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 already approved and available on the NHS in the UK — it's not a future medication. Access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not your GP's standard surgery. However, availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy. This guide explains current NHS access, how to get referred, and what to expect from this GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss treatment.
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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.
Current NHS Wegovy Access and Availability
Wegovy is currently available on the NHS, but access depends on which integrated care board (ICB) area you live in and local service capacity. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has approved semaglutide for weight management, and it is included in NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services across the UK.
- Access is through referral to a specialist multidisciplinary weight management service — not through standard GP prescribing
- You typically need a referral from your GP to the local tier 3 service
- Some regions have waiting lists of several months or longer due to high demand
- Eligibility requires a BMI of 30 or above (or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions)
- NHS provision is free once prescribed, unlike private access
Regional variation means some areas may have more readily available appointments than others. Contacting your local weight management service directly can provide current waiting time information.
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.
Private vs NHS Wegovy Access in the UK
While NHS access is free, waiting times can be considerable. Many UK adults choose private online prescribing as an alternative, which offers faster access without NHS referral requirements. Private Wegovy is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber.
- Private cost typically ranges from £150–£300 per month depending on dose
- NHS access is free but may involve months of waiting
- Private access doesn't require GP referral or tier 3 specialist service
- Both routes provide the same medication — semaglutide 0.25mg to 2.4mg once weekly
Your choice depends on whether you can wait for NHS appointment availability or prefer to access treatment sooner through private prescribing. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with semaglutide treatment.
- 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 right now in 2024/2025?
Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is currently available on the NHS through specialist tier 3 weight management services. NICE has approved it, and it's included in NHS provision. However, availability varies by region and waiting lists exist in many areas. Contact your local weight management service for current waiting times and eligibility.
How do I get referred for Wegovy on the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 weight management service. Your GP will assess whether referral is appropriate based on your BMI and health. Once referred, the specialist service will evaluate your suitability for semaglutide. Some services may have specific referral criteria — your GP can confirm requirements for your area.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is licensed for weight management (doses up to 2.4mg weekly), while Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2mg weekly). Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK — using it off-label for weight loss is not recommended. Always use the medication licensed for your specific condition.
How long do I have to wait for Wegovy on the NHS?
Waiting times vary significantly by region and local service capacity. Some areas have waiting lists of 3–12 months or longer. Contacting your local integrated care board or weight management service directly will give you accurate current waiting times. Private prescribing offers faster access if NHS waiting times are a concern.
What are the common side effects of Wegovy semaglutide?
Very common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation — usually mild and temporary. Stomach pain, indigestion, and injection site reactions also occur frequently. Most side effects decrease over time. Serious side effects are rare but include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Your prescriber will discuss side effects fully before you start.
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.