How to get weight loss injections on the NHS
More than a quarter of the adult population of the UK is living with obesity – defined as a BMI over 30 – according to UK Government statistics. If you’ve previously tried to lose weight using conventional means, like dieting and exercise, you may be eligible for a referral to a weight management programme, where you could receive an NHS weight loss injection.
Oviva offers expert support, coaching, a free smartphone app for tracking exercise and nutrition and, if appropriate, weight loss injections. If you have a BMI over 30 with relevant health conditions, you may be eligible.
Key Takeaways
- Several weight loss injections are approved for NHS use, including Wegovy.
- To access these injections, you’ll need a referral to a weight management programme.
- Oviva can prescribe weight loss medications available on the NHS if you are eligible.
- You must meet the eligibility criteria – a BMI of 30+ with comorbidities.
Can you get weight loss injections on the NHS?
You may be eligible for obesity treatment using NHS weight loss injections if you’re living with obesity and have previously tried to lose weight through dieting and exercise. However, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria and must also be referred to an approved weight management programme, like Oviva, by your GP.
To be eligible for referral, you’ll usually need to have either a BMI over 30 with relevant health conditions, like type 2 diabetes or heart disease, or a BMI over 50. The BMI threshold is lower for people from certain ethnic minority family backgrounds.
What weight loss injections are available?
At present, the weight loss injections available to eligible patients are semaglutide (distributed under the brand name Wegovy when used for weight loss) and liraglutide (distributed under the name Saxenda). These medications work by making you feel less hungry and more full.
New weight loss NHS injections are emerging and some are currently awaiting approval for use. For example, it’s anticipated that tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may be fully approved for use within the NHS as a weight loss medication by the end of 2024.
How effective are they?
The various NHS weight loss injections approved for use as obesity treatments have all demonstrated effectiveness for promoting weight loss in clinical trials.
Oviva patient success stories:
-22kg
Heidi (53)
-26kg
Martin (34)
-32kg
Patricia (53)
How do I know if I’m eligible?
The easiest way to find out if you’re eligible for prescription weight loss injections on the NHS and referral to the Oviva weight management programme is to take our survey. From there, if you qualify, you’ll receive all of the information you need to request a referral from your doctor.
The full eligibility criteria is as follows:
- 18 years of age and over.
- A BMI over 30* with relevant comorbidities (asthma, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, sleep apnoea, PCOS, pre-diabetes, acid reflux, high blood pressure).
- A BMI over 50, regardless of comorbidities.
* For people from ethnic minority family backgrounds, this minimum BMI is reduced to 27.5.
How do I access weight loss injections on the NHS?
The best way to access weight loss injections on the NHS is by following these steps:
- Take our survey to check if you’re eligible for the Oviva Tier 3 weight management service.
- We’ll send you an email with all of the information you need to seek a referral.
- Book an appointment with your doctor and ask to join the Oviva programme.
- Leave it to us. We’ll process your referral and book you in for a remote appointment.
Is it possible to self-refer?
It’s not possible to self-refer onto the Oviva programme or any other approved weight management service. You’ll need to seek a referral from your GP. The best option is to check your eligibility, book a GP appointment and ask to join our programme covered by the NHS.
Do I still need to diet and exercise on these injections?
Yes. Weight loss injections are intended to be used alongside wider changes to your lifestyle and behaviour, which is why expert support from a weight management service is so important. We’ll work with you to help you implement changes to your nutrition and activity levels. This, combined with the weight loss injections, should promote weight loss.
Are you eligible for NHS weight loss medication?
An NHS weight loss injection could be prescribed to you if you’ve previously struggled to lose weight and you meet the established eligibility criteria for referral to a weight management service like Oviva. In clinical studies, these medications have proven effective for weight loss when combined with wider lifestyle changes around nutrition and exercise.
Monitor your goals
Receive personalised recommendations to help you to work towards your goal. Log your food, mood, water intake, exercise and other health metrics using the Oviva app.
Keep a food journal
Snap photos of your daily meals effortlessly within the Oviva app.
Get meal analysis
Get an in-depth meal analysis instantly with a daily summary of your diet.
Stay connected
Connect with your Oviva coach anytime through the app.
Browse learning resources
Written by Oviva’s team of experts, explore advice on nutrition, exercise, and motivation to guide you through the programme and maximise long term weight maintenance.
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Weight management5 reasons why you’re not losing weight on Wegovy, from an expert
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Weight management