Weight Loss Injections U.K.: What You Need to Know
Key takeaways:
Weight loss injections available in the U.K. include Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Saxenda®.
These medicines are licensed for weight loss, but you may need to meet specific eligibility criteria.
You might be able to get weight loss injections on the NHS or through a private healthcare provider.
Even for those who eat well and exercise regularly, losing weight can be a challenge. When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, you might consider weight loss injections.
Injectable weight loss medicines are considered safe and effective for most people. In the United Kingdom, several weight loss injections are available, including Wegovy® (semaglutide), Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), and Saxenda® (liraglutide).
Let’s discuss these options in more detail and the simplest ways to get a prescription for weight loss injections in the U.K. — whether through the National Health Service (NHS) or a private telehealth clinic like Hers.
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are prescription medicines delivered just under the skin with a small needle. Nearly all weight loss injections are GLP‑1 receptor agonists or dual GIP/GLP‑1 agonists.
Here’s what those acronyms mean:
GLP‑1 (glucagon‑like peptide‑1). GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs tell your brain you’re full, slow stomach emptying, and prompt the pancreas to release insulin only when glucose is high.
GIP (glucose‑dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). GIP is another satiety hormone that also affects insulin release.
GLP‑1 medicines were first licensed to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. But recently, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised several of them for weight management.
The health benefits of these medications go beyond helping you reach your weight loss goals. They may also reduce the risk of weight-related health problems, like sleep apnoea, high blood pressure (hypertension), and heart disease.
How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?
GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 agonists copy the actions of natural gut hormones that help regulate appetite and blood sugar. As a result, they:
Reduce hunger
Slow stomach emptying
Help the pancreas release insulin only when it’s needed
This can reduce cravings, keep blood sugar levels steady, and help you feel more satisfied with smaller portions of food. This can make it easier to reduce your calorie intake.
Weight loss your way
Which Weight Loss Injections Are Available In The U.K.?
Currently, MHRA‑licensed injections for weight management include:
Wegovy® (semaglutide), a weekly GLP‑1 injection
Saxenda® (liraglutide), a daily GLP‑1 injection
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), a weekly GIP/GLP‑1 injection
Some diabetes injections are used off-license for weight loss, including:
Ozempic® (semaglutide)
Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide)
Victoza® (liraglutide)
Trulicity® (dulaglutide)
It’s worth noting that the NHS discourages off-license use of these brand-name diabetes medications for weight loss due to concerns about supply issues.
General practitioners (GPs) and other clinicians can prescribe medicines outside their licence if there’s a clear clinical need and no suitable licensed alternative — but regulators advise prioritising licensed options like Wegovy® and Mounjaro® when available.
Types of Weight Loss Injections
You might wonder about the differences between the weight loss injections currently on the market. Let’s go over the details of semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide.
Semaglutide Weight Loss Injections
Wegovy® is taken as a weekly injection. The active ingredient, semaglutide, is a GLP‑1 receptor agonist.
In a 68‑week clinical trial called STEP-1, 1,961 adults without diabetes were given lifestyle interventions (specifically, a balanced diet and exercise plan). The patients also received either a weekly semaglutide injection or a placebo.
Those who took Wegovy® lost an average of 14.9 percent of their initial body weight, while those on the placebo lost an average of 2.4 percent.
Ozempic® and Rybelsus® contain semaglutide, too, but they’re only licensed for diabetes.
Liraglutide Weight Loss Injections
Saxenda® (daily liraglutide) has been MHRA‑licensed for weight management since 2017.
Research shows that liraglutide can aid in weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. A 2022 meta-analysis found that people lose an average of 4.8 percent of their weight when using 3-milligram (mg) liraglutide for at least a year.
Victoza® is a brand-name medication that also contains liraglutide, but it’s only licensed for treating diabetes.
Tirzepatide Weight Loss Injections
Mounjaro® is the first dual GIP/GLP‑1 agonist authorised for weight management in the U.K.
A randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial called SURMOUNT‑1 involved 2,539 adults without diabetes. Participants were either given tirzepatide or a placebo injection for 72 weeks. Those given tirzepatide lost an average of 15 percent of their starting weight.
Zepbound® is another branded version of tirzepatide. Although it’s available in the United States, it’s not licensed in the U.K.
How to Get Weight Loss Injections in the U.K.
