Wegovy for weight loss: How much does it cost per month?

If you've heard the name semaglutide or Wegovy being thrown around in recent months, it's for good reason. Wegovy is a breakthrough weight loss drug that is backed by science and is available in the UK.

Wegovy is an effective weight loss medicine that can help people on their weight loss journey in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. But there's a lot of information out there about Wegovy from different countries and sources, which can be a little confusing to navigate.

Since each country has their own set of rules and standards about who can use the Wegovy treatment for weight management, we've put together your ultimate guide to help you make an informed choice that suits your needs.

We're breaking down everything you need to know from the cost of Wegovy to how it differs from Ozempic, which contains the same active ingredient semaglutide, who Wegovy is approved for and who can prescribe Wegovy in the UK.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a chronic weight loss and weight management medication belonging to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Wegovy (which contains the active ingredient, semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication that is used for adults navigating obesity [1].

The weight loss medication comes in a pre-filled pen containing a single dose which is injected under the skin either in the abdomen, the upper arm or the thigh. It's administered through weekly injections around the same time of day each week and can be taken with or without meals.

Wegovy is prescribed for those with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 or those with a BMI over 27 who also have a weight-related medical condition, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

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Can you buy Wegovy in the UK?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Wegovy (Semaglutide) for use within the NHS in England for weight management in adults, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. To be eligible, you must have at least one weight-related comorbidity and a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35kg/m2.

Is Wegovy prescription only?

Wegovy is a prescription medication and is available as part of a specialist weight management service from a holistic programme, like Juniper, and has recommended to only be used for a maximum of 2 years.

Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy as a weight loss treatment achieves the best results with supervision from weight loss coaching rather than taking Wegovy alone [7].

How much does Wegovy cost in the UK?

According to NICE, the list price of semaglutide (Wegovy) 2.4 mg is £175.80 per pack, for 1.7 mg is £124.53 per pack, and for 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg is £73.25 per pack. Each pack comes with 1 pre-filled pen [7]. This price is referencing to the price that wholesale suppliers charge to the NHS for the medication.

It doesn’t account for associated costs of prescribing, dispensing, delivering and support from our clinical team who are here to help you manage side effects and implement long-term habits to help you lose weight for good. The actual price that patients pay for Wegovy can vary considerably between providers.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro cost

From 1 September 2025, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), will increase its UK list price to align with other developed countries. This nationwide change applies to providers including pharmacies, private clinics, and digital platforms.

In response, we’ve lowered the price of our Wegovy programme by 25%, and we’re making it easier for patients to switch without starting over, so that effective treatment remains within reach for as many people as possible.

Is Wegovy as effective as Mounjaro?

Yes. At the new highest doses (up to 7.2mg weekly), Wegovy delivers an average ~21% weight loss at 72 weeks, which is comparable to Mounjaro in clinical studies [9][10].

Juniper patients often achieve even greater results thanks to our care model — which combines unlimited dose adjustments, pharmacist-led monitoring, and ongoing support to keep results moving.

Can you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

if you've been wondering if you can switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, the good news is that it's both safe and straightforward.

When making the switch, Juniper patients don’t need to restart at the lowest dose. If clinically appropriate, they can continue at a higher dose aligned with recent treatment history. We also only require a 7-day gap between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose — unlike most providers, who require 28 days.

At Juniper, we make that switch seamless and fully supported — so you can protect your progress without paying more than you need to. Our clinical switching protocol is is simple and safe:

• ‍Review — Your clinician assesses your treatment history and dose tolerance.‍
• Match — If eligible, you start on an equivalent high dose to avoid losing progress.‍
• Transition — Only a 7-day window is required between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose (most providers require 28 days).‍
• Support — Pharmacist check-ins, dose adjustments, and lifestyle guidance keep you on track.

Start your Wegovy switch today →

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy, like other weight loss drugs belonging to the same group, works by mimicking the GLP-1 receptor, which is naturally produced by the gut, pancreas and nervous system. These are all involved in regulating appetite, which can help reduce calorie intake and help people lose weight [2].

The GLP-1 receptor works by targeting parts of the brain involved in regulating appetite, especially after eating. It also works by slowing down the rate at which the stomach empties, which helps people feel fuller for longer and increases the production of insulin [2].

It's important to note that Wegovy works best when used in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased exercise in order to achieve sustained weight loss.

Want to see real results? Explore Wegovy before and after transformations.

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

Before taking Wegovy or any other weight loss drugs, it's important to understand the potential side effects.

The most common side effects of the Wegovy injection include [3]:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

When first starting Wegovy, you may experience nausea, which can be managed by your doctor or self-managed, and include strategies like eating low-fat and bland foods like rice, toast and crackers and even avoiding lying down after eating.

There are more serious side effects associated with Wegovy injections, specifically the risk of thyroid C-cell tumours. With this in mind, anyone with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer should avoid taking Wegovy [4].

Additionally, if you have had a previous severe allergic reaction to semaglutide or any other ingredients contained in Wegovy you should avoid taking this weight loss injection [3].

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but there are some differences between them, mainly that they are approved for different reasons and contain different doses.

Let's run through some of the key differences between Wegovy and Ozempic.

They are approved for different uses

Unlike Wegovy, Ozempic is approved to help adults manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Clinical trials of Ozempic showed a decrease in haemoglobin A1C, which is a measure of blood sugar control, by 1% in 3 months [5].

On the other hand, Wegovy is currently approved for chronic weight management. Clinical trials have shown effective results for people with and without diabetes, helping participants lose almost 15% of their body weight [6].

However, more recent data on Wegovy’s 7.2mg dose shows an average weight loss of 20.7% after 72 weeks — demonstrating how effective it can be when used consistently and with the right support [9].

The doses are different

Another major difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is the dosages. Ozempic is available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1.0mg doses, while Wegovy is available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg doses.

Essentially, you can take Wegovy at a higher dose than Ozempic as directed by your healthcare provider, but both contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide.

Losing weight with Wegovy

With the Juniper Programme, you can access weight loss medication tailored to your health and goals — never one-size-fits-all. Our app helps you track progress, connect with your care team, adjust medication as needed, and access expert support. You'll also get structured tools to build lasting habits and ongoing care.

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy, a groundbreaking weight loss injection that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

We help you make lifestyle and habit changes, and we’re in it with you for the long run, having helped thousands of women achieve their weight loss goals.

FAQs

Can you get Wegovy on the NHS?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) drafted a guidance recommendation that Wegovy becomes available on the NHS for up to 2 years for those with a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 with at least one weight-related comorbidity, or a BMI between 30-34.9 and meet additional criteria for referral to a specialist NHS weight management service. 


Mounjaro isn't currently available as a weight loss treatment on the NHS. Although NICE have recommended it, NHS England is working on how it will be provided in practice.


Under the NHS guidelines, patients can only be prescribed Wegovy if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of more than 27 and at least one weight-related illness. They must also commit to dieting and an exercise plan.

How can you buy Wegovy in the UK?

You can access Wegovy through a prescription in person or via telehealth clinics online. Wegovy is one of the weight loss medications offered through the Juniper Programme — to see if you're eligible, simply take our online quiz.