Can I get Ozempic on the NHS?

Key Takeaways

• Ozempic is available on the NHS, but only to treat type 2 diabetes.
• While you may have seen Ozempic described as a weight loss medication, it’s not prescribed for weight loss in the UK.
• Wegovy is a weight loss medication with the same active ingredient as Ozempic. It’s available on the NHS if you meet the criteria.
• You may be able to receive Wegovy through Oviva’s programme if you have a BMI over 35 and a weight-related health condition.

What is Ozempic, and who is it for?

Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes medication. It’s used to regulate blood glucose – weight loss is a secondary benefit. 

It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, helping your body to produce more insulin and reduce blood glucose. It also suppresses your appetite by delaying digestion. 

Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide. 

It’s only approved as a type 2 diabetes medication. Although it’s often falsely called a weight loss medication, it’s not currently prescribed for weight loss.

Wegovy, a weight loss medication with the same active ingredient, is available on the NHS. It has a different dosing schedule from Ozempic.

Can I get Ozempic on the NHS?

Yes. Ozempic is approved for use within the NHS as a type 2 diabetes medication. However, it’s not available on the NHS as a weight loss medication.

To be prescribed Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, you usually have to try other medications, like metformin, first. That’s because Ozempic is typically used when other medications have failed to control your blood glucose.

Ozempic is usually prescribed by a diabetes specialist, rather than your GP. The Ozempic NHS criteria are stricter than some other diabetes medications because supplies are limited.

What is the NHS criteria for Wegovy (semaglutide for weight loss)?

To access weight loss injections on the NHS, you’ll need to meet specific criteria for Tier 3 weight management. This ensures the medication is used safely and effectively as part of a wider support plan. 

You may be eligible if:

• You have a BMI over 35 – or over 32.5 if you’re from an Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background.
• You’re living with a weight-related health condition such as pre-diabetes, depression, PCOS, or high cholesterol.
• You’ve previously tried to manage your weight through changes to your eating habits, activity levels or routine, but haven’t seen lasting results.

If you’re unsure of your BMI, find out with our free calculator.

BMI calculator 

There’s currently strong demand for NHS Tier 3 weight management services, which can mean longer NHS waiting times in some areas. However, NHS-funded programmes like Oviva may offer an alternative route to accessing support sooner.

At Oviva, you’ll be supported by a team of experts, including doctors and dietitians, who’ll work with you to build sustainable lifestyle changes, take medication safely if prescribed, and support your overall wellbeing.

Why some people try to get Ozempic privately for weight loss

Some people look to private online pharmacies to access semaglutide for weight loss, often because it can seem like a quicker option. But there are important things to consider.

Monthly costs can start from £199, and not all online pharmacies are properly regulated. This means the Ozempic of Wegovy you receive might not be what it claims to be. Without medical supervision, there’s also a higher risk of side effects or complications.

Accessing Wegovy through a specialist service like Oviva offers a safer alternative. You’ll receive tailored medical support, along with help making long-term lifestyle changes to support your weight and overall health.

Start your Oviva journey

Is Wegovy a better option for weight loss than Ozempic?

Yes. Wegovy and Ozempic have the same active ingredient, semaglutide, which has proven weight loss benefits. But in the UK, only Wegovy is licensed and prescribed for weight management. 

Wegovy has a higher dose than Ozempic, and when accessed safely, it includes expert medical support. This way, you can implement lifestyle changes and positive habits that support better health in the long term.