Weight loss treatment on the NHS vs private
NHS access to weight loss medicines in England is limited to people with the highest clinical need. This guide sets out who qualifies in each phase, what the other UK nations offer and what private treatment costs.
In short: In England, GPs can prescribe Mounjaro only to priority groups: first a BMI of 40 or more with at least 4 of 5 listed conditions, then a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with at least 4. Wegovy injections come only through specialist weight management services, for up to 2 years. The Wegovy pill and Foundayo are private only. Aero’s prices are not yet confirmed.
Mounjaro on the NHS in England: the phased rollout #
NICE recommended tirzepatide in December 2024 (TA1026) for adults with a BMI of at least 35 and at least one weight-related condition. About 3.4 million people in England meet those criteria, so the NHS has up to 12 years to reach everyone. Priority groups for the first 3 years cover about 220,000 people. GP prescribing began on 23 June 2025.
| Phase | Funding year | BMI | Conditions needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort 1 | 2025/26 | 40 or more | At least 4 of the 5 |
| Cohort 2 | 2026/27 | 35 to 39.9 | At least 4 of the 5 |
| Cohort 3 | From 2027/28 | 40 or more | 3 of the 5 |
The 5 qualifying conditions are type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure needing treatment, dyslipidaemia (abnormal blood fats), obstructive sleep apnoea confirmed by a sleep study, and cardiovascular disease. BMI thresholds drop by 2.5 for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean backgrounds.
Every NHS patient on Mounjaro must also take part in a support programme covering nutrition and behaviour change. Specialist services can prescribe to anyone who meets the full NICE criteria.
Wegovy injections on the NHS #
NICE guidance TA875 limits semaglutide to specialist weight management services with a multidisciplinary team, such as tier 3 and tier 4 services. You need at least one weight-related condition and a BMI of 35 or more, or 30 to 34.9 if you meet the criteria for referral to a specialist service. The same 2.5 reduction applies.
Treatment lasts a maximum of 2 years. The service considers stopping if you have lost less than 5% of your starting weight after 6 months.
Tier 2, 3 and 4 services and the Digital Weight Management Programme #
- Tier 2: community lifestyle programmes, usually in groups and often 12 weeks long.
- Tier 3: a specialist clinic led by a doctor, with a dietitian, specialist nurse and psychological support.
- Tier 4: bariatric surgery with care before and after. The NHS considers surgery at a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with a condition such as type 2 diabetes.
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme is a free 12-week online plan. You qualify with a BMI of 30 or more (27.5 or more for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds) plus diabetes, high blood pressure or both. Your GP practice refers you.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland #
- Scotland: the Scottish Medicines Consortium accepted tirzepatide in June 2024 for adults with a BMI of 30 or more and at least one weight-related condition. A national consensus statement set a narrower first phase: a BMI of 38 or more (35 or more for higher-risk ethnic groups) with at least one obesity-related condition. Each health board decides when to start.
- Wales: a Welsh Government circular from May 2025 restricts tirzepatide and semaglutide for weight loss to NHS specialist services. GPs do not start new patients.
- Northern Ireland: the Department of Health approved a first Regional Obesity Management Service in May 2025, with medicines to be offered in phases in line with NICE guidance.
The Wegovy pill and Foundayo are private only #
The MHRA approved Wegovy tablets in June 2026 and Foundayo in August 2026. Neither tablet is available on the NHS. NICE must assess Foundayo before any NHS decision. Compare the Wegovy pill and Foundayo.
What private treatment at Aero Clinic involves and costs #
The planned service requires a clinical assessment before any treatment can be supplied. The secure assessment is not connected in this preview. Read how assessment works or prepare a discussion checklist. Provider details, prices and delivery arrangements must be confirmed before launch.
- Mounjaro: Aero prices, supply arrangements and availability have not been confirmed.
- Wegovy injection: Aero prices, supply arrangements and availability have not been confirmed.
- Wegovy pill: Aero prices, supply arrangements and availability have not been confirmed.
Aero’s prices, review arrangements and contact channels will be published before booking opens. Ask for written details of assessment fees, ongoing support, renewal payments and cancellation or refund terms before committing to treatment.
| Point | NHS in England | Aero Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| BMI needed | 35 or more with conditions. 40 or more in most GP phases | 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related condition |
| Medicines | Mounjaro and Wegovy injections | Mounjaro, Wegovy injections, Wegovy pill, Foundayo pill |
| Cost | NHS prescription charge unless exempt | To be confirmed |
| Support | Required nutrition and behaviour programme | Monthly check-in, unlimited messaging |
How to tell your GP about private treatment #
A private prescription may not appear in your NHS record. The MHRA has warned hospital teams about this gap. Under General Pharmaceutical Council guidance from February 2025, an online prescriber needs your consent before contacting your GP.
- Give consent for your GP to be informed when the clinic asks.
- Give your GP practice the medicine name, dose and start date for your record.
- Mention the medicine at every hospital, sedation or pre-operative appointment.
Full warnings are on the weight loss medicine safety page.
Weight loss treatment on the NHS vs private: questions #
Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss?
In England, only if you fall in a current priority group. The first group needed a BMI of 40 or more plus at least 4 of 5 listed conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The second group covers a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with at least 4.
Can I get the Wegovy pill or Foundayo on the NHS?
No. Neither tablet is available on the NHS at present. The MHRA approved Wegovy tablets in June 2026 and Foundayo in August 2026, and NICE has to assess a new medicine before the NHS funds treatment. Aero’s prices are not yet confirmed.
How long can I stay on Wegovy on the NHS?
NICE recommends a maximum of two years for NHS semaglutide weight-management treatment. Its guidance applies within a specialist service and includes response-based review. Ask your NHS team how that recommendation applies to you; different medicines and private care have different arrangements.
Do I have to tell my GP I use a private weight loss clinic?
No law forces you to, though telling your GP is the safer choice. Private prescriptions may not show in your NHS record, and hospital teams need to know before any anaesthetic. An online prescriber needs your consent to contact your GP and, without consent, must decide whether prescribing is still safe.
How much does private weight loss treatment cost?
Aero’s treatment prices are not yet confirmed. Before paying, ask for the total price, pack quantity, prescribing fees, dispensing and delivery charges, and follow-up costs. Use your provider’s written quote in the cost planner.
Understand your treatment options
Explore the treatment guides and prepare your questions for a clinician. Aero’s prices and service details will be confirmed before booking opens.
Page information
- Summary
- Who qualifies for Mounjaro and Wegovy on the NHS in each phase, what Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland offer, and what private treatment costs.
- Publisher
- Aero Clinic, operated by AERO HEALTHCARE LTD.
- Editorial update
- Clinical review
- Pending. An editorial update is not a clinical sign-off.
Cite as: Weight loss treatment on the NHS vs private, Aero Clinic (https://www.cagri.co.uk), AERO HEALTHCARE LTD. https://www.cagri.co.uk/weight-loss-treatment-on-the-nhs. Editorial update: 4 November 2026. Clinical review pending.