Wegovy (Semaglutide) — UK Guide

The first GLP-1 treatment NICE-approved for weight management in the UK. Everything you need to know about Wegovy — how it works, what it costs, and where to get it.

What Is Wegovy?

Drug class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Active ingredient

Semaglutide

NICE approved

Yes (TA875)

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide 2.4mg, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It's a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist — a class of drugs that mimic hormones your body naturally produces after eating.

GLP-1 acts on receptors in the brain that control appetite and satiety. By activating these receptors, Wegovy reduces hunger, increases feelings of fullness, and slows gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves your stomach). The result is that people eat less without feeling deprived.

Wegovy was approved by the MHRA for weight management in the UK in 2022, and received NICE approval (TA875) in 2023, making it the first GLP-1 treatment recommended for obesity on the NHS. It's the same active ingredient as Ozempic (used for type 2 diabetes) but at a higher dose specifically for weight management.

Dose Escalation Schedule

Wegovy uses a gradual dose escalation over 16 weeks to minimise side effects. You start at the lowest dose and increase every 4 weeks until reaching the maintenance dose.

Phase Weeks Dose Notes
Escalation 1 Weeks 1–4 0.25mg Starting dose — your body adjusts to the medication
Escalation 2 Weeks 5–8 0.5mg First dose increase — some people notice appetite changes
Escalation 3 Weeks 9–12 1mg Therapeutic effects becoming more noticeable
Escalation 4 Weeks 13–16 1.7mg Approaching maintenance dose
Maintenance Week 17 onwards 2.4mg Full therapeutic dose — continue long-term

Important: Your prescriber may slow the escalation if you experience significant side effects. Some people remain at a lower dose if they're achieving good results with fewer side effects. Never adjust your dose without consulting your prescriber.

Effectiveness: STEP Trial Results

Wegovy's effectiveness was demonstrated in the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) programme — a series of phase 3 clinical trials involving over 4,500 participants.

STEP 1 Key Findings (68 weeks)

14.9%

Average body weight loss

(vs 2.4% placebo)

86.4%

Achieved at least 5% weight loss

69.1%

Achieved at least 10% weight loss

50.5%

Achieved at least 15% weight loss

Source: Wilding et al., NEJM 2021; 384:989-1002. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

What does this mean in practice?

For someone weighing 100kg (15st 10lb), an average weight loss of 14.9% would mean losing approximately 15kg (2st 5lb) over 68 weeks. However, results varied significantly — some participants lost much more, others less. Weight loss of 5-10% is considered clinically meaningful, as it can significantly improve blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and sleep apnoea.

Important: Clinical trial results are averages. Individual results depend on starting weight, diet, exercise, dose adherence, and other factors. These are not guaranteed outcomes.

Side Effects

Most side effects are gastrointestinal and tend to improve as your body adjusts, particularly during dose escalation.

Common (more than 1 in 10 people)

  • Nausea (most common, usually worst during dose increases)
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache

Serious but rare

  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder problems (gallstones)
  • Kidney problems (usually from dehydration)
  • Allergic reactions

For detailed information on managing side effects and when to seek help, see our complete side effects guide.

Wegovy Costs by Clinic and Dose

Prices shown are monthly costs from public clinic websites. All include an online consultation with a prescriber.

Clinic CQC 0.25mg 0.5mg 1mg 1.7mg 2.4mg
Boots Online Doctor Not yet inspected GBP 99.97 GBP 119.97 GBP 166.97 GBP 192.97 GBP 205.97
Numan Good GBP 139.00 GBP 159.00 GBP 179.00 GBP 209.00 GBP 229.00
Juniper Not yet inspected GBP 164.00 GBP 164.00 GBP 179.00 GBP 209.00 GBP 229.00
Manual Not yet inspected GBP 229.00 — — — —

Pricing from public clinic websites, March 2026. Costs may vary. All clinics are CQC-registered. See our cost calculator for detailed comparisons.

Eligibility

NHS (NICE TA875)

  • BMI 35+ (or 32.5+ for some ethnic groups)
  • At least one weight-related health condition
  • Referred through a specialist weight management service
  • Treatment limited to 2 years
  • Reviewed at 6 months — must achieve at least 5% weight loss to continue

Private clinics

  • BMI 30+ (obesity), or
  • BMI 27+ with a weight-related condition
  • Adults aged 18+
  • No waiting list — consultation typically same-day
  • No fixed time limit on treatment

For full eligibility details and our BMI calculator, see the eligibility guide. For a comparison of NHS and private pathways, see NHS vs Private.

How to Get Wegovy in the UK

NHS pathway

  1. Speak to your GP about weight management
  2. GP refers you to a specialist weight management service
  3. Specialist assesses eligibility against NICE criteria
  4. If eligible, Wegovy is prescribed and dispensed free of charge

Waiting times for specialist services vary significantly by area. Some areas have no specialist service available.

Private clinic pathway

  1. Complete an online health questionnaire
  2. A GMC-registered prescriber reviews your profile
  3. If appropriate, a prescription is issued
  4. Medication dispensed by a GPhC-regulated pharmacy, delivered to your door

Typically same-day assessment. Most clinics deliver within 2-3 working days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wegovy and how does it work?
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide 2.4mg, a GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for weight management. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone your body produces after eating, reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving blood sugar control. It's administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide) but are different products. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes at doses up to 2mg, while Wegovy is licensed specifically for weight management at a higher maintenance dose of 2.4mg. They are made by the same manufacturer (Novo Nordisk).
How much weight can I expect to lose on Wegovy?
In the STEP 1 clinical trial, participants lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks. However, individual results vary significantly based on starting weight, diet, exercise, and adherence. Your prescriber will review progress at regular intervals.
How long do I need to take Wegovy?
Wegovy is intended as a long-term treatment. Clinical evidence shows that weight regain is common after stopping. The NHS limits treatment to 2 years under NICE TA875. Private clinics may continue treatment longer based on clinical assessment. Your prescriber will discuss a long-term plan with you.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
Yes, Wegovy is NICE-approved (TA875) for use in specialist NHS weight management services. However, access varies by area and waiting lists can be long. You'll need a GP referral to a specialist service. Most people currently access Wegovy through private online clinics for faster access.

Compare Wegovy Prices

All clinics on SlimmingBoost are CQC-registered and use GPhC-regulated pharmacies. Compare pricing, features, and regulatory status.

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Sources

  • NICE Technology Appraisal TA875: Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity (June 2023)
  • Wilding JPH et al. "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity." NEJM 2021; 384:989-1002. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
  • MHRA Summary of Product Characteristics — Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg)
  • NHS England — Specialist weight management services
  • Clinic pricing from public provider websites, verified March 2026