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Can you get Ozempic on the NHS?

Robbie Puddick (RNutr)
Written by

Robbie Puddick (RNutr)

Content and SEO Lead

Dr Rachel Hall
Medically reviewed by

Dr Rachel Hall (MBCHB)

Principal Doctor

8 min read
Last updated September 2025
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Jump to: NHS Ozempic eligibility criteria | Recent UK guideline changes | Private Ozempic alternatives | NHS vs. private comparison | Safety considerations | Frequently asked questions | Take home message

You can only get Ozempic (semaglutide) on the NHS if you’re living with type 2 diabetes that’s inadequately controlled with diet and exercise plus other diabetes medications.1

According to NHS Digital data, approximately 4.3 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes, with only a subset meeting the specific criteria for Ozempic prescription.2

In 2023, the UK experienced significant shortages of Ozempic, prompting the Department of Health and Social Care to issue a national patient safety alert restricting its use for type 2 diabetes.3

This guidance remains in place in 2025, with Ozempic reserved for people with type 2 diabetes to ensure supply for those with the greatest clinical need.

While Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss in the UK, alternative GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (higher-dose semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are now available through private prescriptions for those who meet eligibility requirements.4,7

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NHS Ozempic eligibility criteria

To qualify for an NHS Ozempic prescription, you must meet several specific criteria according to NICE guidance (NG28):1

  • Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with diet, exercise and other antidiabetic medications
  • Have an HbA1c level of 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) or above, despite treatment with metformin and/or other antidiabetic medications
  • Either unable to take metformin or have inadequate blood glucose control despite optimised metformin treatment
  • Have no personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Have no personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
  • Have no history of pancreatitis

Importantly, living with obesity or being overweight alone doesn’t qualify you for Ozempic on the NHS. The medication must be prescribed specifically for improving glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.

What clinical studies show

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Ozempic significantly improves glycaemic control while often leading to weight loss as a secondary benefit.9

The SUSTAIN clinical trial programme showed HbA1c reductions of 1.4-1.8% and weight reductions of 4.5-6.5 kg over 30-56 weeks.5

Recent UK guideline changes

In 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the NHS issued guidance specifically addressing the use of semaglutide:3

  1. A national patient safety alert was issued by the DHSC in May 2023, highlighting supply disruptions and recommending against initiating new patients on Ozempic for weight management alone.
  2. The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) advised pharmacists to prioritise Ozempic for patients with type 2 diabetes.
  3. The NHS added Ozempic to its “Medicines with Supply Issues” bulletin, with advice that remains in effect through 2025.

This guidance hasn’t been reversed as of early 2025, meaning Ozempic remains prioritised for diabetes management rather than weight loss. The restrictions were implemented in response to global supply constraints and unprecedented demand.

Current supply situation

While supply has improved since the height of the 2023 shortage, Ozempic remains on the NHS “Medicines With Supply Issues” list as of early 2025.

Novo Nordisk continues to increase production, but prioritisation for diabetes patients remains necessary to ensure those with the greatest clinical need can access the medication.

Private Ozempic alternatives

If you don’t qualify for NHS Ozempic but are seeking a GLP-1 medication for weight management, several alternatives are available through private healthcare providers:

Wegovy vs Ozempic comparison

Medication Active Ingredient UK Approval Status Indication Average Monthly Cost (Private)
Ozempic Semaglutide (up to 1 mg weekly) Approved for type 2 diabetes only Type 2 diabetes £130-£170
Wegovy Semaglutide (up to 2.4 mg weekly) Approved for weight loss Obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related conditions £199-£299
Mounjaro Tirzepatide (up to 15 mg weekly) Approved for type 2 diabetes and weight loss Type 2 diabetes and obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related conditions £200-370

Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) but is specifically licensed for weight management in the UK. NICE approved Wegovy in March 2023 for adults with a:4

  • BMI of 35 or over (or 30+ in exceptional cases) with at least one weight-related comorbidity
  • Commitment to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

According to STEP-1 clinical trials, participants taking Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, making it significantly more effective than older weight loss medications.5

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjaro was approved by NICE in 2024 for weight loss in adults with:7

  • BMI of 35 or over with at least one weight-related comorbidity
  • BMI between 30-35 with weight-related comorbidities in exceptional circumstances
  • Previous participation in a high-intensity lifestyle intervention

The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed tirzepatide produced average weight loss of 20.9% at the highest dose over 72 weeks, potentially offering even greater effectiveness than semaglutide.6

NHS vs private medication pathways

Aspect NHS Pathway Private Pathway
Eligibility Type 2 diabetes (for Ozempic) BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with complications (varies by provider)
Initial assessment GP referral, potentially specialist diabetes team Online consultation or in-person assessment
Waiting time Variable, depending on local resources Typically 1-2 weeks
Medication costs NHS prescription charge only (£9.90 per item, or free if exempt) £150-£300 monthly (medication + service)
Follow-up care NHS diabetes team, typically 3-6 month reviews Varies by provider, often monthly check-ins
Duration of treatment Based on clinical benefit for diabetes control Typically up to 2 years for weight management

Private prescription services differ in their approach to assessment, ongoing support, and pricing models. Some offer medication-only services with basic clinical oversight, while others like Second Nature combine medication with comprehensive lifestyle support from healthcare professionals.

