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
When Will Wegovy Be Available On The NHS?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is not currently routinely available through the NHS for weight management, though NICE approval exists for specialist services. Access in the UK is primarily through private prescription following an online clinical assessment. This guide explains the current NHS position, eligibility criteria, and how to access Wegovy privately. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with semaglutide or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.
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.
Private Wegovy Access And Cost In The UK
Wegovy is available in the UK through private prescription routes, typically costing between £129 and £250 per month depending on dose. The treatment is supplied by GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber. Starting doses begin at 0.25mg, escalating weekly to a maximum of 2.4mg. Costs vary by dose and provider — lower starting doses cost less than maintenance doses. No NHS prescription is needed; you can access Wegovy privately without referral to specialist services. Payment is usually required upfront, though some providers offer payment plans. Wegovy requires commitment to lifestyle changes alongside medication use, with clinical trials showing an average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight over 68 weeks on the 2.4mg dose — though individual results vary significantly.
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 Access And Private Routes Compared
NHS access to Wegovy remains limited and varies by region. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS weight management services, but semaglutide access through the NHS is primarily through specialist tier 3 services with significant waiting lists in many areas. Private prescription offers faster access without NHS referral — you simply complete an online consultation. Your prescriber will assess your eligibility based on BMI (typically 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions) and medical history. If approved, a prescription is issued to a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your eligibility position before consultation. Both NHS and private routes require demonstrated commitment to diet and physical activity alongside medication use.
- 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 Wegovy available on the NHS in 2024?
Wegovy is not routinely available through standard NHS services. NICE approval exists for specialist weight management services, but access is limited, with significant regional variation and long waiting lists. Private prescription routes offer faster access without NHS waiting times.
How much does Wegovy cost privately in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs typically range from £129 to £250 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses (0.25mg) cost less than maintenance doses (2.4mg). Some providers offer payment plans, making treatment more affordable over time.
What are the eligibility criteria for Wegovy in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease), may be eligible. A UK-licensed prescriber assesses eligibility during an online consultation based on your individual health profile.
How long does it take to get Wegovy privately?
Private prescription is typically much faster than NHS routes. After your online consultation and clinical assessment, if approved, you can receive your first dose within days to a week, depending on pharmacy processing times.
Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?
Yes, switching between GLP-1 medications is possible, though no official conversion chart exists. Approximate equivalence suggests Mounjaro 5mg is similar to Wegovy 0.5mg, and Mounjaro 15mg to Wegovy 2.4mg. Any switch must be managed by your prescriber, and individual results with each medication vary.
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.