Where can I get a private Wegovy prescription?
There are three main routes to a private Wegovy prescription in the UK.
The first is a weight-management programme such as Second Nature, which combines Wegovy with registered dietitian support and habit-change coaching. This follows the multidisciplinary support model NICE recommends alongside the medication.2
The second is an MHRA-regulated online pharmacy, which provides the medication with a brief medical questionnaire and limited ongoing support.
The third is a private GP clinic, which offers face-to-face consultations and in-person medical monitoring.
The private eligibility criteria are based on the MHRA licence for Wegovy:
- BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition
- Aged 18 to 75 for weight management; 12 and over for adolescent obesity through a specialist service
- No contraindications (reasons not to prescribe the medication) listed in the Wegovy Summary of Product Characteristics
- Commitment to lifestyle changes alongside the medication
The contraindications listed in the Wegovy SmPC include:4
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- History of pancreatitis
- Severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis
- Severe kidney problems (eGFR less than 30 ml/min/1.73m²)
- Type 1 diabetes or a history of diabetic ketoacidosis
The prescription process for most providers starts with an online health questionnaire reviewed by a GMC-registered prescriber, followed by an ID check to comply with MHRA regulations.
How much does a private Wegovy prescription cost?
Private Wegovy prices in the UK vary by dose and provider, with most monthly prices in May 2026 falling in the following ranges.
| Dose |
Typical UK private price per month (May 2026) |
| 0.25 mg (starter) |
£80 to £150 |
| 0.5 mg |
£140 to £190 |
| 1.0 mg |
£170 to £220 |
| 1.7 mg |
£190 to £260 |
| 2.4 mg |
£219 to £299 |
| 7.2 mg (top dose, since Jan 2026) |
£269 to £349 |
Some providers price the medication on its own with a separate fee for clinical or coaching support. Others include support in the monthly price.
Our guide to Wegovy costs in the UK breaks down prices provider by provider.
Second Nature’s programme combines medication, GMC-registered prescriber oversight, and registered dietitian coaching into a single monthly price, with a discount available on the first month at any dose.
NICE doesn’t set a maximum duration of private treatment for Wegovy.2
In practice, most people stay on the medication for 12 to 24 months, with the decision to continue reviewed every 6 months.
NICE recommends continuing only if at least 5% of the starting body weight has been lost at the 6-month review.2
Is there a waiting list for Wegovy prescriptions?
Private providers don’t currently operate waiting lists. Most can take you from application to delivery within 7 to 14 days if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The typical private timeline is:
- Initial consultation or health questionnaire review: 1 to 5 working days
- Prescription processing: 2 to 3 working days
- Delivery: 1 to 5 working days
The NHS pathway is much slower. It runs through a specialist weight management service (Tier 3) referral.
Reported waiting times range from 3 to 6 months in some Integrated Care Boards, 9 to 18 months in many, and over 2 years in others.2
Supply and availability
The UK supply of Wegovy has been stable throughout 2026, following the manufacturing capacity issues that affected most doses in 2023.
Novo Nordisk has expanded production capacity at its UK and European sites, and the MHRA hasn’t reported active supply constraints for Wegovy KwikPens as of May 2026.
Two things could still affect future supply:
- Demand for the new 7.2 mg dose, which launched in January 2026 and is still scaling
- Wider GLP-1 demand across the UK private market following Eli Lilly’s 170% list-price increase on Mounjaro in September 2025, which shifted some patients toward Wegovy
Ask your provider what they do if a dose is unavailable, because interruptions in treatment can affect your weight loss and bring back side effects when you restart.
Choosing the right provider
Richards et al. (2025), a retrospective service evaluation of Second Nature’s GLP-1-supported programme published in JMIR Formative Research, reported an average weight loss of 19.1% at 12 months among 1,990 adults living with obesity.5 77.7% of participants achieved at least 10% weight loss.5
For comparison, the STEP UP trial of Wegovy 7.2 mg reported an average weight loss of 20.7% at 72 weeks among adults with obesity, with monthly behavioural support but without structured habit-change coaching.1
| Support element |
Programme with coaching |
Medication-only provider |
| Medical screening |
GMC-registered prescriber, full clinical history reviewed |
Basic eligibility check |
| Nutritional support |
Registered dietitian access, usually 5 days a week |
Generic information sheets |
| Habit-change support |
Behavioural coaches and peer groups |
Minimal or none |
| Side effect management |
Proactive coaching and dose adjustment |
Reactive support if you ask |
| Coming off the medication |
Structured tapering and habit-maintenance plan |
Limited or none |
| Safety monitoring |
Regular reviews and progress tracking |
Basic medical questionnaires |
The General Medical Council’s remote prescribing guidance requires all UK providers to conduct a clinical assessment before prescribing, arrange adequate monitoring, and ensure continuity of care.
