Wegovy Weight Loss Injections

Diet UK treatment fees include the medication, all follow-up consultations, medical advice and ongoing support throughout your programme.

First consultation: £50. Adolescent patients: £100.

You may be suitable for Wegovy if you are an adult with:

• A BMI of 30 or above (clinically classified as obesity), or
• A BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes or obstructive sleep apnoea

Wegovy is not suitable if you:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy
• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Have a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease
• Are allergic to semaglutide or any of the inactive ingredients

Final suitability is confirmed by a qualified Diet UK doctor after your consultation. Wegovy is also available on the NHS under NICE TA875 criteria, though access is highly restricted (typically BMI 35+ via a specialist weight management service, with long waiting lists).

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics a natural gut hormone (GLP-1) that the body releases after eating, telling the brain you are full. Once weekly, Wegovy:

• Reduces hunger and food cravings
• Helps you feel fuller sooner and stay full for longer
• Slows how quickly your stomach empties
• Helps regulate blood sugar

Wegovy works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity.

Wegovy is one of the most clinically researched weight loss medications available. Across landmark UK and international trials:

• 14.9% average weight loss on the standard 2.4 mg weekly dose over 68 weeks (STEP 1 trial)
• 20.7% average weight loss on the new 7.2 mg weekly dose over 72 weeks (STEP UP trial)
• 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events for patients with established heart disease (SELECT trial)

Individual results vary based on adherence, lifestyle changes and starting weight. The medical supervision at Diet UK is part of what helps patients achieve outcomes closer to clinical trial averages.

The MHRA approved the higher 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy in January 2026, making it the strongest weekly semaglutide dose available in the UK. It is suitable for adults who:

• Have tolerated the standard 2.4 mg dose well for at least four weeks
• Have not yet reached their target weight, or have plateaued
• Are reviewed and approved for the higher dose by a qualified prescriber

The 7.2 mg dose is currently administered using three 2.4 mg pens taken on the same day each week, until a single-dose 7.2 mg pen becomes more widely available.

Wegovy starts low and increases gradually to reduce the chance of gastrointestinal side effects:

• Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg weekly
• Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg weekly
• Weeks 9 to 12: 1 mg weekly
• Weeks 13 to 16: 1.7 mg weekly
• Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg weekly (standard maintenance dose)
• From four weeks at 2.4 mg, if clinically appropriate: progression to 7.2 mg

Wegovy comes as a pre-filled pen. Inject once a week, on the same day, at any time of day:

• Inject under the skin into your abdomen, thigh or upper arm
• Rotate injection sites each week
• Store unopened pens in the fridge. After first use, pens can be kept at room temperature
• If you miss a dose and your next is more than two days away, take it as soon as possible. If less than two days away, skip and resume next week

Your Diet UK clinician will demonstrate pen use at your first consultation.

Most common side effects are gastrointestinal and usually settle as your body adjusts:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Headache or fatigue

Less common but serious side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and kidney issues. Contact your Diet UK doctor promptly if you experience persistent severe abdominal pain, or any unusual symptoms. Regular medical reviews throughout treatment are included in your programme.

Wegovy and Mounjaro are the two GLP-1 weight loss injections licensed in the UK.

Mounjaro targets two appetite-regulating pathways instead of one, which is why its peak weight loss outcomes are slightly higher. Wegovy has a longer safety record and cardiovascular benefit data. Both are licensed by the MHRA. Your Diet UK doctor will help you choose the right option.

Diet UK is a medically led weight loss clinic in Preston, Lancashire, serving patients across the UK by online video consultation. Every Wegovy plan is overseen by a qualified doctor, with ongoing support throughout your programme.

How much does Wegovy cost in the UK?

At Diet UK, treatment fees start at £165 per month for the 0.25 mg starting dose, rising to £250 per month at the standard 2.4 mg maintenance dose. The fee includes medication, follow-up consultations and ongoing support. First consultation is £50.

How quickly does Wegovy work?

Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first few weeks. Meaningful weight loss usually becomes visible after eight to twelve weeks, with full clinical effect building over six to twelve months.

Is Wegovy available on the NHS?

Yes, but access is heavily restricted under NICE TA875. NHS Wegovy is typically only available to adults with a BMI of 35 or above (lower for some ethnic backgrounds) with a weight-related health condition, and only via a specialist weight management service. Waiting lists are often long.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. Wegovy is the licensed weight loss product. They are not interchangeable.

How long will I need to take Wegovy?

Wegovy is licensed for chronic weight management. Many patients stay on it long-term to maintain results, although the decision is reviewed regularly with your clinician. Stopping treatment often leads to some weight regain.