How it works
1. Your GP refers you
Semapen's weight management support is available to eligible patients in England. However, you must first be referred by your GP.
2. You choose what works for you
If you're eligible, you can choose from clinically proven injectable weight loss medications or a drug-free programme – both with tailored, expert support
3. We support you online
No in-person appointments or travel needed. You access support through the Semapen app, using smart scales to share your progress.
4. You pay nothing
Semapen's services are trusted and funded by NHS England. That means there's no cost for eligible patients.
Who is this service for?
Tier 3 weight management is an NHS-funded service for people living with complex obesity. It involves long-term support from multiple experts, including doctors, dietitians and psychologists.
It may also involve GLP-1 weight loss medications (Wegovy or Mounjaro), if that's the right route for you.
Your GP may refer you to Semapen or another Tier 3 service if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more and a minimum of four weight-related health conditions.
With Semapen, you receive all your support remotely through our app. You use smart scales to upload your progress, and we send you medication or diet replacements discreetly by post. That means you can check in at your own convenience, with no in-person appointments or travel required.
If your GP has referred you to Semapen
Have you visited your GP and received a referral to Semapen? The next steps are simple. Here's what to expect.
1. Wait for your welcome email
We send you a welcome letter by email. This contains important information about our weight management programmes and tells you what you need to do nex
2. Complete our digital questionnaires
You'll get a link to our digital questionnaires. These give us vital information about your medical and dietary history. You can complete the questionnaires at home when you're ready.
3. Book a home health check
We'll arrange for a nurse to visit you at home or work. They'll take some blood tests and do a mini health check. The nurse will contact you directly to organise this.
4. Have a video consultation
Once all our checks are complete, you can book a 45-minute video consultation with a Semapen expert. We'll ask more questions and review your results. You can ask questions, too.
5. We prescribe your treatment
In your video consultation, we'll discuss treatment options and decide together which is right for you. Then, we'll issue a prescription and send your medication or diet replacements directly to your home address.
If you haven't yet received a referral
To access Tier 3 weight management support, you must first get a referral from your GP.
They'll assess your weight, medical history and lifestyle. They'll also consider what's worked or hasn't worked in the past. Based on these factors, they'll decide whether Tier 3 support is right for you.
What you need to know as an NHS patient
Referring patients to Semapen is quick and easy.
The exact steps depend on your specific ICB. You'll either download the referral form directly or access it using your clinical system.
Semapen isn't the only Tier 3 weight management service
Semapen is a private weight loss clinic trusted by NHS England to provide free treatment to NHS patients. However, your GP might recommend a local NHS trust, a specialist hospital service or another authorised provider
You're free to request Semapen's support if you think it's right for you
If you're eligible for Tier 3 weight management support, you're free to ask your GP to refer you to Semapen. If this is possible and your GP agrees, we can take things from there. Whatever you choose, it's still delivered at no cost to you – just like any other NHS service
What our support looks like for you
As a Semapen NHS patient, you access our support from home using the SemaPen app. That means it's easier to track your progress and work towards your goals in your own time.
Medication or diet replacements by post
We send your injectable weight loss medication or drug-free diet replacements automatically by post. This way, you never miss a dose.
Digital weight tracking with smart scales
You'll receive a Withings® smart scale. Use this to share your progress with our experts and track your weight in the Semapen app – anywhere, any time
Specialist support when you need it
Your programme includes face-to-face video support from dietitians and psychologists, and we'll always reach out if it looks like you need help. You can also easily request support through the app.
Personalised online fitness plan
In partnership with Sword Health, we provide a complete, 10-month online fitness programme for all NHS patients. You'll work with a dedicated physiotherapist to exercise at your pace.
Helpful weight loss tools and more
Through the app, you can access lots of handy tools to help you meet your goals. That includes the Semapen Academy – an exclusive education hub where you can learn healthy lifelong habits.
Where next?
Have you visited your GP and received a referral to Semapen? The next steps are simple. Here's what to expect.
Explore our programmes
Learn more about our NHS-trusted treatments, including Wegovy, Mounjaro and our drug-free, dietitian-led SemaHealth programme.
Read our guides
It's normal to have lots of questions when embarking on a weight loss journey. Learn what to expect with doses, side effects and more.
Discover the SemaPen app
The SemaPen app is your daily weight loss companion. You'll use it to track your weight and goals, plan meals and learn healthy habits to lose weight and keep it off.
