Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly injectable medicine licensed in the UK for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. Whilst NICE has approved Wegovy for NHS use through specialist services, access remains severely restricted due to supply constraints and budget limitations. Many patients therefore seek private prescriptions, with costs varying considerably between providers. Understanding Curely Wegovy cost structures, what's included in private services, and how these compare to NHS provision helps patients make informed decisions about accessing this GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment for weight management.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine licensed in the UK for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related health condition. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes management but now recognised for their significant weight loss effects.

The mechanism of action centres on mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which is released by the intestine after eating. Wegovy works through several pathways:

• Appetite suppression: It acts on receptors in the brain's appetite control centres, reducing hunger signals and increasing feelings of fullness (satiety)

• Delayed gastric emptying: Food moves more slowly from the stomach into the small intestine, prolonging the sensation of fullness after meals

• Improved glucose regulation: It enhances insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are elevated, whilst reducing inappropriate glucagon release

In the STEP-1 clinical trial, Wegovy, when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, led to an average weight loss of approximately 15% of initial body weight over 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% in the placebo group. The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) trial programme provided the evidence base for its approval, showing sustained weight reduction and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors.

NICE guidance (TA875) recommends semaglutide 2.4 mg as an option for weight management within specialist weight management services for adults with at least one weight-related comorbidity and a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or greater, or 30 kg/m² or greater in certain circumstances. NHS treatment is limited to a maximum of 2 years. NHS availability remains limited due to supply constraints, making private prescriptions a common route for many patients seeking treatment.

Important safety information: Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should be stopped at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Patients should be aware of symptoms of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, sometimes with vomiting) or gallbladder problems, which require immediate medical attention. People with type 2 diabetes should have regular eye examinations due to potential retinopathy risk. Maintaining adequate hydration is important, especially when starting treatment.

NHS vs Private Wegovy Prescriptions: Cost Comparison

Understanding the cost difference between NHS and private Wegovy prescriptions is essential for patients considering this treatment option. NHS availability of Wegovy remains severely restricted despite NICE approval. Most Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have limited access due to budget constraints and national supply limitations. Where NHS provision exists, it is typically reserved for specialist weight management services with strict eligibility criteria, often requiring patients to have completed tier 3 weight management programmes first. NICE guidance (TA875) specifies that NHS treatment should be provided only through specialist weight management services and is limited to a maximum of 2 years.

For patients who do access Wegovy through the NHS, the standard prescription charge applies—currently £9.90 per item in England (though many patients qualify for exemptions). Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Some specialist services may provide medication through hospital or homecare arrangements with different charging structures. However, waiting lists can extend to many months, and many areas simply do not offer the service at all due to supply constraints.

Private prescription costs vary considerably depending on the provider, service model, and medication availability:

• Pharmacy dispensing fees: May apply in addition to medication costs

• Consultation fees: Initial assessments and follow-up appointments are typically required

• Medication cost: The price of Wegovy itself varies between pharmacies

• Total monthly cost: Combines all elements and varies by provider and dose

Some private providers offer subscription models that bundle consultations, prescriptions, and medication delivery into a single monthly fee. Online services provide private pathways with varying pricing structures. Patients should carefully compare what each service includes, considering consultation quality, ongoing support, and medication supply reliability alongside the headline price.

What's Included in Curely's Wegovy Service?

Curely provides a private prescription service for Wegovy that extends beyond simply supplying medication. The service follows weight management protocols whilst offering the convenience of an online platform. All prescribers are UK-registered clinicians working within MHRA and General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines, with partner pharmacies regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Initial assessment and eligibility screening forms the foundation of the service. Patients complete a detailed medical questionnaire covering:

• Current weight, height, and BMI calculation

• Medical history, including cardiovascular conditions, thyroid disorders, and previous pancreatitis

• Current medications and potential drug interactions

• Previous weight loss attempts and lifestyle factors

• Pregnancy status and contraception use where applicable

• Mental health screening, as required by safe prescribing guidelines

A qualified prescriber reviews each application individually—there is no automated approval process. This ensures that Wegovy is only prescribed when clinically appropriate and safe. Patients who do not meet eligibility criteria receive explanations and, where appropriate, alternative recommendations.

Ongoing clinical support includes:

• Regular follow-up consultations: Scheduled check-ins to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as needed

• Dose titration guidance: Wegovy requires gradual dose escalation over 16–20 weeks to minimise gastrointestinal side effects; clear instructions are provided for each stage

• Side effect management: Access to clinical advice for managing common adverse effects such as nausea, constipation, or injection site reactions

• Safety monitoring: Regular review of response and guidance on when to pause or stop treatment if needed

• Lifestyle support resources: Guidance on nutrition and physical activity to maximise treatment outcomes

Medication supply and delivery is handled through registered UK pharmacies, with home delivery typically within 2–3 working days. The prescription renewal process includes reminders when supplies are due for patients who remain clinically suitable.

Patients are advised to report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app).

Wegovy Cost Through Curely: Pricing and Payment Options

Curely's pricing structure for Wegovy includes the essential components of weight management treatment. Prices are indicative, may vary over time, and depend on medication supply availability.

Monthly subscription cost includes:

• Wegovy medication (one month's supply at your current dose level)

• Initial prescriber consultation and assessment

• Ongoing clinical monitoring and follow-up consultations

• Prescription fees and pharmacy dispensing charges

• Home delivery with tracking

• Access to clinical support team for questions between appointments

The dose escalation schedule follows the recommended titration in the Wegovy Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC):

• Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg dose

• Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg dose

• Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg dose

• Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg dose

• Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg maintenance dose

If a dose is not tolerated, the escalation may be delayed by 4 weeks. Some patients may remain on the 1.7 mg dose if the 2.4 mg dose is not tolerated. If a dose is missed and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If less than 2 days until the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the scheduled day.

Payment options may include:

• Monthly subscription: Pay-as-you-go with no long-term commitment

• Quarterly payment options: May be available

• Pause and restart: Ability to pause treatment if clinically appropriate (this should be discussed with your prescriber)

Treatment duration is individualised based on clinical response and tolerability. Clinical trials demonstrate that weight loss continues throughout the first year of treatment. When comparing costs between providers, consider all aspects of the service including clinical oversight, support, and medication supply reliability.

Prices and availability are subject to change, particularly given the fluctuating supply of weight management medications in the UK market. For current pricing information, patients should check directly with Curely or other providers they are considering.

Frequently Asked Questions