All GLP‑1 and GIP/GLP‑1 jabs are prescription‑only. You can get weight loss injections through the NHS or privately. The cheapest weight loss injections might be through the NHS, but not everyone qualifies for them.
If you’re going the NHS route, you can get a referral to a local weight management service via your GP. But you can only access weight loss injections if you meet the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) criteria.
NICE criteria are as follows:
Liraglutide. Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 (or at least 32.5 if you’re a member of a specific high-risk minority ethnic group).
Semaglutide. Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 or a BMI of 30 to 34.9, if you meet the criteria for specialist overweight and obesity management services.
Tirzepatide. Adults with a BMI of at least 35 who also have one or more weight-related health conditions.
If you decide to go through the NHS, you might encounter long waiting times and limited regional availability.
You can also go the private route. Typically, the criteria are less strict with private healthcare providers, although they do adhere to the MHRA’s guidelines.
Hers U.K. offers weight loss medications through a private telehealth service. You can look at weight loss injections reviews to see how our programmes have benefited other customers.
Here’s how the Hers process works:
Complete a short online assessment. You’ll share your medical history, current medications, and weight loss goals.
A licensed healthcare provider will review your questionnaire. They may arrange a quick call to confirm suitability.
Receive a personalised plan. This will include tailored dosing, lifestyle guidance, and tips for managing the side effects.
Receive your delivery. Soon, you’ll get your injectable pen — delivered quickly and discreetly.
Get ongoing care. We allow you to message your Care Team any time for advice and dose adjustments.
Unlock your treatment plan
Are Weight Loss Injections Safe?
Yes, weight loss injections are safe for most adults. But bear in mind that any medication has possible risks and side effects.
Common side effects of weight loss injections include:
Gastrointestinal issues (like nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting)
Abdominal pain
Dyspepsia (indigestion)
Fatigue
Dizziness
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
To cope with weight loss injections side effects, you can:
Stay hydrated (1.5 to 2 litres of water daily)
Eat bland meals if you have gastrointestinal problems
Consider ginger tea or peppermint for nausea
Get a non-prescription nausea medication
Make sure you eat enough fibre to curb constipation
Eat regularly — even if you don’t have a big appetite — to avoid low blood sugar
Less common but serious risks include:
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Rare thyroid tumours (although this has only been seen in rodents so far)
The MHRA encourages patients to report any adverse effects via the Yellow Card scheme. Your Hers U.K. clinician or NHS team can guide you if symptoms persist.
What Are the Best Weight Loss Injections in the U.K.?
It’s hard to say — no single jab suits everyone. What might work best for one person may not be suitable for another.
Here’s what clinical data suggest:
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) delivers the greatest average weight loss (roughly 15 percent), but long-term studies in the U.K. are just beginning.
Wegovy® (semaglutide) offers strong efficacy (close to 15 percent) with once‑weekly dosing.
Saxenda® (liraglutide) requires daily shots and produces moderate loss (about five percent) but has a longer safety track record.
Your medical history, side effect tolerance, budget, and access will steer the decision. It’s best to discuss this in detail with a prescribing clinician.
Alternatives to Weight Loss Injections in the U.K.
If weight loss injections aren’t suitable for you, other weight loss treatments are available.
Your options include:
Orlistat (Xenical®), an oral weight loss tablet that blocks fat absorption
Oral medication combos (e.g., bupropion, metformin, topiramate, naltrexone), which may be prescribed off-licence for weight control
Bariatric surgery for eligible patients
Remember, weight loss injections and other weight loss medicines work best when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
You might benefit from a structured lifestyle programme, such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme.
Your plan is waiting
Final Thoughts on Weight Loss Injections U.K.
GLP‑1 and GIP/GLP‑1 jabs aren’t magic solutions, but they can make it easier to reach a healthy weight.
Here’s what to bear in mind when considering weight loss injections in the U.K.
In the U.K., three weight loss injections are approved for use. These are Wegovy®, Saxenda®, and Mounjaro.
These weight loss medicines are generally safe. But be aware of potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and dizziness.
You can access these medications through the NHS. But if you don’t meet the NICE eligibility criteria, or if you want to skip long waiting times, consider using a private telehealth service like Hers U.K.
Ready to start your weight loss journey? A quick Hers U.K. assessment can help you see which medically backed options fit your goals.
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.