Can You Get Weight Loss Injections on the NHS?

Weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through the NHS for people living with obesity and weight-related health conditions. However, this hasn’t been rolled out across the country yet, and access is limited to patients who meet strict eligibility criteria.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly who qualifies, what the rules are, and how it all affects you, so you can make the best decision for your own weight loss journey.

Three key takeaways

• The NHS is rolling out weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy for patients with obesity and related health problems.
• Eligibility depends on your BMI, existing health conditions, and commitment to lifestyle support.
• Not everyone will qualify - private alternatives are available if you don’t meet NHS criteria.

What are NHS weight loss injections?

NHS weight loss injections help people with obesity lose weight by controlling appetite and blood sugar. The main options are Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda, all prescribed with lifestyle support. Mounjaro and Wegovy are injected weekly and work by acting on hormones that control appetite, while Saxenda works similarly but is taken daily.

All three are available only on prescription and under medical supervision. They’re given as pre-filled pens you inject under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, while Wegovy and Saxenda are GLP-1 receptor agonists, meaning they mimic natural gut hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar.

Does the NHS provide weight loss tablets?

Yes, the NHS can prescribe certain weight loss tablets, but only for people who meet strict medical criteria. These medicines are offered when lifestyle changes alone haven’t worked and a doctor believes medication could help reduce weight-related health risks.

Can I get weight loss injections on the NHS?

You can get weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy on the NHS, but only if you meet strict eligibility criteria. These medicines are prescribed through specialist weight management services, not routine GP appointments.

Access is being rolled out gradually across the NHS, with priority given to patients at the highest medical risk, such as those living with obesity and multiple weight related conditions like type 2 diabetes.

How much do weight loss injections cost on the NHS?

If you qualify for NHS weight loss injections, you’ll only pay the standard NHS prescription charge in England - currently £9.90 per item. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, NHS prescriptions are free of charge.

What are the criteria for injections on the NHS?

To receive weight loss injections on the NHS, you must meet specific eligibility criteria based on BMI, health conditions, and participation in a supervised lifestyle programme. These rules help ensure treatment is prioritised for people with obesity who face the highest medical risks.

NHS eligibility is assessed through specialist weight management services, not routine GP appointments. Patients are referred if they meet BMI thresholds and have related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.

BMI requirements

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a calculation based on your height and weight that estimates whether you are a healthy weight for your size. The NHS uses BMI to determine eligibility for obesity treatments.

To qualify for injections such as Mounjaro or Wegovy on the NHS, patients usually need a BMI of 40 or above, or 35 and above with at least one obesity-related condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

For people from ethnic minority backgrounds, the BMI threshold is typically reduced by around 2.5 kg/m², as evidence shows they face higher health risks at lower BMI levels.

You can calculate your BMI using our BMI calculator.

Health conditions (comorbidities)

The NHS prioritises patients whose weight directly impacts their health. Common qualifying conditions include:

• type 2 diabetes
• high blood pressure
• sleep apnoea
• heart disease
• high cholesterol

To qualify for treatment, you need to have at least four of these because it means losing weight could significantly improve your overall health and reduce long-term risks.

Patients without these comorbidities may still be offered lifestyle-based support programmes before medical treatment is considered.

Why are the criteria different for private providers?

The NHS applies stricter criteria because it must allocate limited resources to those most at risk of serious obesity-related illness. Private treatment, by contrast, is paid for directly by patients, allowing for more flexibility in eligibility and faster access.

Private weight loss services can prescribe injections such as Mounjaro or Wegovy to a broader range of patients, often starting from a BMI of 30, or 27 with a related condition.

How does the NHS rollout work?

The NHS rollout of weight loss injections began in 2025 and is being introduced gradually across England. The first phase prioritises patients with obesity and serious weight-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, who are already receiving care from specialist weight management services.

Access will expand, but the number of available prescriptions is capped to ensure safe and cost-effective delivery. This means not everyone who qualifies will be offered treatment straight away.

The medicines are prescribed as part of a structured care plan that includes dietary, exercise, and behavioural support.

Regional rollout is managed by local NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), so availability may vary depending on where you live.

Do I need to follow a diet and lifestyle plan with NHS treatment?

