Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only medicine licensed by the MHRA for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. In the UK, you cannot buy Wegovy over the counter or without a valid prescription from a registered healthcare professional. Legitimate sources include NHS specialist weight management services, registered online pharmacies with qualified prescribers, and private clinics. With current supply constraints and the proliferation of unregulated sellers, understanding where to safely obtain Wegovy and how to verify provider credentials is essential for your safety and treatment success.

Where Can You Buy Wegovy in the UK?

Wegovy (semaglutide) injection is a prescription-only medicine licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. The maintenance dose of 2.4 mg is reached through a gradual titration schedule. In the UK, you cannot purchase Wegovy over the counter or without a valid prescription from a registered healthcare professional.

Legitimate sources for obtaining Wegovy include:

• NHS prescription services – Available through specialist tier 3/4 weight management services, typically for up to 2 years as per NICE guidance (TA875). Access is limited due to supply constraints and eligibility criteria, which include BMI thresholds (generally ≥35 kg/m², or ≥30 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities, with lower thresholds for people of Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds)

• Registered online pharmacies – Licensed UK pharmacies offering remote consultations with qualified prescribers (doctors, pharmacist independent prescribers, or nurse independent prescribers), followed by home delivery of genuine medication

• Private clinics and weight management services – Face-to-face consultations with healthcare professionals who can assess suitability and issue private prescriptions

It is essential to ensure any provider is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) for pharmacies, and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for services providing clinical consultations. The GPhC and CQC maintain publicly accessible registers where you can verify credentials. Purchasing Wegovy from unregulated sources, including international websites without proper UK licensing, carries significant risks including counterfeit medication, incorrect dosing, contamination, and absence of clinical oversight.

The current high demand for Wegovy has led to supply challenges across the UK. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England have issued guidance prioritising existing patients and those with the greatest clinical need. If you are considering Wegovy for weight management, discussing your options with a healthcare professional is the safest first step to determine eligibility and identify legitimate supply routes.

Wegovy is not licensed for use in pregnancy, during breastfeeding, or in people under 18 years of age. Those with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, diabetic retinopathy or severe gastrointestinal conditions should discuss these with their prescriber before starting treatment.

What to Consider When Choosing a Provider

Selecting a reputable provider for Wegovy is crucial for your safety and treatment success. Several key factors should guide your decision when evaluating potential suppliers, whether through the NHS, private clinics, or online pharmacy services.

Regulatory compliance and professional registration form the foundation of safe prescribing. Verify that the pharmacy holds a valid GPhC registration and that prescribers are registered with their appropriate regulatory body (General Medical Council for doctors, General Pharmaceutical Council for pharmacists, or Nursing and Midwifery Council for nurses). Services providing clinical consultations should also be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Legitimate providers will display these registration numbers prominently and are subject to regular inspections and quality standards.

Clinical assessment quality is equally important. A proper consultation should include a comprehensive medical history review, assessment of body mass index (BMI), evaluation of weight-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, discussion of contraindications, and review of current medications for potential interactions. Be wary of services that offer prescriptions with minimal questioning or without genuine clinical engagement.

Ongoing clinical support and monitoring should be part of any Wegovy treatment plan. NICE guidance (TA875) recommends regular follow-up to assess treatment response, manage side effects, and provide lifestyle modification support. Reputable providers will offer continued access to healthcare professionals throughout your treatment journey, not simply a one-off prescription.

Transparency regarding costs, supply, and sourcing is another hallmark of trustworthy services. Providers should clearly explain pricing structures, be honest about current supply limitations, confirm that medication is sourced from licensed UK wholesalers, and provide clear information about delivery timescales and what to do if side effects occur.

Be aware of important safety considerations. Wegovy is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people under 18. You should discuss with your prescriber if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal conditions, or diabetic retinopathy. There is also a risk of hypoglycaemia if you take insulin or sulfonylureas. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, signs of gallstones, persistent vomiting/dehydration, or allergic reactions.

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) and Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) provide comprehensive safety information and should be read carefully before starting treatment.

Accessing Wegovy Through Online Pharmacy Services

When considering online pharmacy services for Wegovy, it is important to understand the process and verify credentials independently. This information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute an endorsement of any specific service.

Typically, online pharmacy services follow a structured pathway. The process begins with an online consultation where you complete a detailed medical questionnaire covering your weight management history, current health conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. This information is then reviewed by a registered prescriber who assesses your suitability for Wegovy according to NICE guidelines.

Eligibility generally includes adults with a BMI of 35 kg/m² or above (30 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities), with lower thresholds for people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Treatment should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

If deemed appropriate, the prescriber issues a prescription, and the medication is dispensed by the registered pharmacy and delivered to your home address via secure courier. Reputable services will provide clear instructions on injection technique, dose escalation schedules (Wegovy requires gradual dose increases over 16-20 weeks to reach the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly), and guidance on when to seek medical advice.

Before using any online pharmacy service, you should:

• Verify GPhC registration by checking the register at www.pharmacyregulation.org

• Confirm that the service providing clinical consultations is CQC-registered

• Verify that prescribers are registered with the appropriate regulatory body (GMC, GPhC, or NMC)

• Review the service's clinical governance policies and complaints procedures

• Understand the full cost structure, including consultation fees and medication costs

• Ensure ongoing clinical support is available throughout treatment

• Confirm the medication is sourced from licensed UK wholesalers

Whilst online pharmacies offer convenience and privacy, they should never replace comprehensive weight management support that includes dietary advice, physical activity guidance, and behavioural interventions, all of which are integral to successful long-term weight management.

If you experience side effects, report them through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or the Yellow Card app).

Types of UK Pharmacy Services Offering Wegovy

Several types of pharmacy services may offer legitimate access to Wegovy within the UK regulatory framework. These include both online platforms and traditional pharmacy providers that have expanded into weight management services. This information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute an endorsement of any specific service.

Major pharmacy chains with weight management services may provide access to Wegovy following appropriate clinical assessment. These services typically combine in-person or online consultations with registered prescribers, ongoing support from pharmacy teams, and integration with broader lifestyle modification programmes. The advantage of established chains lies in their physical presence, allowing for face-to-face consultations if preferred, and the reassurance of dealing with well-known, regulated organisations.

Specialist online clinics focusing on weight management and metabolic health have also emerged. These services offer comprehensive programmes that include medical assessment, prescription of appropriate medications including Wegovy where suitable, and structured support from healthcare professionals. Some may provide more intensive behavioural support than standard pharmacy models.

Independent pharmacies with appropriate licensing may also supply Wegovy, particularly those with established relationships with local GP practices or weight management clinics. Your GP may be able to recommend trusted local pharmacies that can fulfil private prescriptions.

Regardless of which provider type you choose, the same verification principles apply. Always confirm GPhC registration for the dispensing pharmacy, ensure the service providing clinical consultations is CQC-registered, verify that genuine licensed medication is being supplied, and establish that ongoing support is available. The GPhC website provides a search function to check any pharmacy's registration status and inspection history.

Be aware that current national supply constraints may affect availability across all providers. Always confirm that medication is sourced from licensed UK wholesalers and be cautious of services offering guaranteed supply during known shortage periods.

If you have concerns about a provider's legitimacy, contact the GPhC, CQC or MHRA to report potential illegal activity. Remember that the cheapest option is not always the safest, and investing in a reputable, well-regulated service protects both your health and your financial investment in treatment.

Do not seek to obtain GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic (also semaglutide) off-label for weight loss, as this contributes to shortages affecting patients with diabetes who depend on these medications.

Frequently Asked Questions