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
Weight Loss on Wegovy in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only weekly weight loss injection that may help adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. Access in the UK is available through either NHS specialist services or private online prescribing. This guide explains how to access Wegovy, what it costs, and whether you might be eligible. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to estimate potential weight loss at different doses.
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.
Cost and Availability in the UK
In the UK, Wegovy is available through two main routes: NHS specialist weight management services and private prescription via GPhC-registered online pharmacies. NHS availability is limited and varies significantly by region — access typically requires referral through your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, with waiting lists often extending several months or longer depending on your local integrated care board (ICB).
Private prescription costs range from approximately £129 to £280 per month, depending on the dose and provider. Costs are generally higher at maximum doses (2.4 mg) than at lower maintenance doses. Many private providers offer flexible payment options or subscription models. A typical 4-week starter pack at 0.25 mg might cost £129–£149, while the maximum dose (2.4 mg) costs £220–£280 monthly. Semaglutide weight loss through private prescription does not require a waiting list — you can be assessed and prescribed within days if eligible.
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 — What's Right for You?
NHS route: Free on prescription once approved by a specialist service, but involves GP referral, specialist assessment, and potentially long waiting times. NHS Wegovy eligibility requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Private route: Faster access (often within 1–3 days), available without NHS referral, but at monthly cost. You complete an online health questionnaire, speak with a UK-licensed prescriber, and receive a prescription if clinically appropriate. Many people choose private access because NHS waiting times can exceed 12 months in some areas. Try our BMI calculator above to check your starting point and assess eligibility.
- 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 privately in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs approximately £129–£149 for starter doses (0.25–0.5 mg) and £220–£280 monthly for the maximum dose (2.4 mg). Costs vary between providers. Most private pharmacies don't charge consultation fees — the cost is for the medication itself. Annual cost ranges from roughly £1,500 to £3,360 depending on the dose and length of treatment.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is available on the NHS through specialist tier 3 weight management services, but access is limited and varies by region. You need a GP referral and assessment by a specialist team. Waiting times can be 6–18 months in many areas. Once approved, it's free on prescription. Contact your GP to ask about NHS weight management services in your area.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide but at different strengths. Wegovy is licensed for weight management and goes up to 2.4 mg. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2 mg) and is not approved for weight loss in the UK. Using Ozempic for weight loss would be off-label. For weight management, Wegovy is the appropriate licensed option.
How is Wegovy different from Mounjaro?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. Clinical trials show both support weight loss, but Mounjaro may produce slightly larger average losses. Both are prescription-only, once-weekly injections. Your prescriber can discuss which might be more suitable for your individual circumstances.
What should I expect during a private Wegovy consultation?
You'll complete an online health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, weight, height, and weight loss goals. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews this and may ask follow-up questions. If approved, they issue a prescription sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy, which dispatches your Wegovy pen. The whole process typically takes 24–72 hours. You'll receive guidance on injection technique and storage.
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.