Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) weight loss injections are now used by millions of adults in the UK. They act similarly to the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, supporting people to feel fuller for longer, eat less, and lose weight, but they should be used alongside regular physical activity and a balanced, reduced calorie diet.
These weight loss injections are available through the NHS for the cost of the standard NHS prescription fee. However, most people are accessing them privately due to strict NHS prescription criteria and long wait times. Additionally, not everyone who can access these medications privately will qualify for NHS weight loss injections, leading many people to opt for private weight loss jabs.
In this article, we will explain the NHS pathways for all licensed GLP-1 weight loss treatments, focusing on the NHS and NICE guidelines, who can prescribe NHS weight loss drugs, how much NHS weight loss injections cost, the negatives of NHS weight loss jabs, and what your alternative options are.
Which weight loss injections are available on the NHS?
Currently there are several approved NHS weight loss drugs, most of which are injections. The currently available NHS weight loss injections include:
Saxenda/Nevolat (liraglutide) - the first ever weight loss injection licensed in the UK, taken daily
Wegovy (semaglutide) - the first weekly weight loss injection licensed in the UK containing the same active ingredient as the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) - a dual-action weekly injection that acts similarly to two different natural hormones: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
All three of these injections belong to the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) family and can also be used for managing type 2 diabetes. However, in this article, we’ll stick to their use as weight loss medications as the guidance around NHS prescribing is different where these medications are used for treating diabetes.
In 2026, two new tablet weight loss medications were approved for use in the UK: Wegovy (semaglutide) tablets and Foundayo (orforglipron). They belong to the same GLP-1 family as the injections above, so they work in a similar way, but are taken orally rather than injected. Learn more about these new drugs in our guides to Foundayo and Wegovy tablets.
Both new medications are undergoing assessment by the national institute of health and care excellence (NICE) to see whether they will be approved for NHS use. They can’t currently be accessed through the NHS but may be available from some private providers.
There is currently one main weight loss tablet that is available on the NHS: orlistat (sometimes sold under the brand name Xenical). This tablet works differently to GLP-1 medications by reducing how much fat you absorb from your food. We’ve also created an informative orlistat guide if you want to know more about this weight loss medication.
The weight loss tablet Mysimba is not available on the NHS but can be prescribed privately. It works in another way to reduce food cravings and appetite.
Who can get weight loss injections on the NHS?
There are very strict criteria for weight loss injections on the NHS and these vary depending on injection type and whether you’re accessing it via your GP or a specialist weight management service.
Weight loss injection | Criteria for NHS weight loss service access | Criteria for NHS GP access | Criteria for private prescription |
|---|---|---|---|
Wegovy (semaglutide) | BMI (body mass index) of 35≤ or 32.5≤* AND At least 1 weight-related problem OR BMI of 32-34.9 AND meet the criteria for referral to specialist overweight and obesity management services | Currently unavailable to access via your NHS GP | BMI of ≥30 OR ≥27 with at least one weight-related problem |
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | An initial BMI of 35≤ or 32.5≤* AND At least 1 weight-related problem | 4 weight-related health problems AND BMI of 35≤ or 32.5≤* | BMI of ≥30 OR ≥27 with at least one weight-related problem |
Saxenda/Nevolat (liraglutide) | An initial BMI of 35≤ or 32.5≤* AND Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia AND A high risk of cardiovascular disease | Currently unavailable to access via your NHS GP | BMI of ≥30 OR ≥27 with at least one weight-related problem |
Lower BMI used for people of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin due to a higher risk of certain health conditions
Examples of some of the weight-related health problems that are included in the criteria are:
High blood pressure
High blood fat levels
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Cardiovascular disease/ heart problems
Prediabetes
Type 2 diabetes
It’s also important to know that the GP Mounjaro prescription criteria is gradually changing to include more people as part of a gradual roll-out process over several years.
Can your GP prescribe weight loss injections?
Some GPs will be able to prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss if their practice is taking part in the rollout scheme and you meet the strict criteria. However, this will depend on whether the local integrated care board has approved the funding for your local GP practice.
A GP can only prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss purposes to patients deemed at “high clinical need” according to NICE, and the specifics around this will change slightly over the next few years. They must also provide “wraparound care” alongside Mounjaro, which means specialist diet and exercise support.
Other weight loss injections are only available from specialist NHS weight loss services that your GP refers you to, or from a private weight loss service.
How do you get weight loss injections on the NHS?
If you want to lose weight and think you may be eligible for weight loss injections on the NHS, the first step is to visit your GP. They will assess your BMI, medical history, medications you take, and may want to discuss your lifestyle and offer support with your diet and exercise regime.
If you meet the criteria, they will refer you to a specialist weight management service or, in some select cases, prescribe Mounjaro for you directly. Most GPs, however, are unable to prescribe weight loss injections for you.
After referral, you may have to wait several months or even years before you get an appointment with your local weight management service. Waiting times vary between areas, but due to high demand it can take up to 10 years in some cases before you get an appointment.
When you attend your appointment at the specialist weight management service, you’ll be able to discuss weight loss injections and the doctor may prescribe one if indicated.
How much do NHS weight loss injections cost?
NHS weight loss injections cost the standard prescription charge in England. This means a one-month supply will cost £9.90 as of September 2026.
Free weight loss injections are available on the NHS for people who are exempt from prescription charges, such as adults over 60, and for individuals in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What are the drawbacks of getting weight loss injections on the NHS?
If you’re hoping to be prescribed weight loss injection, the NHS criteria can be quite strict (especially for Mounjaro GP prescriptions). The BMI requirements are often higher than with a private prescription and you typically have to have at least one weight-related health problem too.
Having to access weight loss injections via a specialist service (in most cases) means limited access and often long waiting times. There is also a lot of variation between different regions of the UK in what is available, how to access this, and for how long you have to wait to see a specialist and have the medication prescribed.
The type of weight loss medication you’re prescribed on the NHS will depend on local funding and national rules which means you may have less choice over the type of weight loss medication you’re prescribed than if you chose a private service.
What if you don’t qualify for NHS treatment?
If you don’t qualify for NHS treatment or you don’t want to wait (sometimes for years) to see a specialist who can prescribe weight loss injections for you, you may decide to opt for a private weight management service.
Private weight management services, like the one offered by Quick Meds, can usually provide treatment much quicker (often in just a few days). The treatment criteria is usually lower too, as private providers just have to follow the medication licensing indications rather than also considering NICE guidelines and local integrated care board rules.
Quick Meds is a GPhC-licensed UK online pharmacy who offers an online weight management service. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals can support you to choose the most appropriate weight loss medication based on your individual circumstances.
After an online consultation, your weight loss injection will be prescribed and sent directly to your home or chosen collection point.
Start your weight loss journey with Quick Meds today.
Sources:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-glp-1-tablet-for-weight-loss-approved-in-the-uk
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13799/smpc
