There are currently 4 different types of weight loss medication available on prescription in the UK. Please note that only very few overweight patients are eligible for weight loss injections on the NHS.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)The most common and most effective weight loss medication used in the UK. Mounjaro is the brand name, whilst Tirzepatide is the name of the ingredient. It is sometimes called Zepbound.
Medication type: Weekly self-injection
Average weight loss: 20.9% weight loss over 17 months
NHS eligibility
:
For white patients: BMI of above 40 with 4 or more serious obesity-related medical conditions
For non-white patients: BMI of above 37.5 with 4 or more serious obesity-related medical conditions
Obesity related medical conditions include high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease (such as history of strokes, heart attacks or angina) , type 2 diabetes
Requirements will be relaxed slightly in 2026 and 2027.
How to access on the NHS:
your GP practice will start to contact you in the coming few months if you are eligible as this new NHS service is rolled out
Private eligibility:
For white patients: BMI of above 30. No other medical conditions needed.
For non-white patients: BMI of above 27.5. No other medical conditions needed.
How to access privately
:
Medicspot Weight LossOther online pharmacies
Typical private cost £129 to £219 per month
Note: using private healthcare does not affect your entitlement to present or future NHS care.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)The first weekly weight loss injection which was available. Wegovy is the brand name, whilst Semaglutide is the ingredient contained within it. Ozempic is the brand of Semaglutide which is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Medication type: Weekly self-injection
Average weight loss: 14.9% weight loss over 16 months
NHS eligibility:
BMI of above 35 with one serious obesity related medical condition in most NHS areas
How to access on NHS: Generally needs to be prescribed by referral to Tier 3 NHS Weight Management Services (after completion of Tier 2 weight management programme)Long waitlist for Tier 3 services typical
Private eligibility:
For white patients: BMI of above 30. No other medical conditions needed.
For non-white patients: BMI of above 27.5. No other medical conditions needed.
How to access privately:
Online pharmacies
Typical private cost £120 to £270 per month
Note: using private healthcare does not affect your entitlement to present or future NHS care.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)The first licensed weight loss injection. Saxenda is the brand name, whilst Liraglutide is the ingredient contained within it. This medication is now seldom used after the launch of the new class of GLP1 agonists (Mounjaro and Wegovy) which have been proven to be more effective. Saxenda is still used occasionally to treat diabetes.
Medication type: Daily self-injection
Average weight loss: 8.0% weight loss over 12 months
NHS eligibility:
BMI of above 35 with one serious obesity related medical condition in most NHS areas
How to access on NHS:
Not really prescribed much on the NHS
Generally needs to be prescribed by referral to Tier 3 NHS Weight Management Services (after completion of Tier 2 weight management programme)
Long waitlists for Tier 3 services typical
Private eligibility:
For white patients: BMI of above 30. No other medical conditions needed.
For non-white patients: BMI of above 27.5. No other medical conditions needed.
How to access privately:
Online pharmacies
Typical private cost £150 to £300 per month
Note: using private healthcare does not affect your entitlement to present or future NHS care.
Orlistat (Xenical or Alli)A tablet which causes a reduction in the amount of fat absorbed by your intestines. Taken three times a day. Alli - a lower dose of Orlistat - can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription.
Medication type: Daily 3 x daily oral tablet
Average weight loss: 2.9% weight loss over 1-2 years
NHS eligibility:
BMI of above 30
How to access on NHS:
Can be prescribed by your GP
Private eligibility:
For Alli (lower dose) - can buy from pharmacy if BMI of above 28
For prescription (higher dose) - requires BMI of above 30
How to access privately:
Your local pharmacy
Other online pharmacies
Typical private cost £40 to £50 per month
Note: using private healthcare does not affect your entitlement to present or future NHS care.
Declaration of Interest: Medicspot (Medic Spot Limited) is part of the same financial group as Archvale (Archvale Ltd) - which provides support services to your GP practice operated by the Archvale Partnership. This relationship has no impact on the clinical care you will receive. This declaration is made to ensure transparency, particularly if services or products offered by Medicspot are ever discussed or recommended.
