Is Ozempic available on the NHS for weight loss?

Weight loss isn't straightforward and doing it alone can be isolating and unmotivating and a little extra support can make all the difference in reaching your target body weight.

Weight loss medications can be helpful for some; helping to regulate appetite, reduce calorie consumption and dull cravings. But, what's the deal with accessing weight loss medicines?

If you're here, you're likely wondering if Ozempic is available for weight loss treatment through the NHS. We've created this guide to answer everything you need to know about weight loss injections and how to access them. Let's dive in.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a medication that was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes but has more recently been used for weight loss management. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

It works by targeting the area of the brain that is responsible for regulating appetite, while also helping to slow down digestion and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

How does Ozempic encourage weight loss?

Ozempic works by mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone produced by the body after eating. This hormone is tasked with helping you feel full after consuming food [1]. GLP-1 also helps to maintain blood sugar levels by regulating insulin secretion after you eat and actively lowers blood sugar levels if too high.

In practical terms, Ozempic works to slow the rate at which your stomach empties, which keeps you feeling full and satiated for longer after consuming smaller amounts of food. This usually results in you eating and snacking less throughout the day, lowering your calorie consumption.  

Ozempic works by focusing on the brain's appetite-regulating receptors, helping to reset your body's natural "set point" — the weight it biologically aims to sustain. This shift plays a key role in promoting long-term, sustainable weight loss.

Is Ozempic available on the NHS?

Ozempic is available on the NHS but only to treat type 2 diabetes [2]. The official guidance is that this medication should only be prescribed for those with type 2 diabetes and not solely for weight loss.

While this might be disappointing news, there is an upside: while you can't access Ozempic, there are other weight loss injections available including Wegovy.

How do you qualify for NHS weight loss injections?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Wegovy (Semaglutide) for use within the NHS in England for weight management in adults, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. To be eligible, you must have at least one weight-related comorbidity and a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35kg/m2.

Can you access Wegovy privately?

Wegovy is available through private prescription but must be accessed through a specialist weight management service, like Juniper, that can offer guidance on lifestyle, nutrition and exercise and prescribe weight loss injections.

In fact, Juniper offers both Wegovy and Mounjaro as part of the Juniper Programme.

Wegovy for weight loss

Wegovy is a GLP-1 weight loss medication and contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide. Wegovy mimics the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite and cravings to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

And, weight loss results on this medication are impressive. A study from 2021 looked at 1,961 obese and overweight adults who were randomly assigned semaglutide injections or a placebo. After 68 weeks, those on a higher dose of GLP-1 medication, lost an average of 15.3kg, while the placebo group lost an average of 2.6kg [4].

However, more recent data on Wegovy’s 7.2mg dose shows an average weight loss of 20.7% after 72 weeks, demonstrating just how effective it can be when used consistently and with the right support [5].

Losing weight with Juniper

Juniper offers a holistic approach that combines breakthrough treatments with a comprehensive programme that features an integrated app to monitor your weight, track habits, connect you with your care team, and provide unlimited access to medication adjustments, personalised weight support, and expert answers to your questions.

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy, a groundbreaking weight loss injection that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

We help you make lifestyle and habit changes and we’re in it with you for the long run; having helped thousands of women achieve their weight loss goals. Once in the programme, you’ll have regular access to a team of health professionals who are here to listen, guide and help unlock a healthier you.