Safety considerations for online prescriptions

All legitimate UK online prescribers must follow strict regulations from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and Care Quality Commission (CQC). According to the MHRA, you should check that any online pharmacy:8

  • Is registered with the GPhC and displays the GPhC internet pharmacy logo
  • Has a physical address in the UK
  • Requires a valid prescription before dispensing medication
  • Offers consultation with a UK-registered healthcare professional

Warning signs of illegitimate online pharmacies include:

  • Offering prescription-only medications without a prescription
  • Significantly lower pricing compared to registered pharmacies
  • No requirement for medical assessment or consultation
  • Shipping from outside the UK
  • No registration with UK regulatory bodies

Verification steps:

  1. Check the GPhC register at www.pharmacyregulation.org
  2. Look for the EU common logo for online pharmacies
  3. Verify CQC registration for the prescribing service
  4. Confirm the site has secure payment processing

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I get Ozempic for weight loss on the NHS?

Ozempic is only licensed and approved for type 2 diabetes treatment in the UK. The NHS follows NICE guidance, which currently recommends Ozempic solely for improving blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.1

Additionally, supply shortages led to the Department of Health issuing guidance that explicitly advised against prescribing Ozempic for weight loss to ensure its availability for diabetes patients.3

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain the same drug (semaglutide) but have different approved uses and dosing.4

Wegovy is specifically approved for weight management and offers higher maximum doses (up to 2.4 mg weekly) compared to Ozempic (max 1 mg weekly).

They’re manufactured by the same company (Novo Nordisk) but you can’t use them at the same time.

How long is the NHS waiting list for Ozempic?

There’s no standard NHS waiting list specifically for Ozempic. Access depends on your local NHS diabetes service and whether you meet the clinical criteria for prescription.

Patients with type 2 diabetes who qualify for Ozempic would typically discuss it during routine diabetes reviews with their GP or specialist. Supply issues may cause temporary delays in some areas.

Can my GP prescribe Ozempic privately?

Some GPs who also work privately may be able to prescribe Ozempic privately, but many don’t offer this service. Additionally, due to supply prioritisation guidelines, many private GPs will only prescribe Wegovy (the weight management version of semaglutide) rather than Ozempic for weight loss. Online healthcare providers often offer more streamlined access to private prescriptions.

Is it safe to buy Ozempic online in the UK?

It’s only safe to buy Ozempic online through registered UK pharmacies that require a proper prescription and medical assessment.8

The MHRA warns against purchasing from unregulated websites, as these may sell counterfeit or contaminated products. Always verify that any online pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and displays the EU common logo for online pharmacies.

What’s the difference between Ozempic and Mounjaro?

Ozempic contains semaglutide, which mimics the hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite and slow digestion. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which mimics GLP-1 and GIP (dual-action).9

Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may produce greater weight loss and blood sugar improvements compared to Ozempic.6 Both are weekly injections but have different dosing protocols and side effect profiles.

Take home message

Ozempic is only available on the NHS for people with type 2 diabetes that isn’t adequately controlled with other medications. Due to supply constraints and regulatory guidance, it isn’t prescribed for weight management alone through the NHS.

For those seeking GLP-1 medications specifically for weight management, Wegovy (higher-dose semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are available through private prescription services for eligible patients with a BMI of ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related conditions.

When considering private prescriptions, ensure you’re working with registered UK healthcare providers who offer proper medical assessment and follow-up care.

These medications work best when combined with lifestyle modifications that support long-term health.

Second Nature's Mounjaro and Wegovy programmes

Second Nature provides Mounjaro or Wegovy as part of our Mounjaro and Wegovy weight-loss programmes.

Why choose Second Nature over other medication providers, assuming you're eligible?

Because peace of mind matters.

We've had the privilege of working with the NHS for over eight years, helping people across the UK take meaningful steps toward a healthier, happier life.

Our programmes are designed to meet people where they are, whether that means support with weight loss through compassionate one-to-one health coaching, or access to the latest weight-loss medications (like Mounjaro and Wegovy) delivered alongside expert care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and personal trainers.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: real, lasting change comes from building better habits, not relying on quick fixes. We're here to support that change every step of the way.

With over a decade of experience, thousands of lives changed, and a long-standing record of delivering programmes used by the NHS, we believe we're the UK's most trusted weight-loss programme.

We hope to offer you something invaluable: peace of mind, and the support you need to take that first step.

References

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2022). Type 2 diabetes in adults: management (NG28)
  2. NHS Digital. (2024). Quality and Outcomes Framework – Prevalence, achievements and exceptions report
  3. Department of Health and Social Care. (2023). Supply disruption alert: Semaglutide (Ozempic®) 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1.0mg solution for injection pre-filled pens
  4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2023). Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity (TA875)
  5. Wilding, J.P.H., et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989-1002.
  6. Jastreboff, A.M., et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205-216.
  7. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2025). Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity (TA1026)
  8. General Pharmaceutical Council. (2022). Guidance for registered pharmacies providing pharmacy services at a distance, including on the internet
  9. Mahapatra, M.K., et al. (2022). Semaglutide, a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes. Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders, 23(3), 521-539.

Medication-assisted weight loss with a future focus

Start with Wegovy or Mounjaro, transition to habit-based health with our support

Mounjaro pen
Wegovy pen
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Write a response

Christine Burns

21 February, 2025

I’m over my bmi 34 what could u recommend for weight loss I’m 13 stone 5 feet… do not suit it if l could lose 3 stone l would be so greatfull I’ve tried dieting can seem to shift the weight


Lucy

23 June, 2023

Want go on ozempic


Ann Miles

16 June, 2023

Please can you give more information on the eligibility for Opemzic


Des

5 October, 2023

I am type two diabetes i would like to know about taking ozempic injection,my BMI is over 30 Thank you


Ann Miles

16 June, 2023

Please can you give me more information on eligibility for Opemzic?


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