Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly injectable medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Juniper is a private telehealth platform offering Wegovy prescriptions and support remotely, providing faster access than NHS routes. However, the cost of Juniper Wegovy treatment represents a substantial ongoing financial commitment, typically ranging from £2,500 to £3,800 over 12 months. Understanding what's included in the service, how it compares to NHS provision, and whether you can sustain treatment long-term is essential before starting. This article examines Juniper's Wegovy costs, service components, and how private treatment compares to NHS options.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with:

• A BMI of ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), or

• A BMI of ≥27 kg/m² to <30 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity

It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which were originally developed for type 2 diabetes management but have demonstrated significant efficacy in weight reduction.

The mechanism of action centres on mimicking the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is released from the intestine after eating. Semaglutide works by:

• Slowing gastric emptying, which prolongs the feeling of fullness after meals

• Reducing appetite through effects on brain regions that regulate hunger

• Improving glycaemic control by enhancing insulin secretion when blood glucose is elevated

• Decreasing glucagon secretion, which helps prevent excessive glucose production by the liver

Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. Treatment begins at a low dose (0.25 mg weekly) and is gradually increased over 16–20 weeks to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. This dose escalation schedule helps minimise gastrointestinal side effects, which are the most commonly reported adverse reactions.

In clinical trials (STEP 1, 3 and 4), Wegovy, when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, led to an average weight loss of 10–15% of initial body weight over 68 weeks. However, it is important to understand that Wegovy is not a standalone solution—it must be used as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that includes lifestyle modifications.

Treatment should be discontinued if at least 5% of initial body weight has not been lost after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose. On the NHS, treatment is limited to a maximum of 2 years.

Important safety considerations include:

• Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Not for people under 18 years

• Not to be used alongside other GLP-1 receptor agonists

• Caution in people with a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease

• Risk of dehydration due to gastrointestinal side effects

• Potential hypoglycaemia risk when used with insulin or sulfonylureas

• Need for diabetic retinopathy monitoring in people with type 2 diabetes

Suspected side effects should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

What's Included in Juniper's Wegovy Service

Juniper is a telehealth platform offering private weight management services in the UK, including access to Wegovy for eligible patients. Their service model is designed to provide comprehensive support beyond simply dispensing medication, recognising that successful weight management requires ongoing clinical oversight and behavioural support.

The Juniper Wegovy service typically includes:

• Initial medical assessment: A detailed online consultation reviewing your medical history, current medications, weight history, and weight-related health conditions. This assessment determines your eligibility for Wegovy according to the licensed indication and identifies any contraindications or safety concerns (including pregnancy status, eating disorder screening, and history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease).

• Prescriber review: Evaluation by a UK-registered prescriber (doctor or independent prescriber) who can authorise a Wegovy prescription if clinically appropriate, in line with GMC guidance on remote prescribing.

• Medication supply: Home delivery of Wegovy pens in the appropriate dosage, with ongoing supplies coordinated as you progress through the dose escalation schedule.

• Ongoing clinical monitoring: Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals to monitor your progress, manage side effects, track weight loss, and adjust treatment as needed. This includes applying the stop rule if less than 5% weight loss is achieved after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose.

• Educational resources: Access to information about nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural strategies to support sustainable weight loss.

• Customer support: Assistance with injection technique, pen device troubleshooting, and general queries about your treatment.

Juniper's model incorporates elements of the multidisciplinary approach recommended by NICE for weight management services, albeit delivered remotely. The platform provides continuity of care through a subscription-based service, with monthly or quarterly payment options depending on the package selected.

It is worth noting that while Juniper offers convenience and accessibility, patients should ensure they understand what is included in their specific package, as services may vary and additional costs may apply for certain elements of care. Patients are encouraged to inform their GP when starting treatment privately to ensure continuity of care.

NHS vs Private Wegovy: Comparing Your Options

Access to Wegovy in the UK is available through both NHS and private routes, but eligibility criteria, waiting times, and costs differ substantially between these pathways.

NHS Wegovy provision is governed by NICE guidance (TA875), which recommends semaglutide 2.4 mg as an option for weight management in adults with:

• A body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 kg/m² and at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease), or

• A BMI of 30.0–34.9 kg/m² who meet specialist service referral criteria

For people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean family backgrounds, BMI thresholds are typically reduced by 2.5 kg/m² due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels.

NHS treatment is provided through specialist weight management services and requires participation in a structured programme including dietary advice, physical activity support, and behavioural interventions with multidisciplinary team input. Treatment is commissioned for a maximum of 2 years. However, NHS availability is currently extremely limited due to supply constraints and capacity issues within specialist services. Many Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have restricted or paused new referrals, and waiting lists can extend to many months or even years in some areas (as of early 2024).

Private provision through services like Juniper offers several advantages:

• Faster access: Assessments can be completed within days, with medication delivered shortly after approval

• Convenience: Remote consultations and home delivery eliminate the need for multiple clinic visits

• Continuity: May provide more consistent access, though private services can also be affected by national supply constraints

Private prescribers should still adhere to the licensed indication for Wegovy, though they may use clinical judgement in borderline cases.

The primary disadvantage is cost—private treatment requires ongoing out-of-pocket expenditure, which can be substantial over the recommended treatment duration. Patients should carefully consider their financial capacity to sustain treatment long-term, as discontinuation typically results in weight regain.

Wegovy Cost Through Juniper in the UK

The cost of Wegovy through Juniper and similar private providers represents a significant financial commitment. Prices can vary depending on the service package, dosage stage, and current market conditions, so it's advisable to check current provider pricing directly.

As a general guide, the typical pricing structure for private Wegovy services may include:

• Initial consultation fee: Usually £50–100 for the medical assessment and prescriber review

• Monthly medication cost: Approximately £200–300 per month, depending on your current dose in the escalation schedule and the subscription plan selected

• Ongoing support: Some providers include clinical monitoring in the monthly fee, while others may charge separately for follow-up consultations

Over a 12-month treatment period, patients can expect to pay between £2,500 and £3,800 in total, including the initial assessment and monthly medication supplies. For longer treatment durations, costs would increase proportionally.

It is important to note that prices fluctuate based on:

• Supply and demand dynamics in the pharmaceutical market

• Dose escalation stage (lower doses during the initial titration period may cost slightly less)

• Promotional offers or package deals offered by the provider

• Whether you choose monthly or quarterly billing (some providers offer modest discounts for upfront payment)

Financial considerations before committing to private Wegovy treatment:

• Can you sustain this expenditure for the duration of your treatment? Weight regain is common after stopping treatment.

• Does your private health insurance cover weight management medications? Most UK policies exclude obesity treatments, but it is worth checking.

• Are there alternative options? Note that Ozempic (semaglutide 0.25–1 mg) should not be prescribed off-label for weight loss in people without diabetes, particularly during supply shortages, as advised by NHS England and the MHRA.

• What happens if you need to stop treatment due to side effects or financial constraints?

Patients should request a clear, itemised breakdown of all costs before starting treatment and ensure they understand the cancellation policy. If cost is prohibitive, discussing NHS referral options with your GP—despite longer waiting times—may be more sustainable long-term. Remember that Wegovy is most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, which require no financial outlay but demand commitment and support.

Frequently Asked Questions