Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is an MHRA-licensed once-weekly injection for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Whilst NHS access remains limited due to strict eligibility criteria and supply constraints, private online pharmacies such as Med Express offer an alternative route for eligible patients. Understanding the cost of Wegovy through Med Express and other UK providers is essential for those considering private treatment. This article examines Wegovy pricing, what's included in private services, and how costs compare between NHS and private prescriptions, helping patients make informed decisions about weight management options.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

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 represents a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide than that used in diabetes management (Ozempic).

The medication works by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a naturally occurring incretin hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in areas controlling satiety, leading to reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness. Additionally, it slows gastric emptying, which prolongs the sensation of satiety after 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 10–15% of initial body weight over 68 weeks.

Wegovy is administered via a pre-filled injection pen, with dosing gradually escalated over 16–20 weeks to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. The maintenance dose is 2.4 mg once weekly. Common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain, which typically improve as the body adjusts to the medication. Patients should be alert to serious side effects including symptoms of acute pancreatitis (severe, persistent abdominal pain, sometimes with vomiting) which requires immediate medical attention. Other important safety considerations include gallbladder disease, risk of dehydration, and potential worsening of diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes.

Before first use, Wegovy pens should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C). After first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) or in a refrigerator for up to 28 days.

It is essential to note that Wegovy is not a standalone solution for weight loss. NICE guidance emphasises that pharmacological interventions should be part of a comprehensive weight management programme, including dietary counselling, physical activity, and behavioural support. NHS treatment is limited to a maximum of 2 years within specialist weight management services.

NHS Prescription vs Private Wegovy: Cost Comparison

Access to Wegovy on the NHS is currently limited and subject to strict eligibility criteria outlined in NICE guidance (TA875). NHS prescription is typically reserved for patients enrolled in specialist weight management services, with eligibility including adults with a BMI of at least 35 kg/m² (or 32.5 kg/m² for people from certain minority ethnic groups) with at least one weight-related comorbidity, or adults with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m² (or 27.5 kg/m² for people from certain minority ethnic groups) who have been referred to specialist tier 3 services. Due to supply constraints and commissioning decisions, many Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have restricted or paused new initiations of Wegovy, meaning NHS access remains highly variable across the UK.

For those who do qualify for NHS treatment, the cost is covered by the standard prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item in England, with exemptions available for certain groups). In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free. However, waiting times for specialist weight management services can extend to several months or longer, and not all patients meet the stringent clinical thresholds. NHS treatment with Wegovy is limited to a maximum of 2 years.

Private prescriptions offer an alternative route for patients who do not meet NHS criteria or prefer faster access. The cost of Wegovy through private providers varies considerably but typically ranges from £150 to £250 per month, depending on the dose and service package. This price generally includes the medication itself, but additional consultation fees, follow-up appointments, and monitoring may apply. Over a 12-month treatment course, private costs can total £1,800 to £3,000 or more.

Patients considering private treatment should ensure they are accessing Wegovy through a GPhC-registered pharmacy and that prescriptions are issued by GMC-registered prescribers following a thorough clinical assessment. It is important to verify that the service includes appropriate medical oversight, as unsupervised use of weight-loss medications carries risks, particularly in individuals with certain medical conditions.

What's Included in the Med Express Wegovy Service?

Med Express is a UK-based online pharmacy and telehealth service offering private access to Wegovy for eligible patients. The service provides a pathway for individuals seeking weight management support outside the NHS. All consultations and prescriptions are managed by GMC-registered doctors, and medications are dispensed by a registered UK pharmacy in compliance with regulatory requirements.

The typical Med Express Wegovy service package includes:

• Online medical consultation: Patients complete a detailed health questionnaire covering medical history, current medications, weight management goals, and relevant health conditions. This is reviewed by a qualified prescriber who assesses suitability for Wegovy.

• Prescription issuance: If deemed appropriate, a private prescription is issued electronically and sent directly to the pharmacy for dispensing.

• Medication supply: Wegovy is delivered to the patient's home address, typically within 1–3 working days. The medication is supplied in pre-filled injection pens with full patient information leaflets.

• Ongoing monitoring and support: Follow-up consultations to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as needed. This may include weight tracking, review of tolerability, and advice on lifestyle modifications.

• Educational resources: Patients receive guidance on injection technique, storage, dose escalation schedules, and strategies to optimise weight loss outcomes.

It is important to note that not all patients will be approved for treatment. Prescribers will decline requests if there are contraindications (such as pregnancy) or if the patient does not meet clinical criteria for weight management medication. Patients should be prepared to provide accurate information and engage honestly with the consultation process to ensure safe and appropriate prescribing.

Patients should be advised to pause dose escalation and contact their healthcare provider if they experience intolerable gastrointestinal side effects. Any suspected side effects should be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Wegovy Cost Through Med Express and UK Online Pharmacies

The cost of Wegovy through Med Express and similar UK online pharmacies typically falls within the £150–£250 per month range, though prices can vary depending on the dose tier and any promotional offers. Wegovy is initiated at a low dose (0.25 mg weekly) and gradually increased over 16–20 weeks to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. During the dose-escalation phase, some providers may offer lower pricing for the starter doses, but patients should budget for the full maintenance cost once the target dose is reached.

When comparing costs across UK online pharmacies, patients should consider:

• Consultation fees: Some services include the initial consultation in the medication price, while others charge separately (typically £20–£50).

• Follow-up appointments: Ongoing monitoring may be included or charged per consultation (£15–£40).

• Delivery charges: Most providers offer free or low-cost delivery, but this should be confirmed.

• Subscription models: Some pharmacies offer subscription services with automatic refills, which may provide modest cost savings but require careful management to avoid unnecessary charges if treatment is paused.

Patients should be cautious of significantly cheaper offers, as these may indicate unregulated sources, counterfeit products, or services that do not provide adequate medical oversight. Wegovy should only be obtained from GPhC-registered pharmacies with valid prescriptions from UK-registered prescribers. Patients can verify a pharmacy's legitimacy by checking the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) online register and looking for the pharmacy's registration details and verification logo on their website.

It is also worth noting that private medical insurance policies in the UK rarely cover weight management medications, so patients should expect to pay out-of-pocket. For those unable to afford private treatment, discussing NHS referral options with a GP remains the most appropriate pathway, even if waiting times are longer. Patients should never purchase Wegovy from unregulated websites or social media sources, as this poses serious health and safety risks.

Frequently Asked Questions