Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only weight management medicine licensed by the MHRA for adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions. Available through both NHS specialist services and private providers such as Zava, Wegovy requires a significant financial commitment when accessed privately. Monthly costs through Zava typically range from £150 to £250, depending on dose, with annual expenditure potentially exceeding £2,400. Understanding the full cost implications, clinical requirements, and long-term commitment is essential before starting treatment. This article examines Wegovy pricing through Zava, what's included in private treatment packages, and how private access compares to NHS pathways.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only medicine licensed by the MHRA for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnoea. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is released in the gut after eating. Semaglutide acts on receptors in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake, leading to reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness. This mechanism helps patients consume fewer calories, which supports gradual weight loss over time.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Wegovy can lead to significant weight reduction when combined with lifestyle modifications. In the STEP 1 clinical trial, participants using Wegovy lost an average of 12–15% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks, compared to approximately 2–3% in those receiving placebo.

It is important to note that Wegovy is not a cosmetic treatment. It is a long-term medication that requires ongoing commitment to lifestyle changes and regular medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation and abdominal pain. Patients should seek urgent medical attention for severe, persistent abdominal pain (which could indicate pancreatitis), persistent vomiting leading to dehydration, or signs of allergic reaction. People with diabetes should be aware of potential risks related to diabetic retinopathy.

NHS vs Private Wegovy: Understanding Your Options

Access to Wegovy in the UK is available through both NHS and private healthcare pathways, though eligibility criteria and waiting times differ significantly between the two routes.

NHS Wegovy prescribing is guided by NICE recommendations and is available for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or above (or 32.5 kg/m² for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds) who also have at least one weight-related comorbidity. NHS treatment is also available for those with a BMI of 30.0–34.9 kg/m² (or 27.5 kg/m² for the ethnic groups mentioned) who meet criteria for specialist weight management service referral. Importantly, NICE recommends that Wegovy should only be prescribed within specialist weight management services with multidisciplinary support, and NHS treatment is limited to a maximum of 2 years. Due to high demand and limited NHS resources, waiting times for specialist weight management services can be lengthy in some areas. Current GLP-1 receptor agonist supply constraints may also affect availability in both NHS and private settings.

Private prescribing services, such as those offered by online clinics like Zava, provide an alternative route for patients who meet clinical eligibility criteria but prefer not to wait for NHS services or who do not meet NHS criteria. Private services typically require patients to have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (or 27 kg/m² with a weight-related condition), which aligns with the licensed indications for Wegovy. The assessment process is usually faster, often completed within days, and treatment can commence more quickly if supplies are available.

However, private treatment involves out-of-pocket costs for both the medication and associated clinical services. Patients should carefully consider their financial circumstances and long-term commitment before choosing the private route. It is also advisable to inform your NHS GP about any private treatment you receive to ensure continuity of care and appropriate monitoring of your overall health.

What's Included in Zava's Wegovy Treatment Package

Zava is a UK-based online healthcare provider regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that offers private prescriptions for Wegovy following a clinical assessment. Their service provides access to weight management treatment while maintaining clinical safety and regulatory standards.

The Zava Wegovy treatment package typically includes:

• Initial online consultation – Patients complete a detailed medical questionnaire covering their weight history, current health conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. This information is reviewed by a UK-registered clinician (doctor or prescribing pharmacist) to determine eligibility and safety.

• Clinical assessment and prescription – If deemed suitable, the clinician will issue a private prescription for Wegovy. The assessment considers contraindications, potential drug interactions, and individual risk factors to ensure the treatment is appropriate.

• Medication delivery – Wegovy is dispensed by a registered UK pharmacy and delivered to the patient's home address in discreet packaging. Delivery typically takes 1–3 working days, subject to stock availability.

• Ongoing clinical support – Zava provides access to their clinical team for questions or concerns during treatment. Patients should report any adverse effects promptly.

• Treatment monitoring – Regular follow-up consultations are required to assess progress, review side effects, and determine whether continued treatment is appropriate. Clinicians should consider discontinuing Wegovy if patients do not achieve at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose (2.4 mg).

It is important to note that Zava's service does not replace comprehensive weight management support, such as dietetic advice or behavioural therapy. Patients are advised to engage with lifestyle modification programmes and to maintain regular contact with their NHS GP for broader health monitoring, including blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profiles.

Patients should be aware of when to seek urgent medical attention, including for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting leading to dehydration, or signs of allergic reaction. Any suspected side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Wegovy Cost Through Zava Online Prescription Service

The cost of Wegovy through private online services like Zava reflects both the price of the medication itself and the clinical services provided. Understanding the financial commitment involved in private treatment is crucial.

Wegovy pricing through Zava varies depending on the dose prescribed, as treatment follows a gradual dose-escalation schedule over several months. Patients typically start with a lower dose (0.25 mg weekly) and increase incrementally to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. As of early 2024, monthly costs through Zava generally range from approximately £150 to £200 per month for the lower starting doses, increasing to around £200 to £250 per month for the maintenance dose. These figures include the medication, prescription fee, and delivery, though prices are subject to change based on supply and demand factors. For current pricing, patients should check Zava's website directly.

Patients should budget for long-term treatment, as Wegovy is intended for sustained use rather than short-term intervention. The total annual cost can therefore range from £2,400 to £3,000 or more, depending on dose and duration. It's worth noting that NICE recommends a maximum treatment duration of 2 years for NHS-funded treatment, reflecting the current evidence base.

Additional considerations include the cost of follow-up consultations, which may be charged separately, and the potential need for blood tests or other monitoring investigations, which may incur further expenses if not available through your NHS GP. Some private health insurance policies may cover weight management medications, though this is uncommon, and patients should check their policy terms carefully.

Before committing to private treatment, patients should consider whether they can sustain these costs over the long term. Evidence from the STEP 4 trial shows that weight regain commonly occurs after stopping semaglutide, so a clear plan for ongoing treatment or transition to lifestyle maintenance is essential. If cost becomes prohibitive, discuss options with your prescriber, including potential alternatives or referral to NHS services where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions