Can You Get Weight-Loss Injections on the NHS? Here’s What You Need to Know
- HealthyMe
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
With the popularity of weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), Wegovy® (semaglutide), and Saxenda® (liraglutide) skyrocketing, more and more people are asking: Can I get these injections on the NHS?
The short answer is: sometimes, but only if you meet strict NHS eligibility criteria. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly who qualifies, the reality of NHS access, and why many people are choosing private weight-loss treatment instead.
NHS Eligibility Criteria for Weight-Loss Injections
Since 23rd June 2025, weight-loss injections have been available to access via primary care settings (i.e GP practices) but only if you meet strict criteria. This is due to the available capacity to support patients effectively in this setting. If successful, this will then be scaled to provide the medication to a larger variety of patients.
To be eligible for Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) via your GP currently you must:
Have a BMI of 40* or higher, and
Have at least 4 weight-related health conditions from the following list; hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus.
*for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds, a lower BMI can be considered.
The Reality of Getting Weight-Loss Injections on the NHS
Unfortuntely, not all GP practices will be setup to provide these medications. This may be due to a number of reasons:
Many practices are still working on the necessary resources and plans to be able to provide this service safely. For example, GP training, and ensuring enough time can be set aside within the practice to support patients appropriately.
NICE states that "all patients must be provided wraparound support which incorporates nutritional and dietetic advice as a minimum and access to behavioural change components, as a mandatory requirement to access treatment". This has not yet been setup for many practices, therefore, they cannot provide treatment.
Some GP services are still suggesting access is only via Specialist Tier 3 Weight Management Services.
Overall, with criteria being so strict, and access not as straight-forward as imagined, it leads those struggling to wonder "How can I actually access these medications?".
Why Many People Choose Private Weight-Loss Treatment
If you don’t meet NHS eligibility, or you simply don’t want to wait, private weight-loss injections offer a faster, more flexible alternative.
Opting for private care, you will be offered:
Broader eligibility — a larger range of BMI's are considered depending on your medical history, ethnicity, and personal needs.
Immediate access — start in a matter of days or weeks, not months or years.
More options — access to both Wegovy® and Mounjaro® for weight loss (not just diabetes).
Personalised support — multi-disciplinary support for long-term behaviour change
No strict time limits — continue treatment as long as it’s safe and beneficial.
The HealthyMe Approach
Studies show that weight loss medication used alongside lifestyle intervention shows not only the greatest weight loss, but also the most sustained weight loss too. At HealthyMe, we combine consultant led-care with a team of dedicated dietitians & psychologists to give you the best chance of success.
Our Medical Weight Loss Programme can include:
A full medical assessment with our Consultant in Bariatric Medicine, Dr Katherine McCullough - one of the UK's leading consultants and National Specialty Advisor for Obesity to NHS England
GLP-1 weight-loss injections prescribed and delivered to your door
One-to-one Specialist Dietitian guidance to adapt your eating habits, alongside access to downloadable dietary guides
Specialist Clinical Psychologists to support in long-term behaviour change
Fast access — we will fit you in to our next available clinic
Frequently Asked Questions: NHS Weight-Loss Injection Eligibility
1. Can I get Mounjaro® on the NHS for weight loss?
Currently, Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is only available on the NHS for those who meet strict criteria. It’s not yet widely prescribed for weight loss alone. HealthyMe can provide Mounjaro® privately for a much wider variety of individuals.
2. Who qualifies for Wegovy® on the NHS?
NHS eligibility requires:
BMI ≥ 35, plus at least one weight-related health condition, and
Referral to a specialist weight-management service.
Some with BMI 30–35 may qualify if health risks are significant.
3. How long can I take weight-loss injections on the NHS?
NHS prescriptions for Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) currently have no set criteria for timeframe of use, but this may change. NHS prescriptions for Wegovy® are limited to 2 years. After this, treatment stops even if you haven’t reached or maintained your goal. Private care allows longer use if safe.
4. Why are NHS waiting lists so long for weight-loss injections?
Demand for GLP-1 medications is extremely high, and specialist NHS weight-management clinics have limited capacity.
5. What’s the difference between NHS and private access?
NHS: free but strict eligibility, long waits, limited duration.
Private: faster access, broader eligibility, more choice, and ongoing support.
Not sure whether to wait for Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) on the NHS or go private? Here’s how the two options compare so you can make the right choice for you.
✅ Find out if you’re eligible today — book your HealthyMe consultation and take the first step toward lasting weight loss.
