I need a good weight loss programme: what are my options?

Ready to take the next step? See if you're eligible for expert-led weight loss support.

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.

Picture of a person looking engaged while using a smartphone.

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.

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