Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) has emerged as a significant treatment option for chronic weight management in the UK, but understanding the costs and access routes is essential before starting therapy. This once-weekly injection, licensed by the MHRA for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities, works by mimicking natural appetite-regulating hormones. Whilst NHS availability remains limited due to capacity constraints, private healthcare providers offer alternative pathways at considerable cost. This article examines Wegovy pricing through private services, eligibility criteria, and how NHS and private prescription costs compare, helping you make an informed decision about this weight management treatment.

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 Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. It belongs to a class of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes management but now recognised for significant weight loss effects.

The mechanism of action centres on mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which is released from the gut after eating. Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in areas that regulate appetite and food intake. This leads to reduced hunger, increased feelings of fullness (satiety), and decreased food cravings. Additionally, Wegovy slows gastric emptying, meaning food remains in the stomach longer, contributing to prolonged satiety between meals.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Wegovy, when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, can lead to an average weight loss of approximately 15% of initial body weight over 68 weeks, though weight loss is typically lower in people with type 2 diabetes. The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) trial programme showed consistent, clinically meaningful weight reduction across different patient populations.

Wegovy is administered via a pre-filled injection pen, with dosing gradually increased over 16 weeks (or longer if needed for tolerability) to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. The maintenance dose is 2.4 mg once weekly. It is important to note that Wegovy is not a standalone solution—it must be used alongside lifestyle modifications including dietary changes and regular physical activity to achieve optimal, sustainable weight loss outcomes. Patients should be aware that weight regain may occur if treatment is discontinued without maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.

Lotus Weight Loss Wegovy Pricing and Service Options

Private healthcare providers in the UK offer Wegovy prescriptions through online consultation services. As Wegovy is not widely available via the NHS due to capacity constraints and strict eligibility criteria, many patients seeking this treatment turn to private providers, which offer accessible pathways to obtaining the medication.

Typical pricing structures at private weight loss clinics generally include two main cost components: the consultation fee and the medication cost itself. Initial consultations usually range from £40–£65, during which a prescribing clinician reviews your medical history, current medications, weight loss goals, and suitability for Wegovy. Some providers offer this initial assessment free of charge as part of a treatment package.

The monthly cost of Wegovy through private providers typically ranges between £175–£299 per month, depending on the dosage tier and service package selected. During the dose escalation phase (first 16 weeks), costs may vary as patients progress through lower doses (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg) before reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Some clinics offer subscription models with monthly billing, while others provide options to purchase multiple months upfront, occasionally at a reduced rate. These prices are indicative and may fluctuate, particularly given ongoing supply constraints affecting GLP-1 medications.

Private providers typically include ongoing clinical support as part of their service, such as regular check-ins with healthcare professionals, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and monitoring for side effects or treatment response. Some packages may also include access to nutritionists, behavioural support, or digital weight management tools. It is essential to clarify exactly what is included in the quoted price—whether follow-up consultations, blood tests, or additional support services incur extra charges. Patients should verify that the provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and employs appropriately qualified prescribers registered with their professional body (GMC, GPhC or NMC). It's also advisable to confirm continuity of supply before starting treatment.

Eligibility Criteria for Wegovy Weight Loss Treatment

Wegovy is not suitable for everyone seeking weight loss, and strict eligibility criteria apply to ensure patient safety and appropriate use. According to NICE guidance (TA875) and the medication's Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), Wegovy is indicated for adults with either a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity), or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease. For people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean family backgrounds, lower BMI thresholds may apply (typically 2.5 kg/m² lower).

Before prescribing Wegovy, clinicians must conduct a thorough medical assessment. According to the UK SmPC, the main contraindication is hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients. Wegovy should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease (including gastroparesis), and gallbladder disease. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment.

Patients must also demonstrate commitment to lifestyle modification, as Wegovy is licensed only as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—not as monotherapy. Prescribers typically assess motivation, previous weight loss attempts, and readiness to engage with dietary and exercise programmes. Some providers require evidence of prior lifestyle intervention attempts before initiating pharmacotherapy.

Additionally, clinicians will review your current medication list to identify potential drug interactions, particularly with other diabetes medications (risk of hypoglycaemia with insulin or sulfonylureas). No clinically relevant effect on oral contraceptive efficacy is expected, though severe vomiting or diarrhoea may reduce absorption. Baseline investigations may include blood pressure, blood tests to assess renal function, HbA1c (if diabetic), and lipid profile. Regular monitoring during treatment is essential—NICE recommends discontinuing Wegovy if patients do not achieve at least 5% weight loss after 6 months of treatment, as continued use is unlikely to provide meaningful benefit.

Wegovy Cost in the UK: NHS vs Private Prescriptions

The availability and cost of Wegovy differ substantially between NHS and private healthcare pathways in the UK. On the NHS, Wegovy was approved by NICE in March 2023 for specialist weight management services, but access remains severely limited due to supply constraints and capacity issues within specialist clinics. NHS England has implemented a phased rollout, prioritising patients with the highest clinical need—typically those with BMI ≥35 kg/m² plus significant comorbidities, or BMI ≥30 kg/m² with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.

For eligible NHS patients, Wegovy is provided at standard NHS prescription charges (check the NHS Business Services Authority website for current charges in England; prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and for those with valid exemption certificates). However, waiting lists for NHS specialist weight management services can vary significantly by locality, and not all Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have commissioned these services. Patients must be referred by their GP to a specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service, where multidisciplinary teams provide comprehensive support alongside medication. NICE guidance limits NHS treatment duration to 2 years.

In contrast, private prescriptions offer faster access but at considerably higher cost. Private providers typically charge £175–£299 per month for Wegovy, translating to approximately £2,100–£3,600 annually at the maintenance dose. Over a typical 1–2 year treatment course, total costs can reach £4,000–£7,000 or more, excluding initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and any additional investigations or support services.

When considering private treatment, patients should weigh the financial commitment against potential health benefits, including reduced cardiovascular risk, improved glycaemic control (if diabetic), and enhanced quality of life. Some private medical insurance policies may provide coverage for weight loss medications in specific circumstances—patients should check their individual policy terms directly with their insurer. It is also worth noting that stopping Wegovy typically results in weight regain, as demonstrated in the STEP 4 trial extension, meaning long-term financial planning is essential. Patients should discuss treatment duration, maintenance strategies, and transition plans with their prescriber to ensure realistic expectations and sustainable outcomes.

Patients should report any suspected side effects to their healthcare provider and can also report them directly to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions