I need a good weight loss programme: what are my options?
Thinking, 'I need a good weight loss programme'? Explore your options, from NHS plans to medication.
If you've ever searched 'I need a good weight loss plan', you're not alone. Lots of people seek support to help them lose weight.
However, this innocent search can sometimes lead you to not-so-innocent 'quick fixes'. These crash diets won't do much except damage your health by making you lose weight too quickly. (And, more than likely, your bank balance.)
Most of the time, they'll also see you quickly piling the weight back on once you've returned to more 'normal' eating habits.
Finding structured, supportive plans that work for you should be the goal.
Not sure where to start? From NHS support to prescription medication, there are several good weight loss programmes available.
Let's explore your options and find the best one for you.
NHS weight loss services
The NHS offers a range of free tools and programmes to help people lose weight safely and sustainably.
The NHS Weight Loss Plan (available on Android and iPhone) is a 12-week app guide that anyone can access for free. This app can help you plan healthy meals and get more active to burn calories. It's a great option for anyone looking to lose weight and improve their health.
People living with obesity and related health conditions may be referred to additional NHS support. These can include local behavioural weight management services or the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme.
This personalised plan is available to those with a BMI of 30 or greater (or at least 27.5 for people from certain ethnic backgrounds). You must also have either diabetes, high blood pressure or both. To get things started, you'll need a referral from a GP or pharmacist.
Pros
- Free and evidence-based
- Accessible through your GP or online
- Suitable for a wide range of needs, from general advice to structured support
Cons
- Referral-only for specialist services – not everyone qualifies
- Local programme availability can vary
- Slower access to newer treatments like medication or surgery
NHS services are free and can be very effective. But if you need extra support or have related health issues – like diabetes – delays or a lack of available services locally can make things difficult.
To explore your options, speak to your GP or visit the NHS Better Health website.
Commercial weight loss programmes
Commercial programmes like Weight Watchers, Slimming World, The Body Coach app, and Noom offer structured plans designed for everyday life. Most focus on calorie control, food tracking, community support and forming healthier habits.
A total lifestyle change is central to these programmes, especially when it comes to diet. Weekly meetings or app prompts can help you develop new routines and stay accountable to your goals.
Pros
- Widely available and easy to access
- Community support and structured goals
- Can be more affordable than medical programmes
Cons
- Still come with a cost
- No medical oversight
- May not be enough for people with complex needs
These can be a good starting point if you're looking for a recommended weight loss programme with structure and a sense of community. However, you may need more medical support than these plans can offer.
Private clinics and specialist programmes
Private weight loss clinics offer more personalised support. Some are led by doctors or obesity specialists. Others work with dietitians, therapists, fitness professionals or a mix of all of the above.
Plans may include health assessments, one-to-one weight loss support, psychological guidance and – where appropriate – prescription medication.
Pros
- More tailored than commercial plans
- Greater access to medical options
- Ongoing feedback and flexibility
Cons
- Often expensive
- Quality varies – make sure to research the provider
This may be the right choice if you've tried other approaches or want a medically informed plan with personal support. However, they are usually expensive.
Search for private weight loss clinics in your area to find out more.
Prescription weight loss injections: Wegovy and Mounjaro
Prescription medications are now a key part of many sustainable weight loss plans. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are weekly injections that help reduce appetite and improve blood sugar control.
They mimic hormones involved in digestion and feeling full after eating. When paired with a healthy diet and regular movement, they can lead to substantial and sustained weight loss.
Pros
- Clinically proven to support significant weight loss
- Convenient weekly dosing
- Can improve blood sugar control and reduce appetite
- Readily available through private clinics
Cons
- Generally more expensive than other weight loss programmes
- Not suitable for everyone (BMI and medical history are taken into account)
- Side effects like nausea or fatigue are common
- Not yet readily available on the NHS
How much weight do people lose?
With Wegovy, users see an average 15% reduction in body weight over 68 weeks.¹
With Mounjaro, users see an average of 21% weight loss over 72 weeks.²
These results come from large clinical trials. As well as taking the drugs, participants undertook lifestyle changes like adopting a healthier diet and exercising more.
Who are they suitable for?
These medications are usually prescribed to people with a BMI of 30 or above. They're also available to people with a BMI of at least 27 if they have a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes.
The drugs are not suitable during pregnancy or for those with certain gastrointestinal conditions. A medical consultation is needed to confirm you're eligible and it's safe for you to use them.
Are there side effects?
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. You can learn more in our guide to the side effects of weight loss drugs.
It's important to monitor these side effects, especially when increasing doses or managing other health conditions.
How we can support you at SemaPen
SemaPen is a prescription-only weight loss programme that combines Wegovy or Mounjaro medication with the guidance of obesity specialists. We're part of Phoenix Health, the only NHS-trusted provider of bariatric care.
You start with an online medical consultation to ensure the treatment is right for you. Then, each month, your progress is monitored through a smart scale connected to the cloud. Our weight loss experts can access this data and step in to support you if you're losing weight too slowly or quickly. You can also chat with them live in our app if you need extra support.
SemaPen offers:
- Medical screening and prescription
- Live expert chat support
- A cloud-connected smart scale
- Automatic tracking and safety monitoring
- A money-back guarantee if treatment doesn't work as expected*
Which is the best weight loss programme for you?
Whether you go down the NHS route, enrol in a private clinic or use a prescription programme like SemaPen, help is available – and it can work.
The most important step is starting with a recommended weight loss programme that meets your needs and helps you feel supported.
Ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey? It's easy to find out if you're eligible for SemaPen's at-home weight loss programmes. To get started, simply take our online consultation.
Sources
1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
* Terms and conditions apply.
This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.
