Last medically reviewed: 21 March 2026
When I decided to try semaglutide for weight loss, I was overwhelmed by the number of UK providers. So I did what any slightly obsessive person would do — I signed up with five different services to compare them. Here’s exactly what happened.
Quick disclaimer: I’m sharing my personal experience. Everyone’s journey is different, and you should always consult a doctor before starting any weight loss medication.
Why I Tested Multiple Providers
My GP was sympathetic but not exactly helpful. “Lose some weight through diet and exercise first,” he said — which, fair enough, but I’d been trying that for years. I wanted to explore the private route, and when I started looking, the price differences were staggering. Some services were charging nearly double others for what appeared to be the same medication. I figured the only way to really know which was worth it was to actually try them. So that’s what I did.
The 5 Providers I Tried
1. Boots Weight Loss Service
I went with Boots first because, honestly, I trust them. I’ve been buying plasters and cough medicine there since I was a kid. The consultation was thorough — a pharmacist called me back within 24 hours, asked detailed questions about my medical history, and explained the dosing schedule clearly.
The pricing was competitive (around £199/month for Wegovy), and having a high-street pharmacy behind it gave me confidence about the medication’s legitimacy.
What I liked: The human touch. A real pharmacist who knew my name.
What I didn’t: The website booking system was clunky.
Verdict: 9/10 — My top pick for most people.
2. Manual.co
Manual felt like a tech startup had decided to get into healthcare — and honestly, that’s not entirely a bad thing. The app is genuinely slick, onboarding took about 10 minutes, and everything from prescription management to delivery tracking happened through their platform. The subscription model felt a little pushy at times, and I did miss the sense of talking to an actual clinician rather than filling in forms. But for people who want frictionless and fast, Manual delivers.
Verdict: 7/10
3. Numan
Numan was fast — probably the quickest approval I received across all five services. The digital-first approach means you’re never waiting in a phone queue, and their pricing was competitive. The downside? It can feel a bit impersonal. I never quite felt like anyone was looking at my case holistically; it was more like a checkbox exercise. That said, the medication arrived promptly and the clinical guidance was sound.
Verdict: 7/10
4. LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor had all the credentials I’d want — it’s backed by a brand I know, the clinical oversight felt genuine, and I appreciated the detail in their consultation questionnaire. But it was slow. Noticeably so. My approval took nearly four days, and getting a response to a follow-up question took another two. If you’re patient and want a more traditional pharmacy feel, it’s a solid choice — just don’t expect speed.
Verdict: 6/10
5. Superdrug Online Health
I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect much from Superdrug, and that’s on me. It turned out to be one of the cheaper options (roughly £169/month), the consultation was basic but functional, and delivery was quick. It won’t win any awards for hand-holding, and the follow-up support is fairly minimal. But if budget is your primary concern and you’re comfortable managing your own health journey with a bit of self-direction, it does the job.
Verdict: 7/10
My Honest Rankings
| Provider | Price/Month | Speed | Support | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boots | ~£199 | Fast | Excellent | 9/10 |
| Manual.co | ~£189 | Very Fast | Good | 7/10 |
| Numan | ~£185 | Very Fast | Good | 7/10 |
| Superdrug | ~£169 | Fast | Basic | 7/10 |
| LloydsPharmacy | ~£195 | Slow | Good | 6/10 |
The Biggest Surprise
Honestly? The weight loss itself was the biggest surprise. I’d read all the clinical trial data — I knew semaglutide worked in studies — but I didn’t fully believe it would work for me. By week six, I’d lost nearly half a stone without feeling deprived. The appetite suppression was real. I wasn’t white-knuckling it through hunger; I just… stopped thinking about food all the time. That was unexpectedly liberating. I also noticed I was making better food choices almost automatically, which I hadn’t anticipated. If you want to read more about what the evidence says, I’d also recommend checking out our guide to semaglutide weight loss results from real UK patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does semaglutide cost per month in the UK?
Costs vary by provider and medication brand. In my experience, prices ranged from around £169 to £199 per month across the five services I tested. Wegovy (branded semaglutide) tends to be at the higher end; compounded versions may be cheaper but carry different regulatory considerations. Always check what’s included — some services bundle consultations and delivery, while others charge separately. The NHS semaglutide page has useful background on the medication itself.
Is it safe to buy semaglutide online in the UK?
It can be — if you’re using a legitimate, CQC-registered service. All five providers I tested were operating legally, with licensed prescribers conducting consultations. The risk comes from unregulated sources: avoid any site that doesn’t require a consultation or ships from overseas without a UK prescription. If in doubt, check the provider’s registration with the Care Quality Commission.
How quickly did you start seeing results?
I noticed appetite suppression within the first two weeks — a subtle but unmistakable shift. Weight loss became visible on the scales from about week four. By the end of month two, I’d lost around 6–7 lbs. Results will vary depending on starting weight, dose titration, and lifestyle factors, but my experience was broadly in line with what the clinical evidence suggests.
Final Thoughts
If I had to start this process over again knowing what I know now, I’d still go with Boots first. The combination of a trusted brand, genuine clinical support, and competitive pricing is hard to beat. That said, the “right” provider genuinely depends on your priorities — if price is everything, Superdrug delivers; if you love tech, Manual is slick.
What I hope this comparison shows is that you don’t have to take anyone’s word for it — you can make an informed, confident choice. Just make sure you’re using a regulated service, have a conversation with a prescriber, and set realistic expectations. Semaglutide is a tool, not a magic bullet. But it’s a genuinely impressive one.