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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What Is Wegovy Injection and How Do You Access It 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. It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by helping reduce appetite and supporting weight management alongside lifestyle changes. You can access Wegovy through the NHS specialist services or via private prescription following an online clinical assessment. This guide explains what Wegovy is, how to get it in the UK, and what to expect regarding costs and eligibility.
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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.
Wegovy Cost and Private Access in the UK
Private Wegovy prescription costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on the dose you're taking and the provider. The standard progression is from 0.25 mg up to 2.4 mg, with each dose lasting four weeks on a single pre-filled pen.
- 0.25 mg dose: approximately £129–£149/month
- 0.5 mg and 1 mg doses: approximately £149–£199/month
- 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg doses: approximately £199–£320/month
To access Wegovy privately, you'll need an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. They'll assess your eligibility based on your BMI, health history, and any weight-related conditions. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Unlike Mounjaro, Wegovy requires a daily injection rather than weekly—this is a key difference when comparing weekly weight loss injection options available in the UK. Many people use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate costs across different doses before starting treatment.
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 vs Private Access: Routes to Wegovy in the UK
NHS route: Wegovy is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, but access is limited and heavily dependent on your region. You'll need a GP referral and typically face long waiting lists. NHS access is free once approved, but availability varies across integrated care boards (ICBs).
Private route: Faster access without NHS referral. Online consultation process takes 24–48 hours. You complete a health questionnaire, may have a video call with a prescriber, and receive your prescription to a pharmacy if eligible. Many people choose private access due to NHS waiting times. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your eligibility before booking a private consultation.
- 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 between £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses (0.25–0.5 mg) cost around £129–£149, while maintenance doses (1.7–2.4 mg) cost £199–£320. This doesn't include any consultancy fees some providers charge.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is available through NHS specialist weight management services, but access is limited and varies by region. You need a GP referral and may face long waiting lists. Once approved, it's free on the NHS. Check with your local ICB for availability in your area.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a single GLP-1 agonist, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. Wegovy requires daily injections; Mounjaro is weekly. Clinical trials showed Wegovy resulted in approximately 15% average weight loss, while Mounjaro achieved 15–21% depending on dose.
How long does an online Wegovy consultation take?
The consultation process typically takes 24–48 hours from start to prescription. You'll complete a health questionnaire, sometimes have a brief video call with a licensed prescriber, and receive your prescription within this timeframe if you meet eligibility criteria.
What eligibility criteria do I need for Wegovy?
You're generally eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. A licensed prescriber will assess your individual circumstances during your consultation.
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.