Medicspot Wegovy cost is a key consideration for patients exploring private weight management options in the UK. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is an MHRA-licensed GLP-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management, available through private providers like Medicspot when NHS access is limited. Private treatment typically costs £200–£250 monthly for medication, plus consultation fees of £40–£65 initially and £25–£40 for follow-ups. Understanding the full cost structure, including ongoing expenses and what's included in private services, helps patients make informed decisions about sustainable weight management treatment. This article examines Medicspot's pricing, compares NHS versus private pathways, and outlines what patients can expect from private Wegovy services.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only medicine licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight alongside weight-related health conditions. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes management but now widely recognised for their significant weight loss effects.

The medication works through several complementary mechanisms. Semaglutide mimics the action of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone released by the intestines after eating. By binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in areas that regulate appetite, Wegovy reduces feelings of hunger and increases sensations of fullness. This leads to a natural reduction in calorie intake without the need for extreme dietary restriction. Additionally, semaglutide slows gastric emptying, meaning food remains in the stomach longer, which contributes to prolonged satiety between meals.

Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. Treatment begins with a low dose (0.25 mg weekly) and gradually increases over 16–20 weeks to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly (or 1.7 mg if 2.4 mg is not tolerated). This dose escalation schedule helps minimise gastrointestinal side effects, which are the most commonly reported adverse reactions. If insufficient weight loss is achieved after the dose escalation period, treatment should be reconsidered. Clinical trials have demonstrated that patients using Wegovy alongside lifestyle modifications can achieve an average weight loss of 10–15% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks.

It is important to understand that Wegovy is not a standalone solution. NICE guidance emphasises that semaglutide should be prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that includes dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioural support. While obesity is a chronic condition requiring long-term management, NICE TA875 restricts NHS-funded treatment to a maximum of 2 years within specialist weight management services. Wegovy should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or other semaglutide-containing products. Important safety considerations include avoiding use in pregnancy (stopping at least 2 months before planned conception), caution in those with a history of pancreatitis, monitoring for gallbladder disease, and monitoring for diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes.

Medicspot Wegovy Pricing and Prescription Costs

Medicspot is a UK-based digital healthcare provider offering private weight management services, including Wegovy prescriptions through remote consultations. Understanding the cost structure is essential for patients considering this route, as private treatment represents a significant financial commitment.

Typically, Medicspot's Wegovy service involves two main cost components: the consultation fee and the medication cost itself. Initial consultations with a prescribing clinician generally range from £40 to £65, though prices may vary depending on promotional offers or service packages. This consultation includes a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, current health status, body mass index (BMI), and suitability for Wegovy treatment. Follow-up consultations, usually required monthly or quarterly to monitor progress and manage any side effects, may incur additional fees of approximately £25–£40 per appointment.

The medication cost represents the larger expense. Wegovy pricing through private providers like Medicspot typically ranges from £175 to £250 per month, depending on your current dose in the titration schedule and the dispensing pharmacy used. The starter doses (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg) are often at the lower end of this range, whilst the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg sits at the higher end. Some providers offer subscription models or multi-month packages that may provide modest savings compared to purchasing month-by-month. It's important to note that availability and pricing can fluctuate with supply constraints, which have affected semaglutide products in recent years.

It's worth noting that these costs are ongoing expenses for as long as you continue treatment. Most patients require sustained treatment to achieve and consolidate meaningful weight loss, potentially translating to a total investment of £2,500–£4,500 or more. Unlike the NHS pathway, which has a defined 2-year maximum treatment duration under NICE guidance, private treatment duration is determined by clinical judgement and patient choice. Medicspot and similar providers do not currently accept NHS prescriptions for Wegovy, meaning all costs must be met privately. Patients should carefully consider their financial capacity to sustain long-term treatment before commencing therapy, as discontinuation often leads to weight regain.

NHS vs Private Wegovy: Cost Comparison

The cost difference between NHS and private Wegovy access is substantial, though NHS availability remains extremely limited due to budget constraints and strict eligibility criteria. Understanding both pathways helps patients make informed decisions about their weight management options.

NHS Wegovy provision is currently restricted to specialist weight management services. Where available, eligible patients pay only the standard NHS prescription charge of £9.90 per item in England (prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), though hospital-supplied medications may have different charging arrangements. However, NICE guidance (TA875) recommends Wegovy only for adults with at least one weight-related comorbidity and a BMI ≥35 kg/m² (with lower thresholds typically applied for people from some ethnic groups). Adults with a BMI of 30.0–34.9 kg/m² may be considered only if they meet criteria for referral to specialist weight management services for other interventions. NHS funding is limited to a maximum of 2 years. Even meeting these criteria doesn't guarantee immediate access, as many areas have limited capacity in specialist services. Waiting times vary significantly by region.

In contrast, private services like Medicspot offer more rapid access, though this is dependent on provider capacity and medication supply. However, this convenience comes at considerable cost: approximately £200–£250 monthly for medication plus consultation fees. Over a typical treatment course, private patients might spend £4,000–£5,000 compared to under £200 for NHS patients in England (or potentially nothing in devolved nations).

Some patients adopt a hybrid approach, starting privately whilst simultaneously joining NHS waiting lists. This strategy allows earlier treatment commencement with the possibility of transitioning to NHS provision later, though there's no guarantee of NHS acceptance even after private initiation. Patients should also be aware that private prescriptions cannot be dispensed at NHS prescription charge rates—the full private cost applies throughout private treatment, regardless of whether you hold an NHS exemption certificate.

What's Included in Medicspot's Wegovy Service?

Medicspot's Wegovy service extends beyond simple prescription provision, offering a structured weight management programme designed to support patients throughout their treatment journey. Understanding what's included helps patients assess the value proposition of private services.

The service typically begins with a comprehensive initial consultation conducted via video call or online questionnaire with a UK-registered prescriber (usually a GP or prescribing pharmacist). This assessment covers your medical history, current medications, weight loss history, BMI calculation, and screening for contraindications and precautions. The clinician will discuss realistic expectations, potential side effects, and the importance of lifestyle modifications alongside medication.

Important safety considerations include avoiding use in pregnancy (with advice to stop at least 2 months before planned conception), hypersensitivity to semaglutide, history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease risk, and monitoring for diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes. The UK SmPC notes that rodent studies showed C-cell tumours, though human relevance is unknown, and advises monitoring for symptoms.

Once approved, medication is delivered directly to your home via registered pharmacy partners, with delivery times varying by provider and supply availability. The prescription follows the standard dose escalation protocol, with each delivery containing a month's supply of pre-filled injection pens. Detailed injection technique guidance and disposal information for used pens are provided, along with access to online resources covering dietary advice, physical activity recommendations, and strategies for managing common side effects like nausea and constipation.

Ongoing monitoring is a crucial component. Medicspot typically requires regular check-ins (monthly initially, then potentially quarterly) to assess weight loss progress, review any adverse effects, and determine whether dose adjustments or treatment continuation is appropriate. These consultations also provide opportunities to address concerns and reinforce behavioural changes. Some packages may include access to dietitian support or health coaching, though this varies by service tier and provider.

Patients should clarify what happens if side effects necessitate treatment discontinuation or if supply issues arise. Reputable providers should offer clear protocols for managing complications and pathways for stepping down treatment safely. Patients should be advised to report any suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Frequently Asked Questions