Weight Loss Injections on the NHS
Weight loss injections, such as Wegovy or Mounjaro, are transforming how obesity is managed. These injections are available on the NHS for those who qualify, offering effective support for weight loss and related health conditions.
However, access can be limited due to strict eligibility criteria, with many patients facing long waiting times – sometimes months or even years – due to high demand. If you’re not eligible or need quicker access, private providers like ZAVA offer faster, expert-led alternatives to help you start your weight loss journey sooner.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Zenon AndreouLast reviewed: 05 Dec 2024
- 1. Who qualifies for weight loss injections on the NHS?
- 2. Are weight loss injections free on the NHS?
- 3. How long is the waiting time for weight loss injections on the NHS?
- 4. What weight loss injections are available on the NHS?
- 5. Other NHS-supported weight loss treatments
- 6. Where to go if you don’t qualify
- 7. Making informed decisions about your health
Who qualifies for weight loss injections on the NHS?
You'll need to meet strict eligibility criteria to access weight loss injections on the NHS. These typically include:
- A BMI over 35: Or over 30 if you have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.
- Serious health risks: If your weight puts you at risk of significant health issues, you may qualify for treatment.
Your GP or specialist will assess your overall health, weight history, and any related medical conditions to determine if you’re eligible.
Are weight loss injections free on the NHS?
Yes, weight loss injections are free of charge on the NHS if prescribed for medical reasons. This includes Wegovy, but only for patients who meet the eligibility requirements. However, patients in England will need to pay the standard NHS prescription fee unless they are exempt from charges.
How long is the waiting time for weight loss injections on the NHS?
Accessing weight loss injections like Wegovy on the NHS often involves significant waiting times. Due to high demand and limited resources, patients may wait several months - or even years - for treatment. For example, only a small percentage of eligible patients are expected to receive newer treatments like Mounjaro within the next three years as part of a 12-year phased rollout plan by the NHS. This phased rollout prioritises those with the highest clinical need, leaving many others in lengthy queues.
If long waiting times are a concern, private providers like ZAVA offer a quicker, expert-led alternative, allowing you to start your treatment without delay.
Not eligible for NHS weight loss injections or facing long waiting times? Our experienced doctors can provide personalised care and help you access treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro quickly and safely.
What weight loss injections are available on the NHS?
The NHS offers several weight loss injection options for patients who meet specific eligibility criteria. However, availability varies depending on supply levels, demand, and rollout schedules. Here’s a breakdown of what’s currently available and which treatments are more accessible:
1. Wegovy (semaglutide) - most commonly prescribed
Wegovy is a weekly injection that helps reduce appetite and promotes weight loss. The NHS approves it for patients with obesity or weight-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, and is one of the most frequently prescribed weight loss injections. However, due to the high demand, access may be limited, and some patients may experience long waiting times.
2. Saxenda (liraglutide) - limited availability
Saxenda is a daily injection that helps control hunger by regulating appetite. It is available on the NHS for patients who meet specific criteria, such as a BMI of 30 or higher or those with weight-related health conditions. However, production limitations by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, have led to supply shortages, meaning availability may be inconsistent. As a result, Saxenda may be harder to access in most areas.
3. Ozempic (semaglutide) - mainly for patients with diabetes
Ozempic is primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes but has shown effectiveness for weight loss in some patients. While it’s available on the NHS it’s mainly prescribed to patients with diabetes who need to lose weight.
4. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) - currently difficult to access on the NHS
Mounjaro has been approved by the NHS for managing type 2 diabetes, but its use for weight loss is not yet widely available. There is significant interest in Mounjaro’s potential for weight loss, but access is still limited as it’s being prioritised for diabetes management. Due to high demand and limited supply, Mounjaro for weight loss is currently difficult to obtain, and patients may face long waiting times before it becomes widely available on the NHS.
Other NHS-supported weight loss treatments
In addition to weight loss injections, the NHS offers other treatments to support obesity management:
- Orlistat: Orlistat is a medication that prevents your body from absorbing some of the fat you eat.
- Bariatric surgery: Procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity.
- Lifestyle programmes: These combine dietary advice, physical activity, and psychological support to help you manage your weight.
All of these options are free on the NHS if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Where to go if you don’t qualify
If you’re not eligible for NHS treatment or face long waiting times, private providers like ZAVA offer an effective and convenient alternative. With our weight loss service, you can access weight loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy without delays, all while receiving professional care from our experienced doctors.
Quick access
No long waits – start your weight loss journey sooner.
Life-changing results
In just 3 to 6 months with our service, patients lose an average of 14.9% of their body weight—feeling healthier, more confident, and ready for a new chapter.
Led by experienced doctors
With over 180,000 weight loss patients supported, our registered doctors bring proven expertise to each treatment plan, ensuring safe and professional care every step of the way.
Making informed decisions about your health
Weight loss injections are a powerful tool for managing obesity and improving health, but strict criteria and long wait times limit NHS access. If you qualify, treatments like Wegovy and Saxenda can be life-changing.
For faster, expert-led support, private providers like ZAVA can help you start your journey with safe, effective care.
Ready to take the next step? Visit our Weight Loss Treatment page to learn more and request your treatment today.
Last reviewed: 05 Dec 2024