Wegovy BMI requirements explained (NHS and private)
Curious about the Wegovy BMI requirements? Discover the BMI cutoff for access to Wegovy through the NHS or private care.
If you're thinking about starting weight loss treatment with Wegovy, one of the first things you'll need to check is whether you meet the BMI requirements.
Body mass index (BMI) is a simple calculation that uses your weight and height to estimate your body fat. It's far from perfect, but it's the most widely used tool for assessing eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medication in both NHS and private care.
Here's what you need to know about Wegovy BMI requirements and how to get started safely.
NHS vs private: key differences in BMI cutoffs for treatment
Wegovy is available through both the NHS and private providers like SemaPen, but the BMI requirements aren't the same. Here's a quick breakdown.
| BMI requirement | Weight-related health condition is required | Access pathway | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS | At least 35 (or 30–34.9 plus extra criteria) | Yes | GP first, then referral to a specialist |
| Private (e.g. SemaPen) | At least 30 (or 27–29.9 with related health condition) | Yes (if BMI 27-29.9) | Private medical assessment |
NHS access to Wegovy: stricter criteria and a slower process
Wegovy became available through the NHS UK for weight loss
in September 2023, but GPs don't prescribe it directly. People must be referred to specialist weight management services to access Wegovy.
To qualify, patients generally need:
- A BMI of 35 or more
- A weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnoea
- Documented attempts to lose weight through lifestyle changes
- To be willing to follow a multidisciplinary weight-loss plan that includes diet and exercise
In some cases, people with a BMI between 30 and 34.9 may qualify if they have a significant obesity-related condition. A person's ethnic background may also be taken into account, since people from certain groups may experience health risks at a lower BMI.
The NHS criteria are designed to ensure that those at most risk receive support. But the process can be lengthy, and many people face long wait times for assessment and treatment.
For full details, please
see the official NHS guidance.
Private access: broader criteria and faster access to care
Private providers can prescribe Wegovy to a wider group of people. While the same medication is used, the process is more flexible and designed around your individual health status, not your local referral system.
You may be eligible for Wegovy privately if:
- Your BMI is 30 or higher
- Your BMI is between 27 and 29.9, and you have a related condition such as prediabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
As with the NHS criteria, a person's ethnic background is also considered.
At SemaPen, every patient completes a secure
online health assessment reviewed by a licensed UK prescriber. If your BMI is in the lower range, your medical history will be evaluated to make sure semaglutide is safe and appropriate for you. This includes checking for medications that might interact and any conditions that could affect treatment.
There's no need for a GP referral. Instead, access is based on your needs and your eligibility.
SemaPen: your path to safe, supported weight loss
Do you meet the BMI criteria and want to explore semaglutide safely and effectively? Our team of obesity specialists is here to help. SemaPen's expert-led
medical weight loss plans combine prescription access with remote monitoring, smart scales and compassionate support.
We make it easy to:
- Check your eligibility quickly online
- Get reviewed by a licensed UK prescriber
- Access the right GLP-1 medication for you, whether that's Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Stay supported with regular check-ins and smart tracking
Are you ready to take the next step on your weight loss journey, with expert support focused on your goals? You can get started today by taking our
online health assessment. Our specialists will review your answers and recommend a tailored treatment for you.
Sources
1. DHSC Media Team (2024) Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: Everything you need to know. GOV.UK. Retrieved from
https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/accessing-wegovy-for-weight-loss-everything-you-need-to-know/
This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 31 July 2025.
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