Weight Loss Clinic Costs UK 2026: Pricing Guide

How Much Do Weight Loss Clinics Cost in the UK?

Weight loss clinic costs in the UK vary significantly depending on whether you choose NHS services, private practices or online programmes. In 2026, you can expect to pay anywhere from nothing on the NHS to £300-£500 per month for premium private clinics. The final price depends on your location, the type of treatment required, and whether medications like GLP-1 agonists form part of your plan.

Understanding the cost breakdown is essential before committing to any weight loss programme. Many people assume private clinics are always better, but NHS weight management services are free at the point of use and can be highly effective. Others opt for hybrid approaches, combining NHS support with private consultations when they need additional accountability or specialist input.

This guide breaks down typical costs you'll encounter at UK weight loss clinics in 2026, helping you make an informed decision about which option suits your budget and health needs.

NHS Weight Loss Services: What You'll Pay

The good news is that NHS weight loss services cost nothing. Your GP can refer you to free weight management programmes in your local area, including group sessions, one-to-one appointments and behavioural support.

However, there are some practical costs to consider:

GP appointment fees: free if registered (though some private GPs charge £50-£150)
Prescription charges: £9.65 per item in England (April 2026), but free if exempt
Travel to clinic appointments: varies by location and transport method
Food costs if following a structured eating plan

NHS services typically include dietitian consultations, exercise classes and access to behavioural therapists. Waiting times can be 6-12 weeks depending on your local integrated care board (ICB). If you're eligible for GLP-1 medications like semaglutide on the NHS, these are provided free, but access is currently restricted to people with a BMI of 35+ or 30+ with weight-related health conditions.

The NHS approach takes longer but carries no upfront cost and is backed by evidence-based medicine. It's worth asking your GP about your local options before exploring private alternatives.

Private Weight Loss Clinics: Standard Pricing

Private weight loss clinics across the UK charge between £150-£400 for initial consultations and £100-£300 for follow-up appointments. Costs depend heavily on whether you're in London, the South East or regional areas.

Here's what typical private clinic fees look like in 2026:

Initial consultation: £150-£350 (includes assessment, blood tests, body composition analysis)
Monthly follow-ups: £100-£200 per appointment
Nutritionist packages: £500-£1,500 per month for multiple sessions
Fitness coaching add-ons: £50-£150 per session
Online accountability programmes: £30-£100 per month

Many private clinics operate on membership models. You might pay £200-£500 per month for unlimited support, including weekly check-ins, meal planning and exercise guidance. Some charge per treatment rather than per visit, which can add up quickly if you need multiple interventions.

Private clinics have shorter waiting times (appointments within days) and offer more personalised attention. You'll also get access to newer treatments. The downside is that costs can spiral if you're not careful, and quality varies significantly between providers.

Medication Costs at Private Clinics

If you opt for GLP-1 medications through private clinics, expect additional expenses. Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) and similar drugs are expensive when purchased privately.

Current private pricing includes:

Semaglutide injections: £180-£250 per month
Tirzepatide injections: £250-£350 per month
Phentermine tablets: £100-£150 per month
Orlistat (prescription strength): £50-£100 per month
Combined medication packages: £300-£500 per month

Private clinics typically require regular monitoring appointments (monthly or every 6-8 weeks) to assess your response to medication and adjust doses. These appointments add £100-£200 to your monthly costs. Some clinics bundle medication and consultations together for a fixed monthly fee, which can represent better value if you're considering long-term treatment.

Be cautious of very cheap GLP-1 options online, as counterfeit medications are a serious risk. Legitimate private clinics obtain medications from registered pharmacies and provide prescriptions you can verify with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Online Weight Loss Programmes: Budget-Friendly Options

Online-only weight loss services have expanded significantly and often cost less than traditional clinics. Virtual consultations and app-based programmes typically range from £30-£200 per month depending on the level of support.

Common online pricing structures in 2026:

Self-paced apps with no coaching: £5-£30 per month
Apps with monthly video consultations: £50-£100 per month
Full virtual clinic services with medication prescriptions: £150-£300 per month
Group coaching programmes: £100-£200 per month
Bespoke nutrition plans with app access: £200-£400 per month

Online services are accessible and cost less because they don't have physical clinic overheads. However, you'll need to be self-motivated, as there's less face-to-face accountability. Quality varies significantly, and some providers focus more on selling supplements than delivering genuine weight loss support.

When choosing online services, check that clinicians are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Avoid services that guarantee rapid results or skip proper medical assessment.

What Affects Your Final Cost?

Several factors influence what you'll actually pay for weight loss clinic services in 2026:

Location matters considerably. London and South East clinics charge 20-40% more than equivalents in the Midlands or North. A consultation in Knightsbridge might cost £400 while the same service in Manchester runs £250.

Treatment complexity affects pricing. If you have comorbidities like type 2 diabetes or joint problems, you'll need more frequent appointments and specialist input, increasing costs. Simple weight loss support is cheaper than managing multiple health conditions simultaneously.

Duration of treatment determines total expenditure. A six-month intensive programme costs less than 18 months of ongoing support, but long-term approaches often produce better results. Budget for at least three months of treatment, preferably six months or longer.

Medication requirements are the biggest cost variable. If you need GLP-1 injections, expect to double or triple your monthly expenses. Those managing weight through diet and exercise alone pay significantly less.

Package deals and membership models can reduce per-visit costs. Many clinics offer discounts if you commit to 3, 6 or 12-month packages, sometimes reducing monthly costs by 15-25%.

Comparing Value for Money

The cheapest option isn't always the best value. A £30-per-month app that you never use costs more than a £300-per-month clinic that delivers real results. Consider what you're likely to stick with and which format suits your personality.

Budget-conscious patients should start with NHS services, which are genuinely excellent and free. If you need faster access or specialist input, private clinics with fixed monthly fees offer predictable costs. Online services work well if you're disciplined and have stable health.

Before committing, ask clinics for transparent pricing of all potential costs, including medications, appointments and any additional services. Request references or outcomes data rather than relying on before-and-after photos alone.

Compare quotes from at least three providers in your area, checking what's included in each price and what might cost extra. Request written quotes and take time to assess whether the value justifies the expense for your specific situation.