Weight loss injections on the NHS

Weight loss injections have become increasingly popular both on the NHS and through private doctor services because of their results and appetite-reducing properties.

If you want to get weight loss injections on the NHS, there are certain criteria you need to meet, and the process to get them can take some time if you need to be referred to a specialist NHS weight management service. Here we look at the weight loss injections currently available in the UK, which are available through the NHS, and how you can get them.

Yes, you can get weight loss injections on the NHS, but you will need to meet their eligibility criteria before you can get it.

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Nevolat or Biolide (liraglutide) are only available after a successful referral to a specialist weight management service. However, Mounjaro is the first weight loss injection available for prescription through GPs and certain other NHS prescribing services, such as some pharmacies. As this is a new change, you can only get Mounjaro this way if you qualify as being the ‘highest need’ for medical treatment for your weight.

Wegovy and Nevolat are usually only available on the NHS for those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or a BMI between 30 and 35 with a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure or heart disease. Weight loss injections will not be offered by the NHS unless you have tried other weight loss methods first, such as sticking to a strict diet and exercise plan.

You must meet the NHS requirements to get weight loss injections on the NHS. For example, to get Wegovy or Nevolat, you must:

• have a BMI of 35 or more (this may differ depending on your ethnic background) and at least 1 other weight-related medical condition
• be eligible for a referral to the NHS tier 3 weight management service, as this is the only way to be prescribed these weight loss injections through the NHS at the moment

To be referred to tier 3 services, your GP will take into consideration:

• your BMI
• any weight-related health conditions
• what you’ve already done to try to lose weight
• if you have already tried other weight loss medications, such as orlistat tablets

Referral criteria may also differ in each area of the UK, depending on demand for these services. In some places, you need to complete a tier 2 weight loss programme first.

To get Mounjaro, the criteria is strict because they are first prioritising people with the highest clinical need. So, to get Mounjaro through your GP or another eligible primary care service, you’ll need a BMI of 40 or more, and 4 weight-related health conditions. You can find out more about which health conditions are considered for an NHS Mounjaro prescription in the ‘Who can get Mounjaro on the NHS?’ section.

How long does it take to get weight loss injections on the NHS?

The waiting times for Wegovy or Nevolat through tier 3 weight management services are different in every area. For example, if you live in the Worcestershire area, the waiting times are about 3 years due to high demand. This is likely to be the same in most UK locations, as weight loss injections have become increasingly popular. You’d need to check on your local NHS website or ask your GP for more information about services in your area.

You can get Mounjaro faster, but only if you meet their criteria. Anyone who does not meet the criteria currently will need to wait at least a couple more years. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has planned the rollout of Mounjaro over the next 12 years.

Yes, you can now get Mounjaro on the NHS through certain GPs and other eligible primary care services. Most tier 3 weight management services will no longer be prescribing Mounjaro due to this change. If you meet the criteria, check your GP website or local integrated care board for further information on how and where you can get it.

Who can get Mounjaro on the NHS?

As Mounjaro GP prescriptions are a new service by the NHS, only those ‘most in need’ will be eligible for Mounjaro. This means you’ll need to have:

• a BMI of 40 or more
• 4 out of 5 of the following weight-related health conditions – high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, and vascular or heart disease

Only these health conditions will be considered for an NHS Mounjaro prescription. If you are from a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern ethnic background, the BMI required to get Mounjaro is 37.5 or more.

From June 2026, people with a BMI of 35 or more who have 4 out of 5 of the medical conditions listed in the current guidelines will also be eligible for Mounjaro. Then, in April 2027, the guidelines will change again to include people with a BMI of 40 or more who have only 3 out of 5 of the medical conditions.

If you don’t lose 5% or more of your body weight after 6 months, a decision will be made on whether to continue with your treatment.

Yes, but only through tier 3 weight management services. Referrals to these services are usually made by your GP based on whether you meet certain criteria. The specialist weight management service will then decide if Wegovy is appropriate for you.

How do I get Wegovy on the NHS?

Wegovy is available from NHS specialist weight management services. There are certain criteria which make you suitable to get Wegovy and you will also normally be required to increase physical activity and reduce calorie intake. The guidelines for prescribing Wegovy say that you can get it for a maximum of 2 years if you have at least 1 other weight-related health condition and either:

• a BMI of 35 or more
• a BMI between 30 and 34.9, and meet the criteria to be referred to a specialist weight management service

If you are from a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern ethnic background, the BMI you need to get Wegovy is reduced by 2.5.

No, Saxenda is not currently available from the NHS or private healthcare providers. This is due to a national shortage, making it long-term out of stock. However, a generic version of the medication called liraglutide is now available.

Alternative treatments like Wegovy or Mounjaro might be suitable for some people. Saxenda (liraglutide) requires a daily injection, but Wegovy and Mounjaro only need to be taken once per week.

Who can get Saxenda on the NHS?

Saxenda (now being replaced with generic liraglutide) is normally recommended for those who:

• have a BMI of 35 or more
• have type 2 diabetes
• are eligible for tier 3 weight management services

If you are from a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern ethnic background, the BMI you need to get Saxenda is reduced by 2.5.

Yes, you can get Ozempic on the NHS but it is not approved as a weight loss treatment. Ozempic is a medication approved for helping to control blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes. It can result in some weight loss for people who take it.

Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, called semaglutide. However, the dosage of Ozempic differs from that of Wegovy. If you require weight loss treatment, Wegovy is more likely to be suitable for you.

Who can get Ozempic on the NHS?

Ozempic can be prescribed by the NHS for type 2 diabetes when other medications like metformin have not been effective or you cannot take these medications and one of the following is true:

• you have a BMI of 35 or more and have medical conditions related to obesity
• using insulin could affect your job because of the risk of low blood sugar
• weight loss would improve any obesity-related conditions

If you are from Black African, African-Caribbean, Asian, South Asian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern backgrounds, you can have a lower BMI and still be considered for Ozempic, as you’re more at risk from obesity-related health conditions.

If you think you may have diabetes, we offer a Diabetes Test Kit service.

Ozempic is not available on the NHS or privately for weight loss.

How much is Ozempic on the NHS?

If you are over 60 and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you can get Ozempic free of charge on the NHS. If you are under 60, you will need to obtain a medical exemption certificate from the NHS to get it for free, otherwise you have to pay the prescription charge.

There are 2 other medical treatments available on the NHS for weight loss. These include tablets and surgery. Whether you can get them will depend on factors like your BMI and what other things you have tried to lose weight.

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