Check that any provider you’re considering meets these standards before you sign up.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS since 2017, combining Wegovy and Mounjaro with structured habit-change coaching and support from registered dietitians.
Take our 3-minute eligibility quiz, and a clinician will review your answers.
Wegovy vs Mounjaro
Both medications are MHRA-approved for weight management and prescribed as a once-a-week injection.
At their licensed top doses, Mounjaro 15 mg produced an average weight loss of 22.5% in SURMOUNT-1 and Wegovy 7.2 mg produced 20.7% in STEP UP, a difference of roughly 2 percentage points.
| Measure |
Wegovy (semaglutide) |
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) |
| Average weight loss at top dose |
20.7% at 7.2 mg over 72 weeks (STEP UP)1 |
22.5% at 15 mg over 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1)6 |
| Proportion achieving 25% or more weight loss |
33% at 7.2 mg (STEP UP)1 |
36% at 15 mg (SURMOUNT-1)6 |
| How it works |
Mimics one hormone (GLP-1) |
Mimics two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) |
| Top licensed dose |
7.2 mg once a week (since January 2026) |
15 mg once a week |
| Heart attack and stroke risk reduction |
Approved by the MHRA in July 2024 for adults with overweight or obesity and existing cardiovascular disease3 |
Not currently approved for cardiovascular risk reduction in the UK |
| NHS access (May 2026) |
Specialist weight management service only (NICE TA875)2 |
Cohort 1 from June 2025; broader cohort 2 from 23rd June 20267 |
| Most common side effects |
Nausea, constipation, diarrhoea |
Nausea, constipation, diarrhoea |
Mounjaro’s additional GIP action is likely the reason the average weight loss with Mounjaro 15 mg was 1 to 2 percentage points higher than with Wegovy 7.2 mg in the published trials.
Wegovy is also licensed in the UK to reduce cardiovascular risk, which Mounjaro currently isn’t.
The MHRA approved the indication in July 2024 based on the SELECT trial, in which Wegovy 2.4 mg reduced heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death by 20% over an average of 33 months in adults with overweight or obesity and existing cardiovascular disease.3
Individual response varies. Some people respond better to one medication than the other, regardless of the trial averages.
NHS access in 2026
NHS access to Wegovy is governed by NICE Technology Appraisal TA875, published in March 2023.2
Wegovy is available on the NHS for adults with:
- A BMI of 35 or higher (32.5 or higher for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds)
- At least one weight-related condition (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, or dyslipidaemia)
- Referral to and engagement with a specialist weight management service (Tier 3)
NICE caps NHS treatment with Wegovy at two years.2 Continuation past 6 months requires at least 5% of the starting body weight to have been lost.2
Wegovy isn’t prescribed by GPs on the NHS. It’s only available through specialist services.
The 2026/27 GP contract additions covering tirzepatide (Mounjaro) under NICE TA1026 do not apply to Wegovy.7
Our guide to Wegovy on the NHS covers the specialist service pathway and what to ask at your GP appointment.
Prescription renewal process
Private Wegovy prescriptions are reviewed and renewed at regular intervals in accordance with GMC and MHRA prescribing guidance.
| Timeframe |
Typical review |
| Monthly |
Weight update, side effect check, brief health questionnaire |
| Every 3 months |
Fuller health review, progress check, dose decision |
| Every 6 months |
Full medication review against the NICE 5% weight loss continuation criterion2 |
The level of monitoring varies between providers. Programme-style providers usually include integrated monitoring and clinician support.
Medication-only providers may need you to arrange blood tests or weight tracking separately.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can I get Wegovy privately in the UK?
Most private providers move from application to delivery within 7 to 14 days, comprising 1 to 2 days for the online assessment, 1 to 3 days for prescriber review, and 2 to 5 days for delivery.
Do I need a GP referral for a private Wegovy prescription?
