NHS Eligibility for Weight Loss Injections (Mounjaro/Wegovy) and Why Choose a Doctor-Led Service
Weight loss injections like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are game-changers in obesity treatment. However, accessing these medications through the NHS comes with strict criteria and limited availability. In this post, we’ll break down the current NHS eligibility criteria for these weight loss injections and explain why a doctor-led service (like Heyslim) may be a beneficial alternative for those who don’t qualify or seek a more personalised approach.
Current NHS Criteria for Weight Loss Injections
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) via NHS: Recently approved, but its rollout is heavily restricted. As of mid-2025, NHS prescribing is limited to people with a BMI over 40 in addition to at least four obesity-related health conditions (e.g. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea). Even then, access is dependent on location, and the rollout is being phased in over 12 years.
- Wegovy/Ozempic (semaglutide) via NHS: Available through specialist weight management services, typically only for people with a BMI of 35 or higher (sometimes 30 in exceptional cases), plus at least one serious weight-related health condition. It’s usually prescribed for a maximum of two years alongside diet and lifestyle changes.
Even if you meet these criteria, many areas don’t yet have the infrastructure to deliver these treatments. So, eligibility doesn’t guarantee access, and for many, that’s where a private route becomes necessary.
Why Consider a Doctor-Led Service like Heyslim?
If you’re not eligible for NHS weight loss injections, or you simply prefer a more personalised care model, a doctor-led service (such as Heyslim) can offer several advantages. Our service is led by UK-qualified doctors who specialise in weight management, providing a tailored approach that addresses your unique health needs.
- Broader Eligibility & Individual Assessment: Private services can prescribe for far more patients, by following medication licensing criteria (typically BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with a weight-related condition), which are far more inclusive than the NHS’s strict requirements.
- Comprehensive Medical Review: Our doctors will review your full medical history and current health status, even for complex conditions.
- Personalised Treatment Plan: Dosage and treatment regimen are tailored to your needs, including lifestyle factors and side effect management.
- Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Regular follow-ups and doctor access throughout your treatment for safe, supported weight loss.
- Holistic, Lifestyle-Focused Care: Medication is integrated with lifestyle and nutritional advice to support long-term health.
Comparing Heyslim, NHS, and Online Pharmacies
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| Aspect | Heyslim (Doctor-Led Service) | NHS (Specialist Service) | Online Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Case-by-case medical assessment. Broader criteria (BMI ≥ 30 or ≥ 27 with a condition) | Very strict NICE criteria. E.g., BMI ≥ 35 with comorbidities or BMI ≥ 40 with 4+ conditions | May auto-exclude complex cases. Typically form-based only |
| Medical Oversight | Assigned UK doctor reviews full medical history. Handles complex cases safely | Thorough but only if you qualify. Long wait times and referral-based | No doctor input. Often form-driven without real-time consultation |
| Ongoing Support & Contact | High: contact your doctor anytime. Regular check-ins | Limited: set follow-ups only. Ad-hoc contact is difficult | Minimal: no assigned doctor. May offer basic helpline or email |
| Personalised Dosing & Plan | Yes: doctor tailors dose and speed to suit you. Switch meds if needed | Some flexibility, but follows strict protocols and may require re-referral | Limited flexibility. Standard schedules. Few customisations |
| Progress Tracking | Active monitoring by your doctor with weight and health checks | Standard checks every few months. Limited by clinic time | Self-monitored. Limited to refill authorisation |
| Speed of Access | Immediate: no waiting list | Delayed: referral-dependent with long waits in some areas | Fast if eligible, but medical issues may cause denial |
As the table shows, Heyslim’s doctor-led service offers a blend of medical rigour and flexibility. You get the kind of thorough care and safety checks you’d expect from the NHS, but without the restrictive entry criteria and with far more personalised support. Compared to a typical online pharmacy route, our doctor-led approach provides deeper medical insight and human support, not just a checklist.
Conclusion
While the NHS is now offering powerful weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, its eligibility criteria are narrowly focused on those with the most severe obesity and multiple health issues. This leaves many people who could benefit from these medications unable to access them through the public system. Private, doctor-led services bridge that gap — offering access to treatment for a broader range of patients, with the added value of close medical supervision and individualised care.
If your BMI or health profile doesn’t meet the NHS cut-offs, or if you simply prefer receiving care in a setting where you have direct access to a doctor and a tailored plan, then Heyslim may be an ideal option. Under our doctor-led programme, you can safely embark on a weight loss journey with Mounjaro or Wegovy, with the confidence that your medical conditions are accounted for and you have support every step of the way.
Ultimately, effective weight management is about finding the right tools and support that work for you. Whether it’s through the NHS or a private service, what matters is that you have a plan that is safe, supported, and sustainable for the long term. If you’re considering weight loss injections and want to know if you’re a candidate, feel free to reach out for a consultation – we’re here to help you make an informed decision.