How to get Ozempic

Ozempic is a medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes. It helps people regulate their blood sugar levels by mimicking a natural hormone that controls insulin and glucose. This action also lowers the risk of complications from diabetes, such as heart disease, by improving cardiovascular health.

Recently, Ozempic has gained attention for its potential weight loss benefits. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, can help reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness, leading to a decrease in calorie intake. However, while some people have used Ozempic off-label for weight loss, it is not officially licensed in the UK for this purpose.

There is another medicine called Wegovy that also contains semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, which is specifically approved for weight loss in people who are obese or overweight with weight related health conditions.

Wegovy is specifically designed to support weight management when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.

In this guide, we’ll clarify the differences between Ozempic and Wegovy, and explain how to obtain each medication. We will also cover eligibility criteria and the prescription process through both the NHS and private options, helping you make an informed decision.

In short, you cannot be prescribed Ozempic for weight loss purposes alone, as it’s not officially licensed for weight loss. The only case you can get Ozempic is if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you can obtain an Ozempic prescription through your GP, who will assess your condition and determine if it’s suitable as part of your treatment plan.

Wegovy is a prescription medication specifically designed for weight loss, containing the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide). It is licensed for use in people who are overweight or obese and need help managing their weight.

It works by activating GLP-1 receptors in the body, which help regulate insulin release and control hunger signals, making it easier to eat less and manage weight. This mechanism helps promote feelings of fullness and reduces appetite.

If you are considering Wegovy for weight loss, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria, how to request a prescription, and the available options for obtaining the medication through both NHS and private prescriptions.

Eligibility criteria

Wegovy is typically only prescribed to people who meet the following conditions:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
• BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

➤ Obtaining Wegovy through the NHS can be slightly more difficult than getting it privately, as the eligibility criteria is stricter.

Before starting a treatment, your doctor will assess your suitability for Wegovy based on this criteria, your health history and your weight management goals. It is generally only prescribed when lifestyle changes like diet and exercise have not been enough to achieve significant weight loss.

How to get a Wegovy prescription

To obtain Wegovy, you will need to visit your GP, private doctor or use an online doctor service. During the consultation, your doctor will evaluate your health, medical history and BMI to decide if Wegovy is appropriate for you.

1. Visit your GP. If you meet the criteria, your GP will discuss Wegovy as a potential option and can refer you to a specialist who can provide a prescription.
2. Online doctor services. If you prefer not to visit your GP in person, online doctor services like ZAVA are a convenient option. You’ll first need to fill out a health questionnaire and, after a doctor reviews the information you provide, they can prescribe Wegovy and arrange for delivery if this treatment is appropriate for you.

Yes, you can request Ozempic on the NHS for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but it is not usually a first line treatment. In the UK, it’s approved for adults aged 18 or above.

For most people who’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the first line treatment is metformin with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise). If metformin alone doesn’t work for you, you may be offered other standard type 2 diabetes medications or a combination of therapies.

If these treatments don’t work for you, or if there is another reason you can’t take them or you have certain underlying health conditions, you might be offered Ozempic.

Yes, it is possible to get Wegovy on the NHS, but it comes with a stricter eligibility criteria than getting it privately. The cost of Wegovy through the NHS is significantly lower compared to private prescriptions, as you will only pay the standard NHS prescription charge. This costs £9.90 in England, or is free if you do not normally pay for prescriptions. All prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Access depends on meeting specific requirements outlined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Eligibility criteria for Wegovy on the NHS

To be eligible for Wegovy on the NHS, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Referral to specialist services

Wegovy can only be prescribed on the NHS by a specialist weight management service (often called tier 3 services), not by a GP.

This is because it is part of structured obesity treatment rather than routine primary care prescribing. A GP can support you with weight advice and might refer you, but they are not the ones who will issue the Wegovy prescription in most cases.

BMI Requirements

35 or more, or 32.5 or more if you’re of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin.

30 to 34.9, or 27.5 to 32.4 if you’re of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin and meet other requirements to be treated by a specialist weight management service.

Health conditions

You must have at least one weight-related health condition that would benefit from weight loss, such as:

• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• high cholesterol
• type 2 diabetes
• cardiovascular disease

Previous weight loss attempts

You must also participate in a structured lifestyle programme (including diet and exercise).

➤ While requesting Wegovy on the NHS is possible, it requires meeting specific health criteria and undergoing a referral to specialist services. If you qualify, the cost will be significantly lower than private prescriptions, and you will receive support as part of a structured weight management plan.

If you are not eligible for Wegovy through the NHS or prefer faster access, you can request a private prescription.

There are two main options for private prescriptions:

1. Online Doctor Services – Many online doctor services offer Wegovy prescriptions after a health assessment. These services allow you to consult with a doctor remotely, who will determine if Wegovy is suitable. If approved, your medication can be delivered directly to your home.
2. Private Clinics – You can also visit private clinics that provide consultations and prescriptions for Wegovy. These clinics may be more flexible with eligibility criteria and may offer faster access to treatment, though this option tends to be more expensive.

The cost of Wegovy via a private prescription generally ranges between £70 and £200 per month, depending on the service and the region. You should always use only registered and regulated services and clinicians to ensure any medication you receive is suitable for you.

While Wegovy has been proven to help with weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness, there are several important considerations to keep in mind before starting your treatment.

Part of a comprehensive weight loss plan

Wegovy is not a standalone solution for weight loss. It should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes dietary changes, physical activity and behavioural support.

Your doctor or weight management team will provide support to ensure that you are following a healthy lifestyle, which is crucial for the long-term effectiveness of the treatment. Without these lifestyle changes, weight loss results may not be sustained once the medication is stopped.

Potential side-effects

Like any medication, Wegovy may cause side effects, though they are often temporary and mild. Some of the most common side effects include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• abdominal pain
• headache
• feeling tired

These side effects generally lessen over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if side effects persist or become severe, you should contact your doctor.

In rare cases, more serious side effects such as pancreatitis or gallbladder problems may happen, so it’s important to monitor your health and report any severe or unusual symptoms.

Learn more about the side effects of Wegovy in our guide – and make sure you’re aware of alternatives to Ozempic for weight loss.

Cost and accessibility

The cost of Wegovy depends on how you obtain it. If you’re eligible for an NHS prescription, the cost is significantly lower (£9.90 in England and free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Island), though access can be limited due to supply issues, stricter eligibility, and long waiting times.

While private prescriptions are available for those who do not qualify, these typically cost between £70 to £200 per month, which can add up over time. It’s important to consider the cost and whether a long-term commitment fits your budget.

If you're ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey, ZAVA Online Doctor offers a convenient and accessible way to get the support you need. ZAVA provides online consultations with qualified healthcare professionals who can assess your suitability for medications like Wegovy and other weight loss treatments.

Our process is simple and designed to fit into your lifestyle:

1. Complete a health assessment. Fill out a quick and easy health questionnaire to help us understand your weight loss goals and medical history.
2. Consult with a doctor. After reviewing your information, one of our experienced doctors will assess your eligibility for weight loss treatments and provide expert advice.
3. Get your prescription. If appropriate, your doctor will issue a prescription for treatments like Wegovy, which can be delivered directly to your door in discreet packaging.

With ZAVA, you can access the support you need from the comfort of your own home, saving you time and making it easier to get started on your weight loss plan. Whether you’re looking for medication or guidance, we’re here to help you take the first step towards a healthier you.

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