No. Private providers don’t require a GP referral. GMC guidance recommends that the prescriber informs your NHS GP (with your consent) so your wider medical record is up to date.
What happens during a private Wegovy consultation?
A private consultation typically involves a detailed health questionnaire, a review of current medications and previous weight loss attempts, a discussion of side effects and what to expect, an explanation of monitoring, and an ID check.
Can I switch between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Yes. Switching between the two is medically possible and sometimes recommended if you aren’t responding well or are experiencing side effects from one.
Most prescribers recommend a 7-day washout period when moving between Wegovy and Mounjaro, and a fresh dose-titration plan on the new medication.
Your prescriber should adjust the dose and timing based on your individual history.
How long can I stay on Wegovy?
For private prescriptions, NICE doesn’t set a maximum duration.2
Most clinicians prescribe Wegovy for 12 to 24 months, with reviews every 6 months to assess ongoing benefit.
NHS prescribing under NICE TA875 is capped at two years.2
Will more people qualify for Wegovy on the NHS soon?
NHS access to Wegovy currently runs only through specialist weight management services, with no announced plans to expand prescribing in primary care.
The phased primary care expansion under NICE TA1026 (from June 2025) applies to Mounjaro, not Wegovy.7
What are the eligibility criteria for a private Wegovy prescription?
Private criteria follow the MHRA licence: a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition, aged 18 to 75, and no contraindications listed in the Wegovy Summary of Product Characteristics.
What side effects should I expect with Wegovy?
The most common side effects are nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea.
These typically settle within 4 to 8 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication and are more noticeable in the first week after each dose increase.
When will the Wegovy pill be available in the UK?
The oral semaglutide 25 mg formulation (the Wegovy pill) is under review by the MHRA, with a decision expected by late 2026.
The FDA approved it in the U.S. on 22nd December 2025. The only oral semaglutide currently licensed in the UK is Rybelsus, which is approved for type 2 diabetes only.8
Is Wegovy approved for cardiovascular protection in the UK?
Yes. The MHRA approved Wegovy in July 2024 for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults with overweight or obesity and existing cardiovascular disease, based on the SELECT trial.3
Wegovy was the first weight-loss medication approved in the UK for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Take home message
Private Wegovy prescriptions are available across the UK from regulated online pharmacies, weight-management programmes, and private GP clinics, with most people moving from application to first injection within 1 to 2 weeks.
Wegovy 7.2 mg, approved by the MHRA in January 2026, is now the licensed top dose.
Average weight loss in the STEP UP trial was 20.7% at 72 weeks, with 33% of participants achieving at least 25% weight loss.1
NHS access is narrower than for Mounjaro. Wegovy is available only through specialist weight management services under NICE TA875, with a 2-year cap and typical waiting times of 9 to 18 months.2
Private prescribing remains the main route for most people who meet the MHRA criteria.
Private prices in May 2026 typically range from £80 to £349 a month, depending on the dose and the level of clinical and coaching support included.
The research suggests that you’re more likely to avoid weight regain when Wegovy is combined with structured habit-change support than when prescribed on its own.5
Second Nature has worked with the NHS since 2017 as the lead digital provider for the UK’s two largest NHS weight-loss programmes.
Our Wegovy programme combines the medication with registered dietitian support and a structured habit-change approach, with an average weight loss of 19.1% at 12 months in the published service evaluation.5
Second Nature's Mounjaro and Wegovy programmes
Second Nature provides Mounjaro or Wegovy as part of our Mounjaro and Wegovy weight-loss programmes.
Why choose Second Nature over other medication providers, assuming you're eligible?
Because peace of mind matters.
We've had the privilege of working with the NHS for over eight years, helping people across the UK take meaningful steps toward a healthier, happier life.
Our programmes are designed to meet people where they are, whether that means support with weight loss through compassionate one-to-one health coaching, or access to the latest weight-loss medications (like Mounjaro and Wegovy) delivered alongside expert care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and personal trainers.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: real, lasting change comes from building better habits, not relying on quick fixes. We're here to support that change every step of the way.
With over a decade of experience, thousands of lives changed, and a long-standing record of delivering programmes used by the NHS, we believe we're the UK's most trusted weight-loss programme.
We hope to offer you something invaluable: peace of mind, and the support you need to take that first step.
