Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. At Fylde Clinic and other private providers across the UK, Wegovy costs typically range from £150 to £300 monthly for medication, with total annual treatment costs between £2,000 and £3,500 including consultations and monitoring. Whilst NHS access remains highly restricted due to limited supply and strict eligibility criteria, private clinics may offer faster access for clinically appropriate patients. This article examines Wegovy pricing structures, eligibility requirements, payment options, and what comprehensive treatment programmes should include to support safe, effective weight management.

Wegovy Pricing at Fylde Clinic

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only weight management medication available through private clinics across the UK, including Fylde Clinic. Private pricing for Wegovy typically reflects the medication's supply costs, clinical consultation fees, and ongoing monitoring requirements. At most private weight management clinics in the UK, patients can expect indicative monthly costs ranging from £150 to £300 for the medication itself, though prices vary significantly depending on the dosage phase, clinic pricing structure, and supply availability.

Fylde Clinic, like other private providers, structures Wegovy treatment as a comprehensive weight management programme rather than simply dispensing medication. Initial consultation fees typically range from £50 to £150, during which a clinician assesses eligibility based on body mass index (BMI), weight-related comorbidities, and previous weight loss attempts. Patients must meet specific criteria: a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnoea.

The indicative total cost of Wegovy treatment over a 12-month period can range from £2,000 to £3,500 when accounting for medication, consultations, and follow-up appointments. Wegovy requires a gradual dose escalation protocol over 16–20 weeks, starting at 0.25 mg weekly and increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly (though some patients may remain on 1.7 mg if the higher dose is not tolerated). This titration schedule helps minimise gastrointestinal side effects and allows clinicians to monitor patient response. Patients should request a detailed written cost breakdown during their initial consultation to understand the full financial commitment involved in Wegovy treatment.

Important safety considerations: Wegovy is contraindicated in pregnancy and not recommended during breastfeeding. Effective contraception is required during treatment, with a 2-month washout period before planned pregnancy. Wegovy should not be used in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

NHS vs Private Wegovy Costs

Wegovy became available on the NHS in England from September 2023, but access remains highly restricted due to limited supply and strict eligibility criteria. NHS England has implemented a phased rollout prioritising patients with the highest clinical need, specifically those with a BMI of 35 kg/m² or above (or 32.5 kg/m² for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean backgrounds, in line with NICE guidance) plus at least one weight-related comorbidity, and who have participated in a specialist weight management service.

For eligible NHS patients, Wegovy is provided at standard prescription charges (currently £9.90 per item in England, or free for those with exemption certificates). Prescriptions are free in Scotland and Wales. However, waiting times for NHS weight management services can vary considerably by region, and not all integrated care boards have commissioned Wegovy services. NICE guidance (TA875) recommends Wegovy only as part of a specialist weight management service, which includes dietary advice, physical activity support, and behavioural interventions, typically for a maximum of 2 years.

In contrast, private clinics may offer faster access to Wegovy for patients who meet clinical criteria, though availability depends on national supply constraints. Private treatment provides greater flexibility in appointment scheduling, more frequent monitoring, and personalised support programmes. However, the financial burden is substantial, with patients bearing the full cost of medication and consultations. Some private medical insurance policies may cover weight management medications, but coverage varies significantly between providers and policy types. Patients should verify their insurance coverage before committing to private Wegovy treatment, as many insurers classify weight management as a lifestyle intervention rather than medical treatment.

Payment Options and Prescription Requirements

Private clinics offering Wegovy typically provide several payment structures to accommodate different financial circumstances. Most commonly, patients pay monthly for their medication supply and attend regular review appointments (usually every 4–12 weeks). Some clinics offer package deals covering 3–6 months of treatment at a slightly reduced rate, though this requires upfront payment. A smaller number of providers offer payment plans or financing options through third-party medical finance companies, allowing patients to spread costs over 6–12 months, though interest charges may apply.

Prescription requirements for Wegovy are stringent, reflecting its status as a prescription-only medicine (POM) under MHRA regulations. Patients cannot purchase Wegovy without a valid prescription from a UK-registered prescriber (doctor, nurse prescriber, or pharmacist prescriber). The prescribing clinician must conduct a thorough medical assessment including:

• Medical history review – screening for conditions where caution is advised, such as severe gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis, or gallbladder disease

• Current medications – checking for potential interactions, particularly with other diabetes medications that may increase hypoglycaemia risk

• Baseline measurements – weight, BMI, blood pressure, and often blood tests including HbA1c, lipid profile, and liver function

• Cardiovascular risk assessment – particularly important given Wegovy's effects on heart rate

Ongoing prescriptions require regular monitoring appointments to assess weight loss progress, tolerability, and any adverse effects. According to the UK product information, Wegovy should be discontinued if patients do not achieve at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose (either 2.4 mg or 1.7 mg). Reputable clinics will not issue repeat prescriptions without appropriate clinical review, ensuring patient safety and treatment effectiveness.

Wegovy is contraindicated during pregnancy and not recommended during breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and stop Wegovy at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.

What Does Wegovy Treatment Include?

Comprehensive Wegovy treatment programmes at private clinics extend beyond medication dispensing to encompass holistic weight management support. The medication itself works through the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist mechanism, mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. Semaglutide acts on areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, leading to reduced hunger, increased satiety, and consequently decreased caloric intake. Clinical trials (STEP-1) have demonstrated average weight loss of 10–15% of initial body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle interventions.

A quality Wegovy treatment programme typically includes:

• Initial comprehensive assessment – detailed medical history, physical examination, baseline investigations, and eligibility confirmation

• Medication supply and administration training – Wegovy is administered via subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device; clinics provide thorough training on injection technique, site rotation, and pen disposal

• Structured lifestyle support – dietary guidance from registered nutritionists or dietitians, physical activity recommendations, and behavioural modification strategies

• Regular monitoring appointments – typically every 4–12 weeks to assess progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as needed

• Side effect management – proactive strategies to minimise common gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation) which affect a significant proportion of patients according to the SmPC

Patients should be aware that Wegovy is not a standalone solution. Successful long-term weight management requires sustained lifestyle modifications including balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. The medication facilitates adherence to these changes by reducing appetite and cravings. Clinics should provide clear guidance on when to seek urgent medical attention, including signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain), gallbladder problems, allergic reactions, persistent vomiting or dehydration (risk of acute kidney injury), and visual changes in people with diabetes (risk of retinopathy complications).

Treatment duration varies: NHS use is typically limited to 2 years per NICE guidance, while private treatment duration should be individualised and regularly reviewed. Patients should report any suspected side effects to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or the Yellow Card app).

Frequently Asked Questions