How to Compare Weight Loss Medication Providers in the UK: Your Complete Guide

Introduction: Making Informed Decisions About GLP-1 Medications

Considering weight loss medication in the UK can feel overwhelming. Providers advertise similar Wegovy or Mounjaro prescriptions, yet pricing, eligibility, clinical oversight, and support levels differ wildly. Without a clear framework, it is easy to overpay, miss hidden fees, or choose a provider that lacks the clinical safeguards you expect.

glp.space exists to simplify those choices. As an independent, evidence-led comparison and education platform, we help UK patients navigate the GLP-1 landscape confidently. We are not a clinic, pharmacy, or medication seller—we are here to empower informed decision-making.

This guide explains how to use glp.space effectively, what to evaluate when comparing providers, and how to make the best choice for your weight loss medication journey.

Understanding GLP-1 Medications

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists mimic a natural hormone that manages appetite and blood sugar. Originally prescribed for type 2 diabetes, they are now clinically proven to support sustainable weight loss when paired with lifestyle changes.

How they work

• Activate GLP-1 receptors in the brain that regulate hunger and fullness signals
• Slow gastric emptying so you feel satisfied for longer after meals
• Reduce cravings and the constant background “food noise”
• Improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
• Support long-term weight loss combined with nutrition and activity changes

The two main options in the UK

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg)

• Once-weekly injection and pure GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Approved by the FDA and MHRA specifically for weight management
• Clinical trials show an average 15–17% body weight reduction
• Also approved for lowering cardiovascular risk

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

• Once-weekly dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Clinical trials show up to a 22.5% average body weight reduction
• NICE-approved for NHS use (with limited availability)
• Also licensed for type 2 diabetes management

NHS vs private access

NHS availability

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are approved for NHS patients, but roll-out is tightly controlled. Expect strict eligibility criteria, long waiting lists, and mandatory participation in multidisciplinary weight management programmes.

• Eligibility depends on BMI thresholds and weight-related comorbidities
• Waiting times can stretch across months because of limited specialist capacity
• Roll-out is phased over several years, varying by region
• Access requires a GP referral into specialist services
• Patients must engage with structured lifestyle and behavioural support

Private access

Private providers offer faster access, often within a couple of weeks, and typically use broader eligibility criteria. However, pricing and service structures differ dramatically, making comparison essential.

• Shorter wait times and streamlined digital onboarding
• Convenient home delivery models
• Wide variation in ongoing support, follow-up, and hidden fees

Why Provider Comparison Matters

The UK GLP-1 provider landscape

The private GLP-1 market has expanded rapidly. Dozens of providers now offer Wegovy and Mounjaro, ranging from high-street pharmacy brands to digital-first startups and specialist weight management clinics.

Typical categories include:

• High-street pharmacy chains such as Boots Online Doctor, Superdrug Online Doctor, and Well Pharmacy
• Digital-first telehealth platforms including Manual, Eucalyptus, and Numan
• Specialist weight management services like Oviva, MyBMI, and Healthcare4mums
• Independent online clinics and emerging health-tech startups

Why prices vary so dramatically

The same medication and dose can be quoted at very different prices. Understanding the drivers behind those differences prevents surprises later.

Key pricing factors

1. Business model and overheads (digital-first vs face-to-face clinics)
2. Service bundling—some include coaching or diagnostics, others are medication-only
3. Supply chain scale and purchasing power
4. Consultation frequency and whether reviews are mandatory
5. Marketing and acquisition costs baked into pricing
6. Different margin strategies

What the “price” may include

Always clarify what is covered in the advertised price. It might include only the injection pens, or it could bundle clinical reviews, delivery, and lifestyle support.

• Medication costs per dose or monthly subscription fees
• Initial consultation and assessment fees
• Follow-up reviews or escalation support
• Delivery charges and cold-chain logistics
• Platform or membership fees
• Access to dietitians, coaching, or structured programmes
• Required blood tests or diagnostics

The cost of not comparing

Choosing without due diligence can mean paying more for identical medication, missing critical support services, or encountering providers with poor follow-up. Hidden fees and supply interruptions are common pain points. Comparison protects both your budget and your safety.

