Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) has emerged as a significant treatment option for chronic weight management in the UK, but understanding the financial commitment involved is essential for informed decision-making. Private healthcare offers faster access to this MHRA-licensed GLP-1 receptor agonist compared to limited NHS availability, though costs vary considerably between providers. This article examines private doc Wegovy cost structures, what's included in prescriptions, and how private provision compares to NHS pathways, helping patients navigate their weight management options with clarity on both clinical and financial considerations.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine 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 medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes management but now recognised for their 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 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 and satiety

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

• Potentially affecting food intake through central mechanisms

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 12–15% of initial body weight over 68 weeks. The medication is administered via a pre-filled, single-use injection pen subcutaneously (under the skin) once weekly, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Wegovy is indicated for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity), or 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, or obstructive sleep apnoea.

Important safety considerations include:

• Wegovy must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding

• It should not be used alongside other GLP-1 receptor agonists or semaglutide-containing products

• Caution is needed in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or diabetic retinopathy

• Patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin or sulfonylureas may need dose adjustments to prevent hypoglycaemia

As with all medicines, Wegovy is not suitable for everyone and requires careful medical assessment before initiation.

Private Doc Wegovy Cost: What to Expect

The cost of obtaining Wegovy through private healthcare providers in the UK varies considerably depending on the clinic, prescribing model, and level of support included. As of 2024, patients should anticipate monthly costs typically ranging from £150 to £300 for the medication alone, though this can fluctuate based on dosage, supplier, and current availability.

Most private providers structure their pricing in several components:

• Initial consultation fee: £50–£150 for assessment, medical history review, and prescription decision

• Monthly medication cost: £150–£300 depending on dose escalation phase

• Follow-up appointments: £30–£100 per consultation (usually monthly or quarterly)

• Administration supplies: Sharps disposal containers (often included)

The dose escalation schedule significantly impacts overall costs. Wegovy treatment begins at 0.25 mg weekly and gradually increases over 16–20 weeks to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Lower starting doses are generally less expensive, meaning initial monthly costs may be at the lower end of the range, increasing as the dose escalates.

Some private clinics offer package deals or subscription models that bundle consultations, medication, and ongoing support for a fixed monthly fee, typically ranging from £200 to £350. These packages may provide better value for patients committed to longer-term treatment.

Patients should also factor in potential additional costs such as baseline blood tests (£50–£150), body composition analysis, and nutritional counselling, which some providers include whilst others charge separately. It is advisable to request a comprehensive written cost breakdown before commencing treatment to avoid unexpected expenses.

Treatment duration should be individualised based on response and tolerability. In the NHS, NICE guidance limits treatment to a maximum of 2 years.

What's Included in Private Wegovy Prescriptions

Private Wegovy prescriptions typically encompass more than simply the medication itself. Reputable private healthcare providers structure their services to ensure safe, effective, and legally compliant weight management treatment. Understanding what is included helps patients evaluate value and quality of care.

Core components of most private Wegovy services include:

• Comprehensive medical assessment: Detailed health history, current medications review, contraindication screening, and BMI calculation

• Baseline investigations: Blood tests as clinically indicated, which may include kidney function, liver enzymes, thyroid function, and HbA1c depending on individual risk factors

• Prescription and medication supply: The Wegovy single-use pre-filled pen injectors, typically provided monthly with appropriate dosing for the escalation phase

• Injection training: Practical guidance on self-administration technique, injection site rotation, and pen device operation

• Sharps disposal: Safe disposal containers for used pens, with guidance on local disposal services

Ongoing support and monitoring distinguishes quality private services:

• Regular follow-up consultations (usually monthly initially, then quarterly) to monitor weight loss progress, assess tolerability, and adjust treatment plans

• Side effect management: Guidance on managing common adverse effects such as nausea, constipation, or injection site reactions

• Red flag symptom advice: Information on when to seek urgent medical attention, such as for severe persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), ongoing vomiting/dehydration, gallbladder symptoms, or sudden visual changes

• Lifestyle modification support: Dietary advice, physical activity recommendations, and behavioural strategies to optimise outcomes

• Safety monitoring: Periodic review of blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolic parameters

• Contraception and pregnancy planning: Advice on effective contraception during treatment and the need to discontinue Wegovy at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy

Some premium services also include access to multidisciplinary teams comprising dietitians, exercise physiologists, and psychological support specialists. Digital platforms may offer smartphone apps for tracking progress, educational resources, and direct messaging with healthcare professionals between appointments.

Patients should clarify exactly what is included in their specific package, as services vary considerably between providers, from basic prescription-only models to comprehensive weight management programmes.

Comparing Private and NHS Wegovy Access

Access to Wegovy differs substantially between private healthcare and the NHS, with significant implications for cost, waiting times, and eligibility criteria. Understanding these differences helps patients make informed decisions about their weight management options.

NHS Access and Eligibility:

NICE guidance (TA875, published March 2023) recommends Wegovy only within NHS specialist weight management services (Tier 3/4) for adults with:

• At least one weight-related comorbidity and a BMI ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥32.5 kg/m² for people from some minority ethnic groups)

• Treatment limited to a maximum of 2 years

However, NHS availability remains extremely limited due to:

• Restricted commissioning: Many integrated care boards (ICBs) have not yet commissioned Wegovy services

• Tier 3 weight management requirement: Patients must be managed within specialist NHS weight management programmes

• Lengthy waiting lists: Where available, waiting times can be substantial and vary by locality

• Supply constraints: National shortages have further limited NHS prescribing

• No cost to eligible patients: When accessible, treatment is provided free at the point of care

Private Healthcare Access:

Private provision offers several advantages:

• Immediate availability: Consultations often available within days

• Flexible appointment scheduling: Evening and weekend consultations commonly available

• Comprehensive support packages: Often more intensive monitoring and multidisciplinary input

• Significant cost: £2,000–£4,000 annually for medication and consultations

Private prescribing should follow the UK licence indications for Wegovy (BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities). Responsible clinics adhere to these licensed indications and follow the monitoring requirements in the Summary of Product Characteristics.

Key Considerations:

Patients should be aware that switching from private to NHS care may prove difficult once treatment is established. According to the product information, treatment should be discontinued if less than 5% weight loss is achieved after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg.

The decision between private and NHS routes depends on individual circumstances, financial capacity, urgency of need, and local NHS availability. Regardless of route, Wegovy should only be prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals following thorough medical assessment.

Patients are encouraged to report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Frequently Asked Questions