NHS Weight Loss

There are a few weight loss injections that the NHS can prescribe.

Liraglutide (also sold under the brand name Saxenda) is an injectable medication that helps control your appetite. It’s usually prescribed for people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher if there are weight-related health conditions. It can lead to significant weight loss, but it’s more expensive and not always available on the NHS.

Semaglutide (also called Wegovy) works similarly to liraglutide but is administered once a week. It’s shown to be quite effective, but again, availability on the NHS can be limited.

You may also have heard of tirzepatide (sold under the brand name Mounjaro). This injection has shown great effectiveness in clinical trials and is now one of the most popular weight loss injections in the UK (by private prescriptions), BUT it’s not yet available on the NHS. Mounjaro medication works by targeting two hormones that regulate appetite and insulin.

Which weight loss injections have been approved by the NHS?

Currently, the NHS has approved specific weight loss injections, such as Saxenda and Wegovy, designed to aid weight loss by regulating appetite hormones. These injections are generally prescribed to support substantial weight loss when combined with diet and exercise for individuals with specific health criteria.

Which weight loss injections are available on the NHS?

As of now, the NHS primarily provides Saxenda for eligible patients. Wegovy has also been approved and may be available in certain cases as it becomes widely distributed across NHS clinics. Mounjaro has been mentioned recently by the Health Minister, but this is not yet available on the NHS, although a trial is scheduled for the Greater Manchester area.

What are the eligibility criteria for weight loss injections on the NHS?

Patients are typically eligible if they have a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with specific health conditions like type 2 diabetes. Eligibility also depends on previous unsuccessful weight management attempts under medical guidance.

How long is the waiting time for weight loss injection treatment on the NHS?

Waiting times can vary significantly depending on demand and local NHS capacity. In some areas, patients may wait several months due to high demand and limited availability. Some areas don’t have a recognised weight loss pathway at all. It’s advised to check with local NHS providers for the most accurate estimate.

Generally, Orlistat (also sold under the brand names Alli or Xenical) is the most commonly prescribed weight loss pill in the NHS.

Orlistat works by preventing your body from absorbing about a third of the fat you eat. It’s typically prescribed for people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher if you have other weight-related conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Pros include that it’s non-invasive and can be effective when combined with a low-fat diet. However, it can have gastrointestinal side effects like oily stools and flatulence.

For more severe cases of obesity, surgical options might be considered.

Gastric banding involves placing a band around the top part of your stomach to create a small pouch that holds food. It helps you feel full sooner. It’s less invasive, and the band can be adjusted or removed. However, weight loss tends to be slower and less dramatic compared to other surgeries.

A gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes your intestines. It’s very effective for weight loss and can also help with other obesity-related conditions like diabetes. The downside is that it’s more invasive and comes with a higher risk of complications.

A gastric sleeve (aka a “sleeve gastrectomy”) removes a portion of your stomach, reducing its size. It’s less complex than a gastric bypass but still provides significant weight loss. It’s permanent, so it’s a big decision.

These surgical options are typically considered for people with a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher if there are other serious health problems. The waiting times for these surgeries can be long, often several months to over a year, due to high demand and limited resources.

The NHS also offers structured weight loss programmes, which can include diet, exercise, and behavioural therapy. You may hear these referred to as Tier 2 and Tier 3 weight management services.

Tier 2 services are community-based programmes that focus on lifestyle changes through diet and exercise, often involving group support and educational sessions. They’re suitable for people with a BMI of 25 or higher.

Tier 3 services are more intensive and usually involve a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including dietitians, psychologists, and exercise specialists. They’re typically for people with a BMI of 35 or higher, or 30 or higher with other health issues. These programmes can help you make sustainable changes but require a significant time commitment.

In addition to these, there are also prescription weight loss programmes that your GP can refer you to, which might include vouchers for gym memberships or access to commercial weight loss groups like Slimming World or Weight Watchers. These can be very supportive and offer a structured approach to losing weight.

• NHS 12 week weight loss plan
• NHS digital weight management programme
• NHS BMI calculator
• NHS healthy eating for weight loss
• NHS guide to calories and calorie counting

The pros of medications and non-surgical programmes are that they’re less invasive and can be effective for many people, especially when combined with lifestyle changes. The cons include potential side effects from medications and the need for a long-term commitment to lifestyle changes.

Surgical options can lead to more significant and rapid weight loss and often have a positive impact on other health conditions. However, they come with higher risks and a longer recovery period. 

Waiting times can be a significant drawback for any form of NHS weight loss treatment, in which case use the resources above to self-serve, or consider a private prescription for weight loss medication from Medicspot.

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.