How to Use glp.space Effectively

Step 1: Access the platform

Visit glp.space on any device. You can browse the comparison tables without creating an account. Sign up for a free account if you want to save providers, track price changes, or personalise total cost projections.

Step 2: Choose your medication

Select Wegovy or Mounjaro to filter the dataset instantly. Unsure which is right for you? Explore our educational guides that compare mechanisms, efficacy, side effects, and eligibility requirements.

Understanding the comparison table

The comparison table highlights the factors that matter when selecting a provider:

• Provider name, type (pharmacy, telehealth, specialist), and website link
• Dose availability, current stock status, and estimated restock timelines
• Pricing structures with notes on what is included by default
• Clinical model (teleconsultation, in-person, hybrid) and follow-up cadence
• Quality indicators such as GMC and GPhC registrations

Using filters and sorting

Narrow the options quickly by filtering medication, dose strength, price range, included services, stock, or provider type. Sort by price, rating, alphabetical order, or availability to match your priorities.

Reading provider detail pages

Clicking into a provider unlocks deeper insight:

• Clinical quality: Prescriber qualifications, GMC registration, pharmacy verification, and governance policies
• Service model: How consultations work, follow-up schedules, contact pathways, and emergency protocols
• Pricing breakdown: Itemised fees, dose escalation costs, payment options, and cancellation terms
• Support offerings: Nutrition, exercise, behaviour coaching, community features, and educational resources
• Experience: Platform usability, refill logistics, and customer service responsiveness

What to Look For When Comparing Providers

1. Clinical safety and quality

Safety should be non-negotiable. Verify that prescribers and pharmacies are properly regulated, that consultations are thorough, and that ongoing monitoring is offered.

Checklist

• GPhC-registered pharmacies you can verify at pharmacyregulation.org
• Comprehensive medical assessment before any prescription is issued
• Contraindication screening for thyroid disorders, pancreatitis, and other exclusions
• Clear clinical governance structure and escalation process
• Ongoing medical monitoring, not just a one-off prescription

Red flags

• No consultation required before dispensing medication
• Prescribing by non-doctors without direct supervision
• Minimal or no screening for contraindications
• No plan for follow-up or side-effect management
• Unable or unwilling to evidence GMC/GPhC registration

2. Service comprehensiveness

Decide whether you need medication-only convenience or wraparound support. Comprehensive services can accelerate results but cost more.

Key questions to ask a provider:

• What is included in the base price each month?
• How often will I have follow-up consultations?
• How do I contact the clinical team between appointments?
• What support is available if I experience side effects?
• Is lifestyle coaching or dietitian access part of the package?

3. Medication sourcing and authenticity

Authentic medication must come through regulated UK supply chains. Counterfeit products pose serious safety risks.

What to expect

• Dispensing via a UK-registered pharmacy
• Original manufacturer packaging with batch numbers and expiry dates
• Temperature-controlled delivery with tracking
• Patient information leaflets and storage instructions included

Warning signs

• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Generic or unbranded packaging
• Providers unable to explain sourcing or supply chain partners
• No temperature control during shipping

4. Delivery and supply reliability

GLP-1 medications have faced supply shortages. Choose providers that communicate transparently and have contingency plans.

• Delivery timeframes and any associated charges
• Temperature-controlled, trackable shipments
• Clear reorder processes and reminder systems
• Policies for handling supply interruptions or dose swaps

5. Terms and flexibility

Read the fine print before committing. Understand minimum terms, cancellation policies, refund structures, and how price increases are handled.

The ideal scenario includes:

• No long-term lock-in or exit penalties
• Transparent cancellation processes
• Reasonable refund options if medication is unsuitable
• Advance notice of price changes

Understanding Your Eligibility

Most private providers follow similar eligibility criteria to ensure treatment safety and clinical appropriateness.

