How do I get a weight loss drug prescription?

Peter Paumgardhen | Last update: 1st May 2025

Understanding eligibility for weight loss prescriptions

Before you start seeking a weight loss prescription, it’s worth knowing whether you meet the basic eligibility criteria for taking the treatments. The main criterion in both the US and the UK is often based on your Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure that uses your weight and height to determine if you are in a healthy range. Click here to see our article, How do I work out my BMI?, and calculate your own BMI.

To be eligible for weight loss prescriptions, these are some common requirements:

• BMI of 30 or above (considered obese), or BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Documented attempts at weight loss using diet and exercise, usually over at least six months. Your healthcare provider may ask about your history of trying to manage your weight without medications.

If you are unsure about your BMI, read our article, ‘How Do I Work Out My BMI?’

Remember, eligibility can vary, and your healthcare provider may take other factors into account, such as your personal health history.

Different ways to get a prescription

So you meet the eligibility requirements, how do you get a prescription? Depending on where you live, there are a few ways to get a prescription for weight loss treatments. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options in the US and UK.

1. Through your GP or primary care doctor

This is the traditional route for most people. Your primary care doctor knows your health history and is often the best person to speak to first. Make an appointment to discuss your weight management options, and if they believe it’s suitable, they may prescribe you a weight loss treatment. Be aware that in the UK the NHS, due to costs, has quite high eligibility criteria (* see ‘A Note on getting weight loss treatments prescribed on the NHS in the UK’ below).

What to expect:

• Assessment: Your GP will discuss your weight history, previous attempts at weight loss, and any underlying medical conditions.
• Possible follow-up: Your GP may refer you to a dietitian or specialist, particularly in the UK, where weight loss medications may only be recommended as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.

2. Specialist weight management clinics

If your GP believes you need extra support, you may be referred to a specialist weight management clinic. These clinics often offer a multi-disciplinary approach that may include dietitians, therapists, and doctors who specialise in obesity care.

UK vs US: In the UK, NHS referrals to these clinics may take time, and there’s often a waiting list. In the US, access may be quicker, but it may depend on your insurance coverage.

3. Private clinics

There are private weight management clinics and online healthcare providers that specialise in weight loss treatments. This route is often faster but comes at a cost, as it’s generally not covered by public healthcare or insurance.

• Private clinics: Offer in-person appointments with specialists who can prescribe treatments.
• Online services: Online consultations are becoming increasingly popular. They allow you to speak with a doctor via video or chat and potentially get a prescription without visiting in person.

New UK Regulations for Online Prescriptions (Announced in February 2025): Due to concerns about inappropriate prescribing, online pharmacies in the UK can no longer issue weight loss prescriptions based solely on online questionnaires. New regulations require in-person or video consultations to verify BMI and health history. Additionally, pharmacists must independently verify medical records or consult a patient’s GP before prescribing these medications.

4. Online pharmacies (Now With Stricter Regulations in the UK)

In both the UK and the US, many well-known online pharmacies offer weight loss medications. However, new UK rules require stricter checks before prescriptions are issued.

What’s changed in the UK?

• No more online-only questionnaires: Pharmacies must conduct an in-person or video consultation.
• Independent verification of BMI and health conditions: Patients’ medical records must be checked, or their GP must be contacted to ensure eligibility.
• Stricter enforcement: Pharmacies failing to follow these new rules may face inspections and penalties.
• Prescription: If approved, the prescription will be issued, and the medication can be delivered to your door (usually in discreet packaging) or collected from a local pharmacy.

To ensure safety, always use reputable online pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in the UK (check here) or the FDA in the US (check here).

What to ask your healthcare provider

If you’re considering starting weight loss treatments, it’s important to ask questions to make sure you’re comfortable with the process:

• What are the potential side effects? Weight loss medications can have side effects like nausea, fatigue, or constipation. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare.
• How long will I need to take it? Weight loss medications can be a long-term commitment; your doctor will want to monitor your progress.
• What support will I need? Weight loss medications work best when combined with lifestyle changes. Ask your doctor what kind of support (e.g., dietitian advice, exercise plans) they recommend.

