What pregnancy guidance applies to Wegovy?

Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss stopping and an appropriate washout period with your clinician. If pregnancy occurs, stop Wegovy and contact your prescriber.

Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?

Many people switch under clinician guidance. Your prescriber will advise the timing and starting dose based on your history and tolerability.

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✅ ELIGIBILITY CHECKER

Wegovy Eligibility & Conditions UK 2026

The definitive UK guide to Wegovy eligibility: licence criteria (BMI + conditions), who should not use it, pregnancy/contraception guidance, and the real difference between NHS access and private prescribing.

BMI 27+ With Comorbidity

BMI 30+ Standard Licence

18+ Adults Only

Last Updated: February 1, 2026 | Sources: UK Wegovy SmPC/Patient Leaflet, NICE guidance, NHS England weight management pathway updates

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only medicine used in the UK for weight management in adults when clinically appropriate. It works by helping regulate appetite and food intake, alongside lifestyle changes such as diet and physical activity. Your prescriber must confirm it’s safe and suitable for you based on your medical history, current medicines, and risk factors.

This guide explains: (1) the licence criteria most private providers follow, (2) why NHS access criteria can be stricter (pathway rules, specialist services, capacity), and (3) situations where Wegovy may be unsuitable or require specialist review.

📋 30-Second Self-Check: You’re typically eligible for private prescribing if you’re 18+ and either: BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related health condition, and you have no contraindications (e.g. pregnancy, certain endocrine tumour histories, hypersensitivity).

✅ Quick Eligibility Checklist (Private)

Age: 18+
BMI: ≥30, OR ≥27 with a qualifying condition
Safety: Not pregnant/breastfeeding; no relevant contraindications; no serious uncontrolled medical risks
Readiness: You understand side effects, follow-up requirements, and the importance of lifestyle support

Tip: If you’re close to a BMI threshold, weigh in the morning (after the toilet, before breakfast) and measure height without shoes for accuracy.

📊 BMI Requirements in the UK

1) Licence Criteria (Commonly Used by Private Prescribers)

BMI ≥30 (obesity), or
BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related condition (examples below)

Common qualifying conditions (examples)

Category	Examples often accepted by prescribers
Blood sugar	Prediabetes / impaired glucose regulation, type 2 diabetes (if Wegovy is chosen for weight management)
Blood pressure	Hypertension (diagnosed or treated)
Cholesterol	Dyslipidaemia / high LDL / high triglycerides
Sleep	Obstructive sleep apnoea
Liver	Metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease / NAFLD (diagnosed)
Reproductive	PCOS (especially with insulin resistance / metabolic risk)
Cardiometabolic risk	Established cardiovascular disease or high cardiometabolic risk factors
Mobility / joints	Osteoarthritis or weight-related mobility limitations

ℹ️ NHS thresholds can be stricter than licence criteria due to commissioning rules, specialist pathway requirements, and limited service capacity. See the NHS section below.

2) NICE / NHS Specialist Weight Management Criteria

NICE recommendations for weight management medicines in the NHS are typically delivered within structured services, which can mean higher BMI thresholds, more formal eligibility checks, and pathway rules (including follow-up). Some guidance also notes BMI thresholds are often 2.5 lower for people from certain ethnic minority backgrounds.

📌 NHS “Stopping Rule” (important): Some NHS pathways require treatment to be stopped if you do not meet a minimum response threshold after a defined period, even if you are tolerating the medication.

🏴 NHS vs Private: What’s the Real Difference?

Pathway	Who it’s for (typical)	How you access	What to expect
NHS (weight management)	Often higher BMI + comorbidities via specialist services (capacity-limited)	GP referral → local weight management service	Structured programme, stricter criteria, follow-up rules, potential