Yes, in some circumstances you may be able to access weight loss injections through the NHS, but simply asking your GP for Mounjaro or Wegovy does not mean they will be able to prescribe it.
Access depends on where you live in the UK, your BMI, your health, local NHS services and the particular medicine being considered.
For many people, NHS eligibility is considerably stricter than the eligibility for private weight management treatment.
Here is how it works.
Can my GP prescribe weight loss injections?
Potentially, but it depends on the treatment and where you live.
Weight loss injections such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription-only medicines. They cannot legally be supplied without an appropriate prescription.
On the NHS, access is controlled by national guidance as well as local commissioning arrangements.
In England, Mounjaro is now being introduced into primary care, which includes GP practices, but the rollout is being phased and currently prioritises people with the greatest clinical need.
Wegovy for obesity is generally accessed through specialist weight management services rather than being routinely prescribed by a GP.
Other parts of the UK have their own arrangements.
Can I get Mounjaro from my GP?
In England, Mounjaro can now be prescribed for weight management through some primary care services.
However, NHS England is introducing it gradually rather than making it immediately available to everyone who meets the broader NICE criteria.
During the initial rollout, access through primary care is being prioritised for people with significant weight-related health problems.
NHS England currently states that you may be eligible for Mounjaro through primary care if you have a BMI of 35 or above and have been diagnosed with four of five specified weight-related conditions:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- abnormal cholesterol or blood fat levels
- cardiovascular disease
- obstructive sleep apnoea
BMI thresholds may be adjusted for people from some ethnic backgrounds.
Local NHS arrangements can also differ, so meeting these criteria does not automatically mean your own GP practice can immediately prescribe treatment.
Can I get Wegovy from my GP?
Wegovy is also available through the NHS for some eligible patients, but access is more restricted.
NHS England currently states that Wegovy for obesity should be prescribed through a specialist weight management service.
That means your GP may be able to discuss your weight with you and refer you to an appropriate service, but your GP practice will not necessarily prescribe Wegovy itself.
Eligibility usually takes account of your BMI alongside any health conditions associated with your weight.
What about Northern Ireland?
Access is different in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has historically not had the same specialist obesity treatment infrastructure available in other parts of the UK.
However, in June 2026 the Department of Health announced the first phase of Northern Ireland's new Regional Obesity Management Service, or ROMS.
The latest Department of Health announcement says the service is being introduced with an initial focus on adults with the highest clinical need.
Phase one eligibility was announced for adults aged 18 or over with a BMI above 45 and at least one of the following:
- cardiovascular disease
- high blood pressure requiring medication
- raised cholesterol or triglycerides
- obstructive sleep apnoea confirmed by a sleep study
- type 2 diabetes
The Department has also announced an Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme for some people with a BMI between 30 and 39.9.
This is a developing NHS service, so the availability of weight loss medication in Northern Ireland should be checked against the latest HSC arrangements rather than assuming your individual GP can prescribe it directly.
Why are the NHS criteria so strict?
There are potentially millions of people who meet the licensed criteria for some weight management medicines.
The NHS therefore has to prioritise treatment according to clinical need, available services and healthcare resources.
For example, NICE's broader recommendation for Mounjaro includes eligible adults with:
- an initial BMI of at least 35, and
- at least one weight-related health condition.
However, NHS England estimated that immediately implementing these criteria could make approximately 3.4 million people eligible.
For that reason, access through primary care is being expanded gradually, beginning with patients considered to have the greatest clinical need.
Does having a BMI over 30 mean my GP will prescribe injections?
No.
A BMI over 30 may be relevant when assessing whether certain weight management treatments could be appropriate, but it does not automatically qualify you for NHS treatment.
The NHS may consider:
- your BMI
- existing weight-related health conditions
- previous weight management approaches
- other medicines you take
- your medical history
- the treatment being considered
- availability of appropriate local services
The prescribing clinician must also decide whether the medicine is clinically appropriate for you.
What should I ask my GP?
If you are concerned about your weight, speaking to your GP is still a sensible place to start.
Your GP may be able to:
- discuss your weight and general health
- check for conditions associated with your weight
- discuss available NHS weight management support
- refer you to an appropriate weight management service
- explain whether weight loss medication may be available locally
The NHS advises people who are living with overweight or obesity and want help losing weight to speak to their GP or investigate local weight management services.
What if I don't qualify for NHS weight loss injections?
Not qualifying for NHS treatment does not necessarily mean that prescription weight loss treatment is unsuitable for you.
The licensed criteria for a medicine and the criteria for obtaining that medicine through a particular NHS programme are not always the same thing.
People who do not qualify for NHS-funded treatment may therefore choose to have a private clinical assessment.
Private treatment still requires a prescription.
A legitimate provider should assess your health and suitability before supplying medication rather than simply allowing you to purchase an injection online.
Can I get weight loss injections privately without going through my GP?
Yes.
Prescription weight management treatments can be provided privately following an appropriate clinical assessment.
You do not necessarily need your GP to issue the prescription.
A qualified private prescriber can assess you and, if treatment is considered appropriate, issue a private prescription.
You should expect the provider to ask about information such as:
- your height and weight
- your BMI
- your medical history
- medicines you currently take
- relevant health conditions
- previous weight management treatment
They may also need to verify information such as your identity and current weight.
These checks are part of responsible prescribing.
Do I need a GP referral for private treatment?
Generally, no.
You can normally approach a regulated private weight management service directly.
You will still have to complete a clinical assessment and being willing to pay privately does not guarantee that medication will be prescribed.
The prescriber remains responsible for deciding whether the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
NHS or private weight loss treatment?
There are advantages to both routes.
NHS treatment may be available without the cost of privately funding your medication, but access can be limited to particular patient groups and waiting times or local eligibility criteria may apply.
Private treatment can provide another route for eligible patients who do not currently qualify for NHS-funded medication or who would prefer to arrange their assessment privately.
Whichever route you choose, weight loss injections should only be obtained through a legitimate healthcare provider and prescribed following an appropriate assessment.
The MHRA specifically warns against obtaining GLP-1 medicines from unregulated websites, social media sellers or other unauthorised sources.
Weight loss treatment through Keltoi
Keltoi provides private online weight management treatment for eligible adults in the UK.
You can complete your assessment online without needing a GP referral.
Your information is reviewed by a UK prescriber and, if prescription treatment is considered suitable, available treatment options can then be discussed with you.
Depending on your individual circumstances, these may include injectable or tablet-based weight management treatments.
Start your eligibility assessment to find out which options may be suitable for you.
Treatment is subject to clinical assessment. Prescription medicines are not suitable for everyone and a prescription is not guaranteed.