Differences between the US and UK processes

While the general principles of eligibility and assessment are similar, there are some differences in how weight loss medications are prescribed in the US versus the UK:

• US: The process can be quicker if you opt for private healthcare or online services. Insurance coverage can vary widely, so it’s important to check what’s included.
• UK: You can get prescriptions through the NHS, which means a more thorough assessment and potential wait times. Medications are typically considered a last resort, and patients are usually advised to try other methods first, such as diet and exercise plans. It is estimated that there are 500,000 people taking the weight loss treatments in the UK although only 5% of these are getting the treatments on the NHS.

Be mindful of the costs

If you have pay for the treatment yourself, be mindful of the costs. 

Step-by-step guide to getting a prescription

1. Book an appointment with your GP or a private healthcare provider.
2. Discuss your weight history and any prior weight loss attempts.
3. Get assessed for your suitability — your BMI, health conditions, and lifestyle will be evaluated.
4. Receive your prescription if deemed appropriate. Your healthcare provider will explain how to use the treatment.
5. Follow up regularly — keep in contact with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and any side effects.

When to seek medical advice

It’s always advisable to seek medical advice if:

• You have any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
• You’re unsure whether a weight loss medication is right for you.
• You experience any side effects that are concerning.

With new UK regulations in place, accessing weight-loss medications now requires stricter verification, making it harder to obtain them inappropriately.

Remember, everyone on weight-loss treatments has been through this, so ask the community if there is anything you want to ask them or maybe you want to share your experience. Click the button below and join the chat now,  it will help others!

A Note on getting weight loss treatments prescribed on the NHS in the UK

In the UK, the NHS sets a high bar for prescribing weight loss drugs because of their cost. In effect, you may only get weight loss drugs on prescription with the NHS if you have a very high BMI and/or for other health-related issues such as Type 2 diabetes.

There are two main families of weight loss drugs, Semaglutides (such as Ozempic and Wegovy both manufactured by Novo Nordisk) and Tirzepatides (such as Mounjaro and Zepbound manufactured by Eli Lilley). 

Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are injectable medications that help people lose weight and manage obesity. They mimic natural hormones in the body that regulate appetite and metabolism, making you feel fuller for longer and reducing how much you eat. Doctors also prescribe them to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Semaglutide (e.g. Ozempic and Wegovy):

• Semaglutide mimics a hormone called GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps control hunger and regulates blood sugar levels.
• Injected once a week

Tirzepatide (e.g. Mounjaro and Zepbound):

• Tirzepatide mimics two hormones:
  • GLP-1 (like Semaglutide).
  • GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which further enhances weight loss and blood sugar control.
• Injected once a week

Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide

Semaglutide works like having one helper for appetite control, while Tirzepatide brings an extra helper to the job — potentially making it more powerful. Clinical trials have shown that Tirzepatide leads to better weight loss results compared to Semaglutide.

NHS in the UK

In the UK, the NHS has been allowed to prescribe Semaglutide since 2023, but only under certain conditions:

• Adults with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² and at least 1 weight-related condition.
• Adults with BMI 30–34.9 kg/m² if referred to specialist weight management services per NICE obesity guidelines.
• Lower BMI thresholds (-2.5 kg/m²) apply for specific ethnic groups so do check with your doctor.
• Conditions of use:
  • Maximum 2 years.
  • Provided only within specialist weight management services 
  • Used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Progress monitoring:
  • Treatment is reconsidered if <5% weight loss after 6 months.

NICE draft guidelines

On 5 December 2024, NICE announced draft guidelines for prescribing Tirzepatide (e.g. Mounjaro) on the NHS. Again, the criteria is high due to cost concerns:

• Adults with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² and at least 1 weight-related condition.
• Lower BMI thresholds (-2.5 kg/m²) apply for specific ethnic groups so do check with your doctor. 
• Conditions of use:
  • Must be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Progress monitoring:
  • Treatment is reconsidered if <5% weight loss after 6 months.

Additional helpful links: NHS: Obesity Treatments

If you are unsure about your BMI, read our article, ‘How Do I Work Out My BMI?’