Wegovy UK: Complete Guide
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) is the first GLP-1 medication specifically approved for weight loss in the UK. This guide covers NHS eligibility, private prescription costs, how it works, and what to expect.
Active Ingredient
Semaglutide 2.4mg
How Taken
Weekly injection (pen)
Private Cost
£150-£300/month
Avg Weight Loss
~15% body weight
2025 Update: Wegovy Supply Restored
Following supply constraints throughout 2024, Wegovy is now more widely available in the UK as of early 2025. Both NHS specialist services and private providers should have improved stock levels. Contact your provider to confirm current availability.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription medication containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It was approved by the MHRA in 2022 and recommended by NICE in 2023 as the first injectable weight loss treatment available on the NHS.
Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake. It helps you feel fuller for longer, reduces hunger, and can help control cravings. This makes it easier to eat less and lose weight when combined with diet and exercise.
Wegovy is administered once weekly via a pre-filled injection pen. The dose is gradually increased over 16-20 weeks to reach the maintenance dose of 2.4mg, which helps minimise side effects.
UK Availability: NHS vs Private
- Free if eligible (NICE approved March 2023)
- 2025: Supply shortage resolved - now available
- Must be referred to specialist weight management service
- Waiting lists vary by area
- £150-£300 per month (dose dependent)
- Available through registered online pharmacies
- Usually quicker access than NHS
- Check pharmacy is GPhC registered
NHS Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Wegovy on the NHS, you typically need to meet the following criteria:
- BMI of 35 or above, or BMI of 30+ with a weight-related health condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea)
- Referral to a specialist weight management service (Tier 3 or 4)
- Ability to commit to lifestyle changes including diet and exercise
- Maximum treatment duration of 2 years on NHS
Stay Updated on Wegovy UK
Get notified about availability changes, price updates, and new research. Plus receive our free UK medication guide when it launches.
How Wegovy Works
Wegovy contains semaglutide, which mimics a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that your body naturally produces after eating.
Acts on brain receptors that control hunger, making you feel satisfied with less food and reducing cravings.
Delays gastric emptying so food stays in your stomach longer, helping you feel full for extended periods after eating.
Improves insulin secretion when blood sugar is high, which can be particularly beneficial for those with prediabetes.
Wegovy Dose Schedule
Wegovy uses a gradual dose escalation over 16-17 weeks to help minimise side effects. This is important - do not skip doses or increase faster than recommended.
| Timeline | Weekly Dose | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | 0.25mg | Starting dose |
| Weeks 5-8 | 0.5mg | Dose escalation |
| Weeks 9-12 | 1mg | Dose escalation |
| Weeks 13-16 | 1.7mg | Dose escalation |
| Week 17+ | 2.4mg | Maintenance dose |
Each pen contains 4 weekly doses. You'll need a new pen strength as you progress through the escalation schedule.
Weight Loss Results
The STEP 1 clinical trial (published in NEJM, 2021) showed significant weight loss results with Wegovy 2.4mg when combined with lifestyle changes (reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity):
15%
Average body weight lost over 68 weeks
1 in 3
Participants lost 20% or more of body weight
86%
Lost at least 5% of body weight
Important: These results are from clinical trials with lifestyle intervention (diet and exercise). Individual results vary based on adherence to medication, diet, physical activity, starting weight, and individual metabolism. The placebo group (diet and exercise only) lost an average of 2.4% body weight.
Side Effects and Safety
Like all GLP-1 medications, Wegovy can cause side effects. Most are gastrointestinal and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
- Nausea (especially during dose escalation)
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas)
- Gallbladder problems
- Hypoglycaemia (with other diabetes meds)
- Allergic reactions
- Kidney problems (if severely dehydrated)
Who Should NOT Take Wegovy
- • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- • Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- • History of pancreatitis
- • Allergic to semaglutide or any ingredients
Wegovy vs Ozempic: what's the Difference?
Both medications contain semaglutide, but they're licensed for different purposes:
| Feature | Wegovy | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed For | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes |
| Maximum Dose | 2.4mg weekly | 1mg (or 2mg) weekly |
| NHS Available | Yes (specialist services) | Yes (diabetes patients) |
| Private Cost | £150-£300/month | £150-£250/month |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
References & Sources
- NICE Technology Appraisal TA875: Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity (March 2023)
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM 2021.
- MHRA. Wegovy (semaglutide) Summary of Product Characteristics.
- NHS England. Specialist Weight Management Services guidance.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Wegovy is a prescription medication that requires assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any weight loss medication. Individual results may vary.
Last updated: December 2025
Stay Updated on Wegovy UK Availability
Get notified about availability changes, price updates, and new research. Plus receive our free UK medication guide when it launches.