To help them lose weight, some people living with obesity use GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
These drugs are injected once a week, and they mimic the hormone GLP-1, which helps slow digestion and makes people feel fuller for longer, meaning they eat less. Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, just like Ozempic does.
They’re essentially the same medication but under different brand names – the different brands are prescribed for different health conditions. Ozempic is used by people who want to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is used to help people with obesity and related chronic health conditions lose weight.
But how much does it cost? It’s important to know what the facts are before making the decision to start on Wegovy. So, here, we’ll explore the cost of Wegovy in the UK.
What is Wegovy and why is it prescribed?
Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 is produced by the gut, and helps control appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar, sending signals to the brain that the stomach feels full, reducing hunger and food noise – those persistent, unwanted thoughts about food that can be difficult to ignore.
It was approved to treat weight loss for people with obesity in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in September 2023. It should be used alongside changes in lifestyle – such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with a BMI of over 30 (putting them in the obese category) or over 27 (overweight) but with at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
While changes in lifestyle are important, treatment with Wegovy differs from lifestyle-only approaches. It’s intended for long-term use, too, with obesity being a chronic health condition, and the benefits of sustained treatment often outweighing the risks.
What is the average price of Wegovy in the UK?
The average Wegovy price in the UK sits around £150 and £300 per month, depending on the provider and the dose. This may sound expensive, but it’s important to remember that you’re paying for a branded prescription drug that has a set cost to your provider, as well as the effort of approving and managing the dose, and monitoring your treatment over time.
Why can the cost of Wegovy vary between providers?
Different providers will offer different services. A pharmacy, a private practice, and an online clinic may all differ in price because they’re different by nature, so doing a direct price comparison can be tricky. Wegovy might be more expensive when bought from a provider that offers higher levels of medical supervision or more frequent monitoring and reviews.
Some places may offer more support services as part of their package, too, and these could make the drug more expensive, while there may be a higher initial outlay for a starter pack.
Meanwhile, the demand for Wegovy may sometimes exceed supply, and this can affect the cost. Providers with consistent stock may offer Wegovy at a different price to other providers, for example.
However, it’s important to remember that a cheaper product won’t necessarily mean a lower-quality experience. There are lots of variables, and it’s not quite as simple as that.
There may also be other costs for some people. Some providers may charge for a first assessment or for reviews separately, while a clinician may advise that a patient has a blood test or another follow-up based on their past medical history or how they respond to Wegovy.
Is Wegovy available on the NHS?
Wegovy is approved for use on the NHS – but NHS coverage can be limited. Often, GP practices will identify people who might be eligible and contact them to explore whether they’d be a suitable option for them, rather than expecting patients to request Wegovy themselves.
To access GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy, for weight loss on the NHS, patients need to have a BMI of at least 30, as well as health problems as a result, though the exact requirements can differ from region to region:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Dyslipidaemia (abnormal blood fats)
Patients may also need to agree to partake in extra lifestyle support as part of their treatment.
Because the requirements to get Wegovy on the NHS are stricter, and there’s often limited availability and long waiting lists even for those who do meet the criteria, some patients opt for private providers instead. It’s cheaper on the NHS – free for those in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and £9.90 per prescription in England for those who aren’t exempt.
Is Wegovy worth the cost?
Different people will all have different answers here. But, for many people, the benefit of Wegovy to their weight loss journey, and their overall health in the long term, will mean that Wegovy is worth the cost.
It’s a good idea to think about value in terms of health going forward, rather than just the immediate cost of the medication. For someone who’s tried for years to lose weight, spending money on other treatments or strategies, the outlay on Wegovy could well be worth it.
Exploring Wegovy with The Virtual Slimming Clinic
Using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy alongside making changes to your lifestyle is an effective way to manage obesity and related chronic health conditions and lose weight.
If you’re considering Wegovy and would like to learn more about how it could work for you, get in touch with us at The Virtual Slimming Clinic today. We provide Wegovy to prescribed patients, and our clinical team can work with you to create a weight-loss programme to meet your needs. Why not start an assessment with us to find out how Wegovy can fit your health journey?
Frequently asked questions
How much does Wegovy cost per month in the UK?
UK pricing can vary, but the cost of Wegovy will generally be between £150 and £300 per month.
Is Wegovy more expensive at higher doses?
Yes – Wegovy will become more expensive at higher doses, as you’re using more of the medication. However, the price increases can differ depending on your provider.
Is Wegovy cheaper through the NHS?
Wegovy is cheaper through the NHS. Patients in England will only have to pay for the prescription, currently £9.90 per item, while it will be free for those who are exempt, as well as people in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
