Quick answer
Which weight-loss injections can you get on the NHS?
Three weight-loss injections are available on the NHS — Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). Mounjaro can be prescribed by GPs in England for people with a BMI of 40 or more plus at least four weight-related conditions; Wegovy and Saxenda are prescribed through specialist weight-management services with different criteria. All work best alongside diet and activity support.
The three NHS weight-loss injections compared
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Wegovy (semaglutide) | Saxenda (liraglutide) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injection frequency | Once weekly | Once weekly | Once daily |
| Average weight loss in trials | ~20% at 72 weeks | ~14–15% at 68 weeks | ~5–10% |
| NHS route | GP (England) or specialist clinic | Specialist weight-management service | Specialist weight-management service |
| Typical NHS criteria | BMI 40+ (37.5+ some ethnic backgrounds) plus at least four of five weight-related conditions | BMI 35+ (32.5+ some ethnic backgrounds) plus at least one weight-related condition | BMI 35+ with pre-diabetes and other risk factors |
| Time limit | Reviewed regularly | Normally 2 years (no limit for heart-attack/stroke risk reduction) | Reviewed regularly |
| UK nations | England (GP + clinics); Scotland and Wales via clinics | England, Scotland and Wales via clinics | England, Scotland and Wales via clinics |
Northern Ireland has no NHS weight-loss injection service yet — the first is planned for 2026.
How they work
All three mimic gut hormones that reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying. Mounjaro targets two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), which is why it produced the largest average loss in trials — 20.2% of body weight versus 13.7% on semaglutide in the first head-to-head study. None of them work in isolation: NHS treatment pairs the injection with diet, activity and behavioural support, because weight returns for most people who stop without changed habits.
Which route applies to you?
- BMI 40+ (37.5+ for some ethnic backgrounds) with four or more weight-related conditions — ask your GP about Mounjaro; GPs in England have prescribed it since June 2025.
- BMI 35+ (32.5+ for some ethnic backgrounds) with at least one weight-related condition — ask your GP for a referral to a specialist weight-management service, which can prescribe Wegovy.
- Not eligible for either — NHS weight-management programmes (diet, activity and behavioural support) are open to far more people, and orlistat remains an option; see weight loss medicines.
Avoid black-market jabs
Demand has outstripped NHS supply in some areas, and unregulated sellers have filled the gap. Unlicensed “skinny jabs” bought through social media have caused serious harm and deaths in the UK. Only use an injection prescribed for you by a UK-registered prescriber, dispensed by a pharmacy you can verify on the General Pharmaceutical Council register.
Common questions about weight-loss injections
- What is the difference between Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda?
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a weekly injection targeting two gut hormones and produced about 20% average weight loss in trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a weekly injection targeting one hormone, with about 14% average loss. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection with around 5–10% loss. They also differ in NHS route — Mounjaro via GPs in England, the others via specialist clinics.
- Is it safe to buy weight-loss jabs online?
- Only from a UK-registered pharmacy with a valid prescription — check the pharmacy on the General Pharmaceutical Council register. Never buy from social media sellers or unregistered websites; the NHS and MHRA warn that unregulated "skinny jabs" have caused serious harm and deaths in the UK. If in doubt, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
- Can I get weight-loss injections in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
- In Scotland and Wales, weight-loss injections are available through NHS specialist weight-management clinics for people meeting the criteria. Northern Ireland does not yet have an NHS service, with the first one planned for 2026. Criteria and waiting times vary by area, so ask your GP what your local pathway offers.
- Who should not use weight-loss injections?
- They are not suitable if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, and need specialist judgement if you have a history of an eating disorder, pancreatitis, or certain thyroid cancers (medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2). They are not prescribed for cosmetic weight loss in people who do not meet the BMI criteria. A full medical assessment always comes first.