The NHS does prescribe weight-loss injections, but access is more tightly controlled than headlines often suggest. Only two medications are currently NHS-approved specifically for weight management — Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — and both are being rolled out in stages rather than made available to everyone who wants them. Here’s exactly how eligibility works in 2026 and what the referral process actually looks like.
Which Injections Are NHS-Approved for Weight Loss
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — approved under NICE guidance, accessed through specialist (tier 3) weight management services
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — approved under separate NICE guidance, being rolled out through GPs in phases starting with the highest clinical need
- Ozempic (semaglutide) — licensed only for type 2 diabetes in the UK, not available on the NHS for weight loss
If you’ve been researching Ozempic specifically, our article on Ozempic UK: how it works, cost, and NHS eligibility explains why it isn’t the NHS weight-loss route, and which medication actually is.
Wegovy Eligibility Criteria
- BMI of 35 or above, plus at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea)
- BMI of 32.5 or above for people of South Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean background, reflecting higher health risk at lower BMIs in these groups
- Referral to, and assessment by, a specialist weight management service — not a direct GP prescription
- Funded for a maximum of two years, continued only if at least 5% of starting body weight is lost within six months
Mounjaro Eligibility Criteria
Mounjaro’s NHS rollout is being introduced in phases, starting with people at the highest clinical need. Early phases have prioritised adults with a BMI of 40 or above who also have at least four weight-related conditions, drawn from a list that includes type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, and heart disease. Unlike Wegovy, Mounjaro can be prescribed through GPs and community clinics in participating areas, though not every practice is taking part yet, and criteria are expected to broaden in later phases as the rollout continues through 2026 and 2027.
The Referral Pathway, Step by Step
1. Start with your GP
Bring your BMI, weight history, and any weight-related health conditions to the appointment. Your GP will assess whether you meet the current criteria for Wegovy or Mounjaro in your area.
2. Specialist assessment (for Wegovy)
Wegovy requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, where a multidisciplinary team — doctors, dietitians, and sometimes psychologists — assesses suitability and builds a supporting lifestyle plan alongside the medication.
3. Primary care prescribing (for Mounjaro, where available)
Where your GP practice is participating in the Mounjaro rollout and you meet the current phase’s criteria, prescribing and monitoring can happen directly in primary care, alongside structured support for at least the first nine months.
4. Ongoing review
Expect reviews every one to three months, weight and side-effect checks, and a formal six-month checkpoint to confirm the medication is working before continued NHS funding.
What Happens If You Don’t Qualify
Local commissioning decisions mean access varies by area, and waiting times for specialist services can range from several months to over a year. If you don’t currently meet NHS criteria, a private prescription from a CQC-regulated provider is the main alternative, typically available from a lower BMI threshold, though it comes at ongoing personal cost rather than being NHS-funded.
Medication Isn’t a Standalone Fix
Both NHS and private pathways expect weight-loss injections to be used alongside dietary changes and increased activity, not instead of them. Understanding roughly how many calories your body needs — and how a moderate deficit interacts with appetite-suppressing medication — makes the transition onto and off these medications considerably smoother.
See our guide on how many calories you should eat to lose weight for a practical way to work out your own targets.
For the official, regularly updated position, see NHS England’s page on weight management injections, which sets out current NICE-approved criteria and rollout status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI do you need for NHS weight loss injections?
For Wegovy, generally a BMI of 35 or above with a weight-related condition (32.5 for certain higher-risk ethnic groups). Mounjaro’s early rollout phases have prioritised a BMI of 40 or above with multiple weight-related conditions, with criteria expected to broaden over time.
Can my GP prescribe weight loss injections directly?
For Mounjaro, yes, in areas where the practice is participating in the phased rollout and you meet current criteria. For Wegovy, no — it requires referral to and assessment by a specialist weight management service.
How long can you stay on NHS-funded weight loss injections?
Wegovy is generally funded for up to two years, with continued funding conditional on losing at least 5% of starting body weight within the first six months.
What if I don’t meet NHS eligibility criteria?
You can wait for eligibility criteria to broaden as the rollout continues, ask your GP about local weight management support in the meantime, or consider a private prescription from a properly regulated provider if you want to start sooner.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional about your individual circumstances.