Quick answer
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly weight-loss injection available on the NHS for people with a BMI of 35 or more — 32.5 for some ethnic backgrounds — plus at least one weight-related condition, prescribed through specialist weight-management services for up to two years. It is not the same as Ozempic, which is licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss.
What is Wegovy and how does it work?
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide licensed for weight management — a once-weekly injection you give yourself under the skin. It mimics the gut hormone GLP-1, which reduces appetite, helps you feel full sooner and slows stomach emptying. The dose is increased gradually over several months to reduce nausea.
Who can get Wegovy on the NHS?
NICE recommends Wegovy for adults with:
- a BMI of 35 or more — or 32.5 or more if you are of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean background — and
- at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnoea.
It is prescribed through specialist NHS weight-management services (not routinely by GPs), normally for up to two years, alongside diet and activity support. Separately, Wegovy can be prescribed without a time limit to reduce the risk of a further heart attack or stroke in people with cardiovascular disease who meet the criteria.
Wegovy is not Ozempic
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes only, at lower doses. NHS weight-loss prescribing uses Wegovy. Be wary of anyone offering “Ozempic for weight loss” online — see is it safe to buy weight-loss jabs online?
How does Wegovy compare with Mounjaro?
In trials, semaglutide produced around 14% average body-weight loss, versus about 20% with Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — but the two have different NHS routes and criteria: Wegovy needs a lower BMI (35+) with one condition via specialist services, while Mounjaro’s GP route needs a BMI of 40+ with four conditions. Our weight-loss injections comparison covers both, plus Saxenda and availability across the UK nations.
Common questions about wegovy
- What is the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro?
- All three are weekly injections, but they are not interchangeable. Ozempic (semaglutide) is licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes only. Wegovy (also semaglutide) is licensed for weight loss. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) targets two gut hormones instead of one and led to more weight loss in trials — about 20% of body weight on average versus 14% with semaglutide.
- Do you have to stay on weight-loss injections forever?
- Weight loss from these medicines is maintained only while you keep taking them — most people regain weight after stopping. That is why NHS treatment always includes support with diet and physical activity alongside the injection, to build habits that help keep weight off if treatment ends. Your prescriber will review your progress regularly.
- How do I get referred for Wegovy?
- Ask your GP about a referral to an NHS specialist weight-management service. The service checks your BMI, weight-related conditions and medical history, and prescribes and monitors treatment if you qualify. Waiting lists vary by area. Wegovy is also used, without the two-year limit, to reduce the risk of a further heart attack or stroke in people who qualify.
- What are the side effects of Wegovy?
- The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and reduced appetite, especially when the dose is being increased. These usually ease over a few weeks — smaller meals and less fatty food help. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Contact your GP or 111 for severe or persistent symptoms, and seek urgent help for severe tummy pain.