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 35 – 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 NHS weight loss injections.
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 35 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 35+ with comorbidities.
Can you get weight loss injections on the NHS?
You may be eligible for 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 specific criteria. This varies across the UK, so the best way to find out if you’re eligible is to speak to your GP.
If you are, you can be prescribed weight loss injections by weight management specialists, like Oviva – your GP can refer you to a programme like ours.
What weight loss injections are available?
The weight loss injections available to eligible patients are:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda).
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) was approved for NHS weight management in2024. However, NHS access remains limited. It is not yet available through Oviva.
These medications work by making you feel less hungry and more full.
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)
-25kg
Martin (34)
-32kg
Patricia (53)
Who can get weight loss injections on the NHS?
To access weight loss injections in the NHS, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including:
- Aged 18+
- A BMI over 35* and a weight-related health condition (like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, PCOS or high blood pressure)
- Tried to lose weight through conventional methods without success
* For people from ethnic minority family backgrounds, this minimum BMI is reduced to 32.5.
An easy way to find out if you could get weight loss injections on the NHS, plus access to Oviva’s weight loss programme, is to book a GP appointment.
Your GP can quickly tell you if you’re eligible for Oviva and refer you to us.
Eligibility for Oviva varies based on your location in England.
How do I access weight loss injections on the NHS?
The best way to access weight loss injections on the NHS is:
- Book an appointment with your GP and speak to them about accessing weight loss support.
- They can check your eligibility for Oviva.
- If you are eligible, your GP can refer you quickly and easily.
- We’ll process your referral and book you in for a remote appointment.
For everything you need to take to your GP appointment, get our info pack.
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 ask your GP to check your eligibility. If you are, then they can refer you!
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?
You could be eligible for NHS weight loss injections if you’ve previously struggled to lose weight and you meet the eligibility criteria.
Your GP can tell you if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Never count calories again
Easily log your meals with the photo diary in the Oviva app – a simple way to keep track of what you’re eating.
Set goals that feel right
Your health coach will help you set the right personal goals that bring you closer to your feel-good weight.
Keep track of your progress
With your unique goals set, the Oviva app has all the tracking you need to work towards them with ease.
Become an expert yourself
With learning content on nutrition, exercise, and motivation, you’ll become a weight-loss expert yourself.
Always there to support
Get 1-to-1 support from a health coach and chat with our nutrition experts anytime via the Oviva app.
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