Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is an MHRA-licensed once-weekly injection for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Whilst NICE recommends Wegovy within specialist NHS weight management services, limited supply and strict eligibility criteria mean many patients explore private providers such as Dr Weightman. Private access typically costs £199–£299 per month plus consultation fees, bypassing NHS waiting lists but requiring self-funding. This article examines Wegovy's mechanism of action, NHS versus private prescribing pathways, how Dr Weightman services operate, and comparative UK costs to help patients make informed decisions about weight management treatment options.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work for Weight Loss?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection licensed by the MHRA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnoea. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Semaglutide belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class. It mimics the action of endogenous GLP-1, a gut hormone released after eating. The mechanism of action includes:

• Appetite suppression: Semaglutide acts on receptors in the hypothalamus to reduce hunger and increase satiety signals.

• Delayed gastric emptying: Slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach prolongs feelings of fullness.

• Improved glycaemic control: Enhanced insulin secretion and reduced glucagon release help stabilise blood glucose levels.

Wegovy is administered as a weekly injection with a dose titration schedule over approximately 16 weeks: starting at 0.25 mg and gradually increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. This gradual titration helps minimise side effects.

Clinical trials, including the STEP programme, demonstrated that patients using Wegovy alongside lifestyle interventions achieved an average weight loss of 12–15% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2–3% with placebo. These results have positioned Wegovy as a valuable tool in managing obesity, a condition affecting approximately 26% of adults in England according to the Health Survey for England.

Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort, particularly during dose escalation. Most gastrointestinal symptoms are mild to moderate and diminish over time. Serious adverse effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, risk of dehydration leading to acute kidney injury, and worsening of diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy should not be used concurrently with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Patients should report suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

NHS vs Private Wegovy Prescriptions: What's Available?

Access to Wegovy in the UK differs significantly between NHS and private pathways, reflecting resource constraints and eligibility criteria.

NHS Provision

NICE published guidance (TA875) in March 2023 recommending Wegovy for weight management within specialist NHS weight management services for up to 2 years. However, NHS availability remains limited due to:

• Supply constraints: Global demand has affected manufacturing capacity, leading to restricted allocation according to DHSC/NHSE updates.

• Specific eligibility criteria: Patients typically require BMI ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥32.5 kg/m² for certain ethnic groups at higher metabolic risk) plus at least one weight-related comorbidity.

• Specialist service requirement: Prescriptions must originate from tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services, which often have waiting lists.

• Regional variation: Availability varies across integrated care boards (ICBs), with implementation timelines differing by area.

Patients interested in NHS access should consult their GP about local referral pathways to specialist weight management services.

Private Prescriptions

Private healthcare providers, including online medical services and specialist weight management clinics, offer alternative routes to Wegovy. Private prescribing typically requires:

• Medical assessment (often via video consultation)

• BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with comorbidities

• Exclusion of hypersensitivity to semaglutide (the only formal contraindication in the UK)

• Commitment to lifestyle modification

Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and treatment should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.

Private provision bypasses NHS waiting lists but requires patients to fund both consultations and medication costs. Prescribers should follow MHRA guidance and ensure appropriate monitoring, including review after 6 months on the maintenance dose to assess response (defined as ≥5% weight loss). If this threshold is not met, discontinuation should be considered.

How to Access Wegovy Through Dr Weightman Services

Dr Weightman is a UK-based online medical service specialising in weight management prescriptions, including Wegovy. The platform provides a pathway for patients seeking private access to GLP-1 receptor agonists under medical supervision.

The Dr Weightman Process

Accessing Wegovy through Dr Weightman typically involves the following steps:

1. Online medical questionnaire: Patients complete a comprehensive health assessment covering medical history, current medications, weight history, previous weight loss attempts, and relevant comorbidities.

2. Clinical review: A UK-registered prescriber (GP or specialist) reviews the submission to determine suitability. This assessment considers potential risks, drug interactions, and whether Wegovy represents an appropriate intervention.

3. Prescription issuance: If approved, a private prescription is generated and sent to a registered UK pharmacy partner.

4. Medication delivery: Wegovy is dispensed and delivered to the patient's address, with delivery times varying depending on stock availability.

5. Ongoing monitoring: Follow-up consultations to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as needed.

Important Considerations

Patients should be aware that:

• Medical suitability is essential: Not all applicants will be approved. Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.

• Dosing follows a titration schedule: Treatment starts at 0.25 mg weekly, gradually increasing to the 2.4 mg maintenance dose over approximately 16 weeks.

• Lifestyle commitment is required: Wegovy should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

• Monitoring is necessary: Regular review of weight loss progress, tolerability, and metabolic parameters ensures safe, effective use. People with type 2 diabetes should be monitored for retinopathy, and those on warfarin should have INR monitored.

• Discontinuation criteria apply: If patients do not achieve ≥5% weight loss after 6 months on the maintenance dose, continuation may not be appropriate.

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe abdominal pain (which may indicate pancreatitis), symptoms of gallbladder disease, signs of dehydration, or any concerning symptoms while using Wegovy. Wegovy should not be used concurrently with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Wegovy Cost at Dr Weightman and Other UK Providers

The cost of Wegovy in the UK varies depending on the provider, dosing phase, and whether additional services (consultations, monitoring) are included. As Wegovy is not routinely available on the NHS for most patients, private costs represent a significant consideration.

Dr Weightman Pricing Structure

The following pricing information is indicative only and may vary. Patients should confirm current costs directly with Dr Weightman, as prices can fluctuate due to supply constraints and other factors:

• Initial consultation: £30–£65 for medical assessment and prescription (if approved)

• Medication cost per month: £199–£299, depending on dose and supply agreements

• Dose escalation phase (months 1–4): Lower doses may cost slightly less, though many providers charge a flat monthly rate

• Maintenance dose (from month 5 onwards): £250–£299 per month is typical across UK private providers

Comparative UK Private Provider Costs

Other UK providers typically charge similar amounts, though exact pricing should be confirmed directly:

• Online medical services: £229–£299 per month plus consultation fees (£20–£50)

• Private GP clinics: £250–£350 per month, often with higher initial consultation fees (£100–£200)

• Specialist weight management clinics: £300–£400 per month, including comprehensive dietetic and psychological support

Financial Considerations

Patients should budget for:

• Treatment duration planning: NICE guidance for NHS provision limits treatment to up to 2 years. Private patients should discuss expected duration with their prescriber.

• Response assessment: Treatment should be reviewed after 6 months on the maintenance dose and considered for discontinuation if weight loss is less than 5%.

• Total annual cost: Approximately £2,500–£3,600 for medication alone, plus consultation fees.

• Post-treatment considerations: Clinical evidence shows that weight regain is common after discontinuation, which may affect long-term planning.

When to Contact Your GP

Patients using private Wegovy services should inform their NHS GP to ensure:

• Accurate medical records

• Appropriate monitoring of comorbidities

• Coordination if complications arise

If you experience severe side effects, unexplained symptoms, or have concerns about treatment, contact your GP or the prescribing service promptly. Suspected side effects should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Wegovy should always be used under medical supervision as part of a comprehensive weight management strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions