Understanding the cost of Wegovy through WePrescribe is essential for anyone considering this weight management treatment in the UK. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed by the MHRA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Whilst NHS provision exists under strict criteria through specialist services, private prescribing platforms like WePrescribe offer faster access at a premium. Monthly costs typically range from £150 to £300, representing a significant financial commitment. This article examines WePrescribe's pricing structure, compares NHS versus private pathways, and outlines what clinical support is included in the service to help patients make informed decisions about this long-term treatment option.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

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 (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. 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 widely recognised for their efficacy in weight reduction.

The mechanism of action centres on mimicking the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is released from the gut in response to food intake. Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in multiple tissues, including the brain, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. In the hypothalamus, it reduces appetite and increases feelings of satiety, leading to decreased caloric intake. It also slows gastric emptying (most pronounced during dose escalation), prolonging the sensation of fullness after meals. In the pancreas, semaglutide enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon release, contributing to improved glycaemic control.

Clinical trials, including the STEP programme, have demonstrated that Wegovy can lead to an average weight loss of approximately 15% of initial body weight in non-diabetic adults over 68 weeks (with somewhat lower average losses in people with type 2 diabetes) when combined with lifestyle interventions. This makes it one of the most effective pharmacological options currently available for obesity management. However, it is important to emphasise that Wegovy is not a standalone solution—optimal outcomes require concurrent dietary modification, increased physical activity, and behavioural support. Patients should be counselled that weight loss is gradual and that adherence to the treatment regimen and lifestyle changes is essential for sustained benefit.

People with type 2 diabetes and pre-existing diabetic retinopathy should be aware that rapid improvements in blood glucose control may be associated with temporary worsening of retinopathy.

WePrescribe Wegovy Cost and Pricing Structure

WePrescribe is a UK-based online prescribing service offering access to Wegovy for eligible patients through a private healthcare model. Understanding the cost structure is essential for individuals considering this treatment pathway, as Wegovy is a premium medication with significant monthly expenditure.

Typically, private Wegovy prescriptions in the UK range from £150 to £300 per month, depending on the dose and service provider. WePrescribe's pricing generally falls within this bracket, but patients should verify current costs directly from their website as prices may change over time. The treatment follows a dose-escalation protocol over 16 weeks as outlined in the UK SmPC, starting at 0.25 mg weekly and gradually increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. During the titration phase, lower doses may be slightly less expensive, but patients should budget for the full maintenance cost once the target dose is reached.

It is important to note that the cost structure may include:

• Initial consultation fee: A one-off charge for medical assessment and prescription approval

• Monthly medication cost: The ongoing price for each four-week supply of Wegovy pens

• Follow-up consultations: Periodic reviews to monitor progress, tolerability, and adjust treatment as needed

• Delivery charges: Some services include free delivery, while others may add a nominal fee

• Sharps disposal: Provision of sharps bins for safe needle disposal

Patients should clarify the total cost of care upfront, including any hidden fees or mandatory add-ons. Transparency in pricing is a hallmark of reputable prescribing services. Additionally, individuals should be aware that Wegovy is a long-term commitment—most patients require at least 12 months of treatment to achieve and maintain meaningful weight loss. First-year costs typically range from £2,000–£3,600, accounting for both the lower-cost titration period and subsequent maintenance dosing.

NHS vs Private Wegovy Prescriptions: Cost Comparison

The availability and cost of Wegovy differ markedly between NHS and private pathways, and understanding these distinctions is crucial for informed decision-making.

NHS Provision: In March 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended Wegovy for use within specialist weight management services on the NHS, but with strict eligibility criteria. Patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥32.5 kg/m² for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds) and at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease. Additionally, access is typically limited to tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management services, which have long waiting lists in many regions. NICE guidance (TA875) specifies that NHS treatment is limited to a maximum of 2 years. Even when prescribed via the NHS, supply constraints have led to intermittent availability. For eligible patients, NHS prescriptions incur only the standard prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item in England, or free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or for those with exemption certificates).

Private Provision: Private services like WePrescribe offer faster access without the need for specialist referral or prolonged waiting times. However, this convenience comes at a substantial cost—£150–£300 per month—which is not reimbursed by the NHS. Private prescribing may suit individuals who do not meet NHS criteria, cannot access specialist services locally, or prefer the flexibility and speed of online consultations.

Key Considerations: Patients should weigh the financial burden of private treatment against the potential health benefits and the likelihood of NHS access. Those with significant weight-related comorbidities should explore NHS pathways first through a GP referral to specialist services, while others may find private services more practical despite the cost.

What's Included in WePrescribe Wegovy Service

WePrescribe offers a comprehensive, medically supervised weight management service that extends beyond simply dispensing medication. Understanding what is included helps patients assess value for money and ensures they receive appropriate clinical support throughout their treatment journey.

Initial Medical Assessment: All patients undergo a thorough online consultation, typically involving a detailed questionnaire covering medical history, current medications, weight history, previous weight loss attempts, and comorbidities. A prescribing clinician—usually a GP or specialist prescriber—reviews this information to determine eligibility and safety. Important precautions include personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, and severe gastrointestinal disease. Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy, and women of childbearing potential should stop treatment at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long half-life of the medication.

Prescription and Medication Supply: Once approved, the prescription is issued and Wegovy is dispensed from a registered UK pharmacy. The medication is delivered discreetly to the patient's home, usually within a few working days. The service typically provides four pre-filled injection pens per month, corresponding to the weekly dosing schedule.

Ongoing Clinical Monitoring: Reputable services include regular follow-up consultations—often at 4, 8, and 12 weeks initially, then every 3 months. These reviews assess weight loss progress, tolerability, adverse effects, and adherence to lifestyle modifications. Clinicians may adjust the dose, provide motivational support, or discontinue treatment if insufficient response is observed after an adequate trial period.

Patient Education and Support: Many services provide educational resources on nutrition, physical activity, injection technique, and managing side effects such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea. Access to dietitians or health coaches may be available as an optional add-on. Information on proper sharps disposal should also be provided.

Safety Advice: Patients should be counselled on when to seek urgent medical attention, including symptoms of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain), gallbladder disease, hypoglycaemia (if on concurrent diabetes medications), or allergic reactions. Adequate hydration is important, particularly if experiencing gastrointestinal side effects, to reduce the risk of dehydration and acute kidney injury. People with type 2 diabetes and retinopathy should have appropriate monitoring. Patients should report any suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk). Clear pathways for accessing clinical support between scheduled reviews are essential components of a high-quality service.

Frequently Asked Questions