Yes - NHS weight loss injections must be used alongside a structured diet, exercise, and behaviour-change plan. Patients are expected to take part in a supervised programme designed to build long-term healthy habits.

This approach is known as “wrap-around care.” It combines weekly or monthly check-ins with dietitians, psychologists, or weight management specialists who track progress and provide ongoing guidance. The aim is to ensure weight loss is sustainable after the medicine is stopped.

NHS guidelines require patients to show commitment to lifestyle changes to continue receiving injections. If progress stalls or weight loss targets aren’t met, treatment may be reviewed or discontinued.

What if I’m not eligible for injections on the NHS?

If you don’t meet the NHS criteria for weight loss injections, there are still several safe and effective ways to manage your weight. Many people begin with NHS lifestyle programmes or choose to access treatments privately while waiting for NHS rollout to expand.

Private prescriptions for medicines like Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda can be obtained through regulated online pharmacies or weight management clinics.

If private treatment isn’t an option, you can still access support through:

• NHS weight management services, including dietitian and exercise programmes
• behavioural therapy and group support for long-term habit change
• alternative medications like Orlistat, where suitable

Be cautious of unregulated or fake injections sold online or through social media. Always check that any provider is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Even if you’re not eligible now, NHS access to weight loss injections is expected to expand gradually as rollout continues.

Safety and monitoring on the NHS

NHS patients prescribed weight loss injections are closely monitored to ensure the treatment is safe and effective. Regular follow-ups are built into every care plan to track progress, manage side effects, and decide whether treatment should continue.

During treatment, healthcare professionals will check your weight, BMI, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. You’ll usually attend monthly or quarterly reviews with your weight management team to assess how well the medicine is working and discuss any side effects.

If you experience issues such as persistent nausea, digestive problems, or injection-site reactions, your dose may be adjusted or paused. In some cases, treatment may be stopped if you do not lose a minimum percentage of body weight after a set period (usually 6 months).

NHS treatment follows the same safety standards and clinical guidance used across all regulated UK healthcare providers, but within a structured public service designed to support long-term weight management.

Frequently asked questions

Are there different rules for ethnic minority patients?

Yes. The NHS uses slightly lower BMI thresholds for people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds. This is because evidence shows these groups are at higher risk of weight-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, at lower BMI levels.

Does the NHS provide Wegovy as well as Mounjaro?

Yes. The NHS offers both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) through specialist weight management services. Eligibility for each medicine is assessed based on BMI, existing health conditions, and previous attempts at weight loss.

What if my GP says I don’t qualify?

If your GP says you don’t meet the NHS criteria, you can still access local weight management services or seek private treatment if appropriate. Your doctor may also review your eligibility later if your BMI or health status changes.

Can I go to the NHS if I already get treatment privately?

Yes, but you’ll need to meet NHS eligibility criteria. Private treatment doesn’t automatically qualify you for NHS continuation. Your GP can assess your progress and refer you to an NHS weight management service if you fit the clinical requirements.

Can I switch from the NHS to a private provider?

Yes. You can move from NHS treatment to a private provider at any time if you prefer. Your private clinician will take over prescribing and monitoring, but it’s important to share your NHS medical history to ensure continuity of care and safe dose adjustments.

Do the NHS offer maintenance?

Yes. The NHS provides ongoing weight management support after treatment, though injection use is time-limited. Once injections stop, patients are encouraged to continue follow-ups with dietitians, exercise specialists, or behavioural support programmes to help maintain results.

How long can I stay on weight loss injections with the NHS?

The NHS usually reviews treatment after 6 months to assess progress. If injections are effective and safe, treatment may continue for up to 2 years, depending on clinical guidance and availability. Ongoing progress is required to stay on the medicine.

Does the NHS provide Saxenda?

Yes, but access is limited. Saxenda (liraglutide) may be prescribed when newer medicines like Wegovy or Mounjaro are unsuitable or unavailable. It’s injected daily and works in a similar way by helping control appetite and calorie intake.

Does the NHS provide Ozempic?

No. Ozempic (semaglutide) is licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. However, it contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, which is licensed specifically for managing obesity. Only Wegovy and Mounjaro are approved for NHS use in weight management.