With the rise of medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), medical weight loss injections have become a popular and effective tool for tackling obesity. But while many people are aware of these treatments, fewer know how they can access them — and whether they’re available through the NHS.

If you’re considering weight loss injections and wondering about your options, this guide will walk you through the current criteria for NHS weight loss injections, how the referral process works, and what alternatives exist if you’re not eligible.

NHS Weight Loss Injections: What’s Available?

As of 2024, the main medication approved for weight management on the NHS is Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It is administered as a weekly injection and works by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1) that helps regulate appetite and calorie intake.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is currently only approved on the NHS for managing type 2 diabetes, not specifically for weight loss — although clinical trials have shown it can be even more effective than semaglutide in supporting weight reduction. Access to Mounjaro for weight loss is currently limited to private prescriptions.

Who Is Eligible for Wegovy on the NHS?

To qualify for NHS-prescribed Wegovy, patients must meet strict eligibility criteria outlined by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). You may be considered if:

• You have a BMI of 35 or higher (or 30 or higher if you have certain weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea)

• You are referred to a tier 3 weight management service (a specialist NHS-led programme that includes support from dietitians, psychologists, and medical staff)

• You are willing to engage in a multidisciplinary programme that includes lifestyle, dietary, and behavioural support alongside medication

• You do not have a history of certain medical conditions that may affect treatment safety (e.g. thyroid cancer, pancreatitis)

It’s important to note that NHS weight loss injections are not prescribed by GPs directly. You must be referred into a weight management pathway, and this referral often comes after multiple attempts with lifestyle support alone.

How Does the Referral Process Work?

Accessing Wegovy on the NHS typically involves the following steps:

1. Speak to your GP – If you have a high BMI and ongoing weight-related health issues, your GP may refer you to a local tier 3 weight management service.

2. Assessment by a specialist team – This team will determine if Wegovy is appropriate for you as part of a broader treatment plan.

3. Participation in a weight management programme – Injections are only provided alongside structured support, not as a stand-alone option.

4. Prescription and monitoring – If approved, you’ll receive Wegovy injections through the NHS service, with regular reviews.

NHS Waiting Times and Limited Availability

Due to high demand and limited capacity, NHS referrals for weight loss injections can take several months — and in some regions, services may be oversubscribed or temporarily closed to new referrals. This means that even if you meet the criteria, access isn’t always immediate.

Some patients are left in a frustrating position: motivated to lose weight and eligible for treatment, but unable to start promptly.

Private Weight Loss Injections: A Faster Alternative

If you don’t qualify for NHS treatment, or don’t want to wait for a referral, private weight loss injections offer a more accessible route.

At private pharmacies like Eltham Pharmacy, you can access:

• –> Wegovy (semaglutide) privately

• –> Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which is currently not offered for weight loss on the NHS

• –> Full support from trained professionals to monitor your health, guide your dosage, and help track your progress

These injections are available following a private consultation to assess your health, weight loss goals, and suitability. While you will pay for the medication, you benefit from quicker access, individualised support, and fewer restrictions compared to the NHS pathway.

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you’re eligible and can wait for the NHS process, it may be worth pursuing. But for those who:

• –> Have a BMI under 35

• –> Don’t meet NHS eligibility

• –> Prefer to act now

• –> Want access to Mounjaro specifically

…private services offer a flexible, effective alternative.

Take Control of Your Weight Loss Journey

Medical weight loss injections can be a life-changing tool — but accessing them doesn’t have to be a waiting game. Whether you’re exploring NHS weight loss injections or considering private treatment, our pharmacy team is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us today to book a consultation, check your eligibility, or learn more about Wegovy and Mounjaro availability. Let’s work together to find the right path for your health goals.

This blog was written on behalf of Eltham Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.