Diabetes Medication for Weight Loss U.K.: Availability, Safety, & Efficacy
There’s a lot of talk about type 2 diabetes drugs lately — especially since some may also support weight loss. Whether you’re living with type 2 diabetes or obesity, you’ve likely heard of injections like Wegovy® (semaglutide) and, more recently, Mounjaro® (tirzepatide).
How does diabetes medication for weight loss work, and what’s the best diabetes drug for weight loss? Is there a diabetes shot purely for slimming? And are these medicines actually effective (or legal) for people without diabetes?
Let’s look at the facts about diabetes medications for weight loss specifically in the United Kingdom, including those approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). We’ll also discuss how effective these medications are at reducing body weight and the possible side effects.
Which Diabetes Drugs Can Support Weight Loss?
You’ve likely heard of people using diabetes medicines to lose weight. Some options are now officially licensed for weight management in the U.K. — others aren’t.
When prescribed for weight loss, these medicines are always paired with lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular movement.
Diabetes medicines affect the body in different ways, including helping the pancreas produce more insulin, lowering blood sugar levels (glucose), and targeting appetite‑regulating hormones in the brain.
Below are the main drug classifications you’ll come across:
GLP‑1 receptor agonists (GLP‑1s). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are medicines that stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps lower blood sugar and promote weight loss. Examples include liraglutide, semaglutide, and dulaglutide.
GIP/GLP‑1 dual agonists. These are dual-acting, meaning they target two receptors in the body: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1. This triggers insulin production and feelings of fullness. An example is tirzepatide, also known by the brand names Mounjaro® and Zepbound®.
Biguanides. These medications help keep blood sugar in the desired range by making the liver produce less glucose. An example is metformin.
Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These medications help the body get rid of excess glucose through the kidneys. An example is empagliflozin (Jardiance®).
Now, let’s discuss the active ingredients in each class.
Weight loss your way
1. Wegovy® (Semaglutide)
Wegovy® is a once‑weekly injection that mimics the gut hormone GLP‑1, helping you feel fuller for longer and ultimately eat less. It’s licensed by the MHRA for chronic weight management.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends Wegovy® as an option for:
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 kg/m² (that’s body weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared)
Or adults with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m² and one or more weight‑related health conditions, such as sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), or a previous heart attack
A pivotal 68‑week clinical trial (STEP‑1) found that adults without diabetes lost an average of 15 percent of their initial body weight when Wegovy® was combined with lifestyle advice — a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy® is available via certain NHS (National Health Service) specialist weight‑management services and privately through regulated providers like Hers U.K.
2. Ozempic® (Semaglutide)
Ozempic® contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy®, but it’s only licensed for treating type 2 diabetes in the U.K.
Due to supply concerns, the NHS advises prescribers not to offer Ozempic® for weight loss. Private prescribers follow similar guidance.
However, if you use Ozempic® for managing diabetes, you might also find that you lose weight more easily when taking the medication.
3. Rybelsus® (Oral Semaglutide)
Rybelsus® is a daily tablet of semaglutide licensed for type 2 diabetes. Research suggests higher oral doses may aid weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, Rybelsus® is not used for weight management in the U.K.
4. Victoza® or Saxenda® (Liraglutide)
Like semaglutide, liraglutide is an injected GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by regulating hunger hormones. But while semaglutide is injected once a week, liraglutide is injected once a day.
Liraglutide is currently available under two brand names, Saxenda® and Victoza®:
Saxenda® is MHRA‑licensed for weight management for people who meet very specific criteria.
Victoza® (lower‑dose liraglutide) is licensed for treating diabetes and sometimes used off‑license when Saxenda® isn’t suitable.
In a study sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Saxenda® and Victoza®, 846 people followed a calorie-reduced diet and regular physical activity for 56 weeks. Those who took 3 milligrams (mg) of liraglutide lost the most weight — more than those who took 1.8 milligrams of liraglutide or a placebo.
5. Trulicity® (Dulaglutide)
Trulicity® (dulaglutide) is a once‑weekly GLP‑1 injection for diabetes. Early studies show modest weight reduction, but it isn’t licensed for obesity management in the U.K. So, it’s not available on the NHS for weight loss.
Although it’s not used as a weight loss medication, research suggests this medicine may help support weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. A 2023 meta-analysis found that dulaglutide led to reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference.
6. Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide)
Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Mounjaro®. It’s a dual GIP/GLP‑1 agonist, and like Wegovy®, it’s injected once a week.
Mounjaro® was authorised by the MHRA in November 2023 for weight management in:
Adults with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m²
Adults with a BMI of at least 27 kg/m² who also have one or more weight-related medical conditions or health problems
In the SURMOUNT‑1 trial, people without diabetes lost an average of 15 percent of their starting body weight over 72 weeks. The trial participants also ate a healthy diet and exercised regularly.
Zepbound®, another tirzepatide-based weight loss medication, is available in the United States. However, it’s not yet licensed for weight management in the U.K.
7. Metformin
Metformin tablets are used to treat diabetes. They work by making the liver produce less glucose. This improves blood sugar control.
Though metformin isn’t licensed for weight management, it may support weight loss in people with diabetes. It does this by reducing appetite and changing gut bacteria in a way that helps promote weight loss.
It also seems to reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
8. Jardiance® (Empagliflozin)
Jardiance® (empagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor. It works by increasing glucose excretion — essentially, it helps you urinate out more glucose.
For this reason, empagliflozin can result in slight weight loss. Like metformin, it isn’t an approved weight loss medication in the U.K.
Are Diabetes Weight Loss Drugs Safe?
Generally, GLP‑1s, dual GIP/GLP‑1s, SGLT2 inhibitors, and metformin are considered safe when used as prescribed.
Having said that, these medications — like all medicines — come with risks and side effects.
Common side effects of GLP-1s include:
Gastrointestinal issues (like nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting)
Abdominal pain
Dyspepsia (indigestion)
Fatigue
Dizziness
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
With injected medications, there’s always a risk of discomfort, irritation, or bruising at the injection site.
More serious (but rarer) risks include gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, and (with GLP‑1s) a potential link to certain thyroid tumours observed in rodent studies. Ongoing safety is monitored via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Unlock your treatment plan
How to Get Diabetes Medication for Weight Loss in the U.K.
All the medicines above require a prescription. To access them in the U.K., you can:
Consult your GP (general practitioner). They can discuss NHS referral routes for Wegovy® (and in the future, Mounjaro®) if you meet NICE criteria.
Use a private telehealth provider, like Hers U.K. This often means faster access without NHS waiting lists.
How to Get Weight Loss Medication Through Hers U.K.
If you’re exploring medications for weight management, Hers offers access to a few different options, including:
Mounjaro®
Wegovy®
Orlistat, a non-prescription weight loss medication that isn’t used for diabetes
If you’re interested in trying Hers U.K., here’s what the process looks like:
Online assessment. Complete a detailed online intake form covering your goals, lifestyle, and medical history.
Clinician review. A U.K.‑registered prescriber will review your answers. A quick video or phone call may be required to confirm suitability.
Personalised plan. If eligible, you’ll receive a bespoke treatment plan and prescription. There’s no need for private medical insurance.
Next‑day delivery. Your medication is dispatched discreetly with all necessary supplies and instructions.
Ongoing support. You’ll get unlimited follow‑ups with the clinical team to monitor progress and manage any side effects (for instance, prescribing an anti‑nausea tablet like ondansetron if needed).
Along with healthy eating habits and regular exercise, these weight loss medications can be immensely helpful in aiding weight loss.
Your plan is waiting
In Summary: Diabetes Medications as Weight Loss Treatments
Losing excess weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall health — but shedding kilos can be challenging. For some people, diabetes medicines are an effective tool to use alongside healthy eating and regular exercise.
Here’s the long and short of using diabetes medication for weight loss:
Wegovy® and Mounjaro® are the only injections officially licensed for weight loss in the U.K., but there might be new diabetes drugs for weight loss and blood sugar control in the future.
Clinical trials show people typically lose 15 to 22 percent of their starting weight when these jabs are paired with healthy lifestyle choices.
You may be able to access these medications via the NHS, but access is limited by strict BMI criteria and specialist‑service capacity.
Private clinics and telemedicine platforms like Hers U.K. can offer a more convenient way to access these medications.
If you’re having trouble losing weight, talking to a healthcare professional can be a wise first step. Ready to explore your options? Start your free Hers U.K. assessment today.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your GP about the risks and benefits of any treatment.