Standard eligibility

• BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher
• BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, or PCOS
• Adjusted BMI thresholds (typically 2.5 kg/m² lower) for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds

Medical contraindications

GLP-1 medications may not be suitable if you have or have had:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• History of severe pancreatitis
• Severe gastrointestinal disease

The assessment process

Expect the following when completing a private provider assessment:

1. Comprehensive medical questionnaire capturing medical history and medications
2. BMI calculation to confirm eligibility
3. Contraindication screening to flag safety concerns
4. Consultation with a prescribing clinician
5. Personalised treatment plan and dose escalation schedule

Making Your Decision

A step-by-step framework

1. Educate yourself: Understand how GLP-1 medications work, expected timelines, and required lifestyle changes.
2. Explore NHS options first: Speak with your GP about eligibility and waiting times. NHS access can save significant costs if you qualify.
3. Compare multiple providers: Use glp.space to benchmark at least five to seven providers on price, support, and availability.
4. Verify credentials: Check GMC registrations for prescribers, GPhC registration for pharmacies, and independent reviews.
5. Calculate total costs: Include consultations, medication across dose escalation, delivery, and any additional fees to estimate first-year spend.
6. Book consultations: Use free assessments or discovery calls to ask questions and evaluate communication quality.
7. Make your choice: Select the provider that offers the best balance of value, clinical quality, and support for your needs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing purely based on price
• Skipping terms and conditions where hidden fees often live
• Neglecting credential verification
• Ignoring NHS pathways that could be available
• Failing to calculate total annual cost
• Rushing the decision without comparing options
• Forgetting to assess supply reliability

Using glp.space Educational Resources

glp.space is more than a comparison table. We publish educational resources that help you understand GLP-1 therapy before, during, and after treatment.

Available resources

• Medication guides: Deep dives on Wegovy and Mounjaro, mechanisms of action, clinical trial outcomes, and side-effect management.
• Comparison articles: Wegovy vs Mounjaro, GLP-1s vs other interventions, and NHS vs private access breakdowns.
• Clinical information: Eligibility criteria, contraindications, drug interactions, and considerations for pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Practical guides: Injection technique, storage, dose escalation schedules, and month-by-month expectations.
• Cost education: Decoding pricing structures, spotting hidden fees, and planning long-term budgets.

How resources support your journey

• Before treatment: Decide if GLP-1 therapy fits your goals, set realistic expectations, and prepare consultation questions.
• During treatment: Manage side effects, optimise lifestyle changes, and know when to escalate clinical concerns.
• Long-term: Stay current on research, understand maintenance strategies, and explore alternative options if your needs change.

Conclusion

Choosing a GLP-1 provider affects your health, wellbeing, and finances. With dozens of UK providers, a structured comparison process is essential. glp.space brings transparency to pricing, clinical quality, and support models so you can make a confident choice.

Here is what we covered:

• How GLP-1 medications work and the key differences between Wegovy and Mounjaro
• Why provider comparison safeguards your safety and your budget
• How to use glp.space filters, tables, and detail pages effectively
• The essential quality checks beyond headline price
• Eligibility criteria and the private assessment process
• A step-by-step decision framework plus mistakes to avoid
• Educational resources that support every stage of your journey

Next steps:

1. Explore the comparison table at glp.space
2. Check NHS eligibility with your GP before committing to private costs
3. Shortlist and compare providers on value, safety, and support
4. Verify clinical credentials and ask detailed questions in consultations
5. Select the provider that aligns with your goals and expectations

Remember: we do not sell medications. We empower you with transparent, evidence-based information so you can take control of your GLP-1 medication decisions.

About glp.space

glp.space is the UK's independent comparison and education platform for GLP-1 weight loss medications. We are committed to accuracy, transparency, and patient empowerment.

• ✓Complete independence with no provider affiliations
• ✓Evidence-based content reviewed and updated regularly
• ✓Free access for all users with a transparent methodology
• ✓Education-first approach designed to support informed healthcare choices

Website: glp.space

Updates: Provider information refreshed regularly

Disclaimer: This article is educational and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting weight loss medication. glp.space is not a healthcare provider and does not sell medications or provide medical services.