weight loss
∙5 minute read
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that helps regulate appetite, slow digestion, and support weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. But while it’s gaining popularity, getting Wegovy on the NHS isn’t as straightforward as asking your GP for a prescription.
If you’re wondering whether you might be eligible (and what to do if you’re not), here’s everything you need to know.
Note that all information is correct and factual at the time of publishing.
Yes, but only under strict conditions.
The NHS follows recommendations from NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), which means Wegovy is only offered to people who:1
Have obesity and related health problems
Meet specific BMI (body mass index) thresholds
Are being treated within a specialist weight management service (often referred to as “tier 3” or “tier 4” services)
In other words, it’s not prescribed directly by your GP as a first step. Instead, it’s offered as part of a structured programme that includes support from dietitians, psychologists, and clinicians who specialise in obesity management.
It’s also important to know that Wegovy can only be prescribed for a maximum of two years on the NHS. This is because the evidence used to guide NICE’s recommendation was based on studies of up to two years, and the NHS limits treatment duration to match the trial evidence.
So, what exactly are the rules? You may be eligible for Wegovy on the NHS if:1
You have a BMI of 35 or higher (or 32.5 or higher if you’re from a South Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean background, as people from these groups face higher risks at lower BMIs), and you also have at least one weight-related health problem such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea.
OR
You have a BMI between 30 and 34.9 (or 27.5 to 32.4 for those from the ethnic backgrounds listed above) and you meet additional NHS criteria to be referred to a specialist service.
If you don’t meet these thresholds, Wegovy won’t usually be prescribed on the NHS.
Another important point: if you’ve been taking Wegovy for six months and haven’t lost at least 5% of your starting body weight, treatment may be stopped. This rule helps ensure that only people who respond to the medication continue with it, as NICE guidance is based on both safety and cost-effectiveness.
If you qualify for Wegovy on the NHS, you won’t just be handed a prescription and left to get on with it. Instead, you’ll be supported by a multidisciplinary team that could include doctors, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, and exercise specialists.
This mirrors the way Wegovy was studied in clinical trials - always alongside lifestyle interventions like healthier eating and increased activity. The evidence shows the best results happen when the medication is combined with these supportive changes, rather than being used in isolation.
If you don’t meet the NHS criteria, you won’t be able to get Wegovy through the public system. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s out of reach.
You may still be able to access Wegovy privately if you meet the clinical criteria for safe prescribing (such as BMI requirements and health history checks). Private providers can prescribe Wegovy outside of NHS restrictions, although you’ll need to cover the cost of treatment yourself. Prices can vary depending on the provider, and some offer additional support such as health coaching alongside the medication.
When exploring private options, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing a reputable service. Always check that the provider is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and that prescriptions are being issued by registered clinicians. Safe prescribing means you’ll have a proper health assessment, ongoing monitoring, and clear information about side effects and what to expect.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify privately, you’ll usually complete an online health questionnaire and have your eligibility reviewed by a clinician before starting treatment.
Wegovy can be life-changing, but access on the NHS is carefully controlled to make sure it’s prescribed to those who need it most and can benefit safely. If you meet the BMI thresholds and have a weight-related health condition, you may be referred to a specialist weight management service where Wegovy could be offered as part of your treatment.
For those who don’t qualify, private options may still be available. And remember, whichever route you take, Wegovy must be combined with healthier lifestyle habits and ongoing support.
England NHS. NHS England » Weight management injections. Nhs.uk. https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/ [Accessed 22nd August 2025].
Written by Hassan Thwaini
Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
