Wegovy and Mounjaro in the UK: NHS Eligibility, Private Options, and Cost Guide (2026)
NHS access requires BMI 35+ (or 30+ with comorbidities). Private prescriptions run £150-300/month. Here is the full breakdown.
Key takeaway: Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both available in the UK for weight management. NHS access requires BMI 35+ (or 30+ with comorbidities), referral to a Specialist Weight Management Service, and a wait of several months. Private prescriptions are available through online pharmacies and telehealth services for £150-300/month.
NHS Eligibility for Weight Loss Injections
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg/week)
NICE approved Wegovy for weight management in the UK. NHS eligibility:
- BMI 35 or above, OR
- BMI 30-34.9 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease)
- Referral to a Specialist Weight Management Service (SWMS) is required — you cannot get Wegovy through your GP alone
- Maximum treatment duration on NHS: 2 years
The rollout has been gradual. Not all NHS trusts have SWMS capacity, and waiting lists can be 3-12 months depending on your area.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro received NICE approval for weight management in the UK. It is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — targeting two hormones instead of one. Eligibility criteria mirror Wegovy (BMI 35+ or 30+ with comorbidities). Available doses: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: Same Drug, Different Licence
| Ozempic | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Licensed for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management |
| Maximum dose | 2.0 mg/week | 2.4 mg/week |
| NHS coverage | Yes (with diabetes diagnosis) | Yes (via SWMS, BMI criteria) |
| Private for weight loss | Off-label, some providers prescribe | On-label, widely available |
Private Options in the UK
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- Smart reminders so you never miss a dose
- Progress tracking with photos and weight
- Medication level curves for every compound
Online pharmacy and telehealth services
- Boots Online Doctor — offers Wegovy through an online consultation. Requires BMI assessment and medical history review.
- LloydsPharmacy Online — similar to Boots, online assessment and prescription.
- Manual — men's health telehealth service that includes GLP-1 prescriptions.
- Numan — similar telehealth model, offers ongoing support and monitoring.
- Juniper — weight management programme with GLP-1 prescriptions, dietitian support, and health coaching.
Cost comparison (private)
| Medication | Approx. monthly cost (private) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy 0.25mg (starting dose) | £150-200 | Titration dose — lower cost |
| Wegovy 2.4mg (maintenance) | £250-300 | Full dose |
| Mounjaro 2.5mg (starting) | £150-180 | Titration dose |
| Mounjaro 15mg (maximum) | £250-300 | Full dose |
| Ozempic 0.25mg (off-label) | £150-200 | Off-label for weight loss |
The Titration Schedule
Wegovy titration
| Month | Weekly dose |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | 0.25 mg |
| Month 2 | 0.5 mg |
| Month 3 | 1.0 mg |
| Month 4 | 1.7 mg |
| Month 5+ | 2.4 mg (maintenance) |
Mounjaro titration
| Month | Weekly dose |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | 2.5 mg |
| Month 2 | 5.0 mg |
| Month 3 | 7.5 mg |
| Month 4 | 10 mg |
| Month 5+ | 12.5 mg or 15 mg |
Do not skip titration steps. The most common side effects (nausea, constipation, reduced appetite) are worse when you increase too quickly. If side effects are severe at a new dose, stay at that dose for an extra 2-4 weeks before increasing.
Managing Side Effects
- Nausea — usually worst in the first 24-72 hours after each dose increase. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps.
- Constipation — increase fibre and water intake. Psyllium husk or a gentle osmotic laxative if needed.
- Reduced appetite — the intended effect, but can be too aggressive initially. Focus on protein-rich foods.
- Fatigue — common in the first 2-4 weeks as your body adjusts to lower caloric intake.
Tracking Your Protocol
Tracking your dose, weight, and side effects over time helps you and your prescriber make informed decisions about titration speed and dose adjustments. Regimen lets you log each injection, track your weight trend, and monitor side effects — whether you are on Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Ozempic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Track your Wegovy or Mounjaro dose, weight, and side effects with Regimen. Free for one compound.
Regimen is a tracking tool, not a medical service. We do not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication protocol.