Wegovy (Semaglutide): Complete UK Guide

How it works, clinical results, costs, side effects, and where to buy from verified UK pharmacies.

14.9%

Average weight loss (2.4mg dose)¹

Weekly

Injection frequency

From £155

Per month (UK providers)

GLP-1

Mechanism of action

What Is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) is a once-weekly prescription injection for weight management, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist to receive NICE approval (TA875) specifically for weight management in the UK.²

Wegovy works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally released after eating. It reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and helps you feel fuller for longer — leading to reduced calorie intake and sustained weight loss.

In the STEP 1 clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants receiving semaglutide 2.4mg lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% in the placebo group.¹

Semaglutide injection pen used for Wegovy weight loss treatment — Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Dosing Schedule

Wegovy follows a gradual dose escalation over 16 weeks to minimise gastrointestinal side effects, as detailed in the Summary of Product Characteristics.³

Dose

Period

Notes

0.25 mg

Weeks 1–4

Starting dose — allows your body to adjust

0.5 mg

Weeks 5–8

First dose increase

1 mg

Weeks 9–12

Intermediate dose

1.7 mg

Weeks 13–16

Pre-maintenance dose

2.4 mg

Week 17+

Full maintenance dose

Who Is Eligible?

Adults aged 18 or over

BMI of 30 or above (obese), or BMI of 27+ with at least one weight-related condition

NICE recommends use within a specialist weight management service for NHS patients

Available privately from GPhC-registered online pharmacies

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Based on NICE TA875 eligibility criteria.²

Side Effects

Side effects are primarily gastrointestinal and tend to improve as the body adjusts. Data from the STEP 1 trial¹ and the EMC SmPC.³

Side Effect

Frequency

Severity

Nausea

Very common (>25%)

Usually mild–moderate, improves over time

Diarrhoea

Common (10–20%)

Typically resolves within first weeks

Vomiting

Common (5–15%)

Usually temporary during dose escalation

Constipation

Common (10–15%)

Manageable with hydration and fibre

Headache

Common (5–10%)

Usually mild

Injection site reactions

Uncommon (<5%)

Mild redness or itching

MHRA Safety Alert: GLP-1 receptor agonists carry a small risk of acute pancreatitis. Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain. Read the MHRA guidance →⁴

How Much Does Wegovy Cost in the UK?

Wegovy is available privately from UK online pharmacies with prices starting from around £155 to £179 per month for the initial doses. Costs increase with higher maintenance doses.

Wegovy may also be available through the NHS within specialist weight management services, though availability varies by region. Check with your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) for NHS availability in your area.

Explore Wegovy in Detail

Dosage Guide

Full titration from 0.25mg to 2.4mg, injection instructions, and storage.

Side Effects

Common and serious side effects with STEP 1 clinical trial data.

Cost & Pricing

Private prescription prices by dose, NHS availability, and supply info.

Compare Wegovy Prices from Verified UK Pharmacies

Find verified providers offering Wegovy at competitive prices — all GPhC-registered and independently checked.

Important Medical Information

This website provides general information about weight loss medications for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP or qualified healthcare professional before starting any weight loss medication. Individual results may vary.

WhichWeightMeds.org is an independent comparison platform and is not affiliated with any pharmacy, manufacturer, or healthcare provider. We do not prescribe, sell, or dispense medications.

MHRA GLP-1 Guidance Pancreatitis Safety Warning

Sources & References

1
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1) — New England Journal of Medicine, 2021 (Accessed February 2026)View source
2
Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity — NICE Technology Appraisal TA875 — National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Accessed February 2026)View source
3
Wegovy (semaglutide) Summary of Product Characteristics — Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) (Accessed February 2026)View source
4
GLP-1 receptor agonists — safety review — Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (Accessed February 2026)View source