pricing, typically £200–£270/month
- Maintenance dose (2.4 mg): Maximum dose, often £250–£320/month
The private route requires an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber following a clinical assessment questionnaire. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy and delivered to your home. This process typically takes 3–7 days from consultation to delivery. No NHS referral is required for private access.
Weight 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 Access and the Private vs NHS Choice
NHS access to Wegovy is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, accessed via GP referral. However, NHS availability varies significantly across UK regions, and waiting lists can be extremely long—sometimes 12–24 months or longer depending on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). NICE has approved semaglutide for NHS use, but regional funding and capacity differ considerably.
The private route offers faster access but requires upfront payment. You'll complete an online health questionnaire, have a consultation with a prescriber (usually by video or phone), and if eligible, receive a prescription within 24–48 hours. A weekly weight loss injection at the maintenance dose (2.4 mg) costs approximately £250–£320 per month privately, though this varies by provider.
- 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 much does Wegovy cost per month in the UK privately?
Private Wegovy costs range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses cost around £129–£180/month, mid-range doses £200–£270/month, and the maximum maintenance dose (2.4 mg) typically £250–£320/month. Prices vary between providers, so it's worth comparing online prescribing services.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved by NICE for NHS use through specialist weight management services. However, you need a GP referral to tier 3 services, and NHS access varies by region with significant waiting lists—often 12–24 months. Private access is available immediately if you meet eligibility criteria.
What is the online consultation process for private Wegovy?
Complete an online health questionnaire, have a brief consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber (usually phone or video), and if approved, receive a prescription within 24–48 hours. A GPhC-registered pharmacy then dispenses and delivers your Wegovy to your home within 3–7 days. No NHS referral is needed.
Am I eligible for Wegovy as a weight loss jab?
You're typically eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Lower thresholds apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. A prescriber will assess your individual eligibility.
How does Wegovy compare to Mounjaro for cost and access?
Wegovy and Mounjaro have similar UK private costs (£129–£320/month depending on dose), but Mounjaro may offer higher average weight loss in clinical trials. Both require prescription and clinical assessment. Both are available privately through online consultation, though NHS access varies by region. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to compare projected outcomes.
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.