Numan Wegovy cost is a key consideration for patients exploring private weight management options in the UK. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed by the MHRA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Through Numan, a digital healthcare provider, monthly costs range from approximately £149 to £299 depending on dosage, totalling £2,500–£3,500 annually. This article examines Numan's pricing structure, what's included in the service, and how private costs compare to NHS provision, helping you make an informed decision about accessing this treatment.

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 (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidaemia.

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 by acting on receptors in the brain that regulate hunger

• Improving glycaemic control through enhanced insulin secretion and reduced glucagon release

• May decrease energy intake by influencing pathways associated with food consumption

Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. The treatment follows a gradual dose-escalation schedule over 16 weeks, starting at 0.25 mg weekly and increasing every 4 weeks (0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg) to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Some patients may remain on 1.7 mg if the 2.4 mg dose is not tolerated. This titration approach helps minimise gastrointestinal side effects, which are the most commonly reported adverse reactions.

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain (with or without vomiting), as this could indicate serious conditions such as pancreatitis or gallbladder disease.

Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. It should not be used in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or other semaglutide products (such as Ozempic or Rybelsus).

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. However, it is important to emphasise that Wegovy is not a standalone solution—it must be used as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that includes lifestyle modifications.

For NHS treatment, NICE guidance (TA875) recommends Wegovy for a maximum of 2 years as part of a specialist weight management service.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your healthcare professional. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

Numan Wegovy Cost and Pricing Structure

Numan is a UK-based digital healthcare provider offering private prescriptions for Wegovy through an online consultation service. The cost structure for Wegovy through Numan varies depending on the dosage tier and subscription model selected. As of January 2024, patients should expect the following approximate costs:

• Initial titration phase (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses): £149–£199 per month

• Mid-range doses (1.0 mg and 1.7 mg): £229–£269 per month

• Maintenance dose (2.4 mg): £289–£299 per month

These prices typically include the medication itself, delivery to your home address, and ongoing access to clinical support through the Numan platform. It is worth noting that prices are subject to change based on supply chain factors, manufacturer pricing changes, and stock availability.

Numan operates on a subscription-based model, meaning patients commit to monthly deliveries with automatic renewals. This approach aims to support treatment continuity, which is important for weight loss outcomes, though this depends on clinical appropriateness and medication availability. The total annual cost of Wegovy through Numan can range from £2,500 to £3,500, depending on how quickly you progress through the dose escalation schedule and how long you remain on the maintenance dose.

Payment flexibility is an important consideration. Numan accepts major credit and debit cards. It's important to note that most UK private health insurance policies do not cover weight loss medications, so patients should check their policy terms carefully before commencing treatment. There are no NHS prescription charges applicable to private prescriptions, so the quoted price is the full amount payable.

Before committing to a subscription, confirm what is included (medication, needles, sharps disposal container) and understand any cancellation terms or minimum subscription periods that may apply.

What's Included in the Numan Wegovy Service?

The Numan Wegovy service extends beyond simply dispensing medication—it provides a digital weight management programme designed to support patients throughout their treatment journey. Understanding what is included in the service helps patients assess the offering compared to other private providers or traditional GP-led prescribing.

Initial online consultation: The process begins with a detailed medical questionnaire covering your weight history, current health status, medications, and weight loss goals. This is reviewed by a UK-registered clinician (doctor or prescriber) who determines your eligibility for Wegovy based on MHRA-approved criteria. The consultation fee is typically included in the first month's payment.

Prescription and medication supply: Once approved, your prescription is issued electronically and the medication is dispensed from a registered UK pharmacy. Wegovy pens are delivered to your home address in temperature-controlled packaging, typically within 2–3 working days, though this may vary depending on stock availability and cold-chain logistics requirements.

Ongoing clinical monitoring: Numan provides access to their clinical team through a secure messaging platform. Patients can ask questions, report side effects, or discuss treatment adjustments between scheduled reviews. Regular check-ins (typically monthly) help ensure treatment remains appropriate and safe.

Importantly, you should never adjust your dose without clinician guidance and should seek urgent medical attention (via NHS 111 or A&E) if you experience severe persistent abdominal pain (with or without vomiting), symptoms of gallstones, inability to keep fluids down, or visual changes if you have diabetes.

Educational resources: The service includes access to:

• Injection technique videos and guides

• Nutritional advice and meal planning resources

• Exercise recommendations tailored to your fitness level

• Strategies for managing common side effects

• Behavioural support for sustainable lifestyle changes

Flexible subscription management: Patients can pause, adjust, or cancel their subscription through the online portal, subject to the provider's terms and conditions. It is important to discuss any treatment changes with the clinical team rather than abruptly stopping, as this may affect weight management outcomes.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your healthcare professional. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

NHS vs Private Wegovy: Cost Comparison

The availability and cost of Wegovy differs substantially between NHS and private provision, making this an important consideration for patients exploring their options. Understanding these differences helps inform decision-making based on individual circumstances, urgency, and financial capacity.

NHS provision: Following NICE guidance (TA875, published March 2023), Wegovy is recommended as a treatment option for weight management in adults who:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of ≥35 kg/m² and at least one weight-related comorbidity, or

• Have a BMI of ≥30 kg/m² and have been referred to a specialist weight management service (tier 3)

NICE guidance specifies that treatment must be provided within a specialist weight management service and is recommended for a maximum of 2 years. Some NHS services may apply lower BMI thresholds for certain ethnic groups (e.g., South Asian) who are at higher risk at lower BMI levels.

When prescribed through the NHS, Wegovy is subject to the standard prescription charge of £9.90 per item in England (free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and free for those with exemption certificates). This represents exceptional value—potentially saving patients thousands of pounds annually compared to private costs.

However, NHS access remains limited. Supply constraints, commissioning restrictions, and waiting lists mean many eligible patients cannot access Wegovy through the NHS. Some integrated care boards (ICBs) have implemented local restrictions, and waiting times for specialist weight management services can be substantial. NHS follow-up may be in-person or remote, depending on local service design.

Private provision (including Numan): Offers access without NHS waiting lists, but must still adhere to the same licensed indication as NHS prescribing. The trade-off is significant cost—approximately £2,500–£3,500 annually—which is not covered by the NHS and typically not reimbursed by private insurance policies, as most UK insurers exclude weight-loss treatments. Private access is also subject to stock availability and supply constraints.

Key considerations when choosing between NHS and private routes include:

• Urgency: If you have weight-related health complications requiring prompt intervention, private provision may be appropriate if NHS waiting times are long

• Financial capacity: Can you sustain the monthly costs for the duration of treatment?

• NHS eligibility: Do you meet NICE criteria and is your local ICB commissioning the service?

Patients should discuss both options with their GP, who can provide guidance on NHS referral pathways and whether private treatment is clinically appropriate for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions