6 Essential Steps: How to Get Wegovy UK via NHS or Private (2026)

How to get Wegovy UK is the number one question for anyone wanting to start semaglutide weight loss treatment. With the high-profile launch of Wegovy (semaglutide) in the UK, one of the most pressing questions for many is: “How can I actually get it?” The answer depends on two distinct pathways: through the National Health Service (NHS) or via private prescription. Both routes have specific criteria, costs, and processes.

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of how to access Wegovy in the UK, detailing the eligibility requirements and costs for both the NHS and private sectors, and what to expect from each journey.

The Two Pathways to Access Wegovy in the UK

Feature	NHS Pathway	Private Pathway
Eligibility	Strict NICE criteria (BMI of 35 or more plus comorbidity)	More flexible (often BMI of 30 or more, or 27 with comorbidity)
Cost	Standard NHS prescription charge	Approximately 150 to 350 pounds per month
Waiting Time	Long (often 12 or more months for specialist service)	Short (consultations often available within days)
Process	GP referral to Tier 3 Weight Management Service	Direct online or in-person consultation with a private clinic

Pathway 1: Getting Wegovy on the NHS

Accessing Wegovy through the NHS is the most cost-effective option but is reserved for those with the most significant clinical need, as defined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

To be considered for Wegovy on the NHS, you must meet the following criteria. You will need a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher, along with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea. In some cases, the BMI threshold may be lowered to 32.5 for individuals of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or African-Caribbean descent.

Step 2: Visit Your GP

If you meet the criteria, the first step is to book an appointment with your GP. They will assess your overall health, confirm your BMI and comorbidities, and discuss your weight management history.

Step 3: Referral to a Specialist Weight Management Service

Your GP cannot prescribe Wegovy directly. They must refer you to a specialist-led Tier 3 Weight Management Service. These services are multidisciplinary teams that include dietitians, psychologists, and specialist doctors.

Important Note: Waiting lists for Tier 3 services are notoriously long in many parts of the UK. It is not uncommon to wait for over a year for an initial appointment.

Step 4: Assessment and Prescription

Once you are seen by the specialist service, they will conduct a thorough assessment. If they determine that Wegovy is an appropriate treatment for you, they will issue the prescription. You will then receive ongoing monitoring and support from the service.

Pathway 2: Getting Wegovy Privately

For those who do not meet the strict NHS criteria or wish to bypass the long waiting times, the private sector offers a much faster route to access.

Step 1: Choose a Registered Provider

Select a reputable private provider. This can be an online pharmacy like Boots Online Doctor or a private clinic with a physical presence. Ensure the provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England.

Step 2: Complete an Online Consultation

The process typically begins with a detailed online consultation form. You will need to provide information about your height and weight (to calculate BMI), your medical history, and any existing health conditions or medications. Private eligibility criteria are generally broader than the NHS, typically requiring a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity.

Step 3: Prescriber Review

A UK-registered clinician (a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse prescriber) will review your consultation to determine if Wegovy is safe and appropriate for you. They may follow up with additional questions.

Step 4: Prescription and Dispensing

If approved, a private prescription will be issued. The medication will then be dispensed by the pharmacy and shipped directly to your address, usually in discreet packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my GP prescribe Wegovy for me?

No, GPs in the UK cannot directly initiate a prescription for Wegovy for weight loss. They can only refer you to a specialist Tier 3 service.

2. Is it safe to buy Wegovy online?

It is safe only if you use a legitimate, registered UK pharmacy that requires a full consultation and a prescription from a qualified clinician. Avoid websites that offer to sell Wegovy without a prescription, as these are unregulated and the product may be counterfeit and dangerous.

3. Can I get Ozempic for weight loss in the UK?

No. Ozempic is licensed exclusively for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK. While it contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, prescribing it for weight loss is “off-label” and goes against regulatory guidelines. Reputable providers will only offer Wegovy for weight management.

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