How to get a Wegovy prescription in the UK: What you need to know

We all have our different reasons for wanting to lose some weight. For some, it's to have enough energy to play with our kids, or to improve our overall health. For others, it's just to look and feel like the best version of ourselves on our next holiday, or in everyday life.

No reason is any less valid than any other — and, since you've landed on this article, chances are you have a strong 'why' of your own. But perhaps you've tried in the past to reach your weight loss goals, and it felt like an uphill battle.

Whether you're on the verge of giving up on your weight loss journey — or are just getting started — one option that may be available to you is Wegovy. The weight loss medication is gaining a lot of attention globally, thanks to its ability to regulate appetite and metabolic function without deprivation.

But, how do you even go about getting a Wegovy prescription in the UK? And, who is eligible for Wegovy for weight loss? Read on for everything you need to know.

What is Wegovy, and how does it work?

Part of a class of weight loss medications called GLP-1 agonists, Wegovy's active ingredient semaglutide, was originally developed to treat and manage type-2 diabetes. However, under the Wegovy brand name, it is FDA-approved for weight loss — when prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity [1].

Like other similar weight loss medications, Wegovy mimics a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It works on the brain, gut, and pancreas to promote weight loss in a few different ways [2].

Firstly, Wegovy signals to the brain that you're full, even when you've eaten smaller portions. This satiety effect can be compounded by delayed gastric emptying, meaning food moves throughout the gut and digestive system more slowly. In other words, you may find you'll eat dinner and will still be full the next morning!

Wegovy can also help regulate blood sugar by promoting the production of insulin, a natural hormone in the pancreas, which is essential for metabolising sugar. When our blood sugar spikes too often or is irregular, it can cause the body to store excess energy, which can be stored as fat if not burned. So, by regulating blood sugar, you can create better conditions for weight loss [3].

While this effect is particularly pronounced in people with diabetes or insulin resistance, research shows semaglutide can also help regulate blood sugar in non-diabetics [4]. An added bonus of this is, you may find you no longer 'crash' after your meals — and instead, have a more steady source of energy.

Many people also find that medical weight loss treatments like Wegovy help to silence the 'food noise' in their heads. That is, they no longer find themselves so preoccupied with food — constantly thinking about their next snack or meal. Instead, they simply eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full.

All of these mechanisms work together to control appetite, reduce food intake and help patients lose weight reliably.

What makes Wegovy different from other weight loss injections?

There are three main types of weight loss injections: semaglutide (like Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

In clinical trials, patients on the highest possible dose of Wegovy lost up to 20.7% of their body weight [10], demonstrating that it can be highly effective when used consistently and with the right support.

Recent data on Wegovy’s 7.2mg dose shows an average weight loss of 20.7% after 72 weeks [10], putting it nearly on par with Mounjaro in terms of effectiveness.

Wegovy is also very similar to another popular weight loss medication you've likely heard of, Ozempic. The main difference is, while Ozempic is mainly prescribed to treat diabetes, Wegovy can be prescribed to eligible patients 12 years and older for weight maintenance [6].

Another difference is that Wegovy tends to be sold in larger doses, due to its indicated use for weight loss. The average maintenance dose for Ozempic is 1 mg, compared to 1.7 mg for Wegovy [7].

Do you need a prescription for Wegovy in the UK?

Yes, you need to have a prescription to access Wegovy — both in the UK and beyond.

Why is Wegovy not available over the counter?

Wegovy is not available without a prescription because it's a potent, long-term medication that requires the close ongoing guidance of a medical professional. It involves a strict dosing schedule that must be followed to a tee. Your prescriber will give you a starting dose to begin with, and will gradually titrate up to your maintenance dose — allowing your body to adapt to it and reducing the risk of side effects.

Wegovy is also not a medication that is available for just anyone. Like other weight loss injection medications, it has strict eligibility criteria. This is partly to help manage supply and demand (you may recall the worldwide Ozempic shortage), but also because there are a few common side effects you will need to weigh up.

Who can get a Wegovy prescription?

In the UK, there are slightly different eligibility criteria for Wegovy, depending on whether you want to access it through the National Health Service (NHS) or through a private prescription like Juniper.

NHS eligibility criteria

Accessing weight loss medications like Wegovy through the NHS can help reduce the cost. However, this pathway is only available to patients who meet certain criteria [8]. This includes:

• A body mass index (BMI) of over 31
• Or, a BMI of over 30 with two or more weight-related health conditions. This may include heart disease, hypertension or diabetes.
• People from some minority ethnic backgrounds may have lower BMI requirements
• A referral to an NHS specialist weight management service

It's important to note that accessing Wegovy through NHS England is dependent on local supply in your area. If your medication is not available at your local chemist that week, you can risk missed doses and lower effectiveness.

Private prescription criteria

Wegovy has the same general eligibility criteria in the UK, whether accessed through the NHS or a private provider like Juniper. The main difference with the NHS is that you will need a GP referral, whereas with Juniper, you don't.

How do you get a Wegovy prescription: GP referral vs private telehealth options

For those who meet the eligibility criteria, there are three main avenues to get a Wegovy prescription.

1. You can get a script directly from your GP, which you would then get fulfilled at your chemist as a private patient at full price.
2. Your GP can also refer you to a weight management service if you would like to get your medication at a lower price through the NHS. However, it's important to note that you will often need to go on a waitlist before this occurs, due to long wait times.
3. If you go directly through a private telehealth service like Juniper, you will not need a referral. You will simply fill out a short questionnaire on the website, and if you meet the initial eligibility criteria, you will be invited to book a consultation with one of our friendly care practitioners. No endless admin or lengthy wait times required!

What to expect during a weight management consultation

Every weight loss consultation will look different, depending on the service you go to. But with Juniper, you can expect a consult that feels more caring than cold and clinical. Before your call, you will fill out a questionnaire, meaning your practitioner will have all of your most important information at hand. You'll then get a text with a timeslot for your video consult, which will usually take place in the next few days.

During your consultation, your practitioner will ask you more questions about your health and family history and lifestyle. They will also find out a bit more about your weight loss journey, including what you've tried already.

Your practitioner will take you through what the Juniper Programme involves. The consult is no-strings-attached, and if you're eligible, it's completely up to you whether you're ready to get started.

This is also a great time for you to ask any questions you may have about taking Wegovy or other weight loss medications. For example, they may be able to give you a ballpark estimate as to how much weight you may be able to lose on Wegovy, based on your specific situation and general results.

If it is a good fit, your practitioner will write you a prescription and your medication will be sent directly to your door when it's ready.

Looking for a Wegovy prescription? Here’s how Juniper can help

With the Juniper Programme, you can access weight loss medication tailored to your health and goals — never one-size-fits-all. Our app helps you track progress, connect with your care team, adjust medication as needed, and access expert support. You'll also get structured tools to build lasting habits and ongoing care.

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.

Ready to see if Juniper is right for you? You can check your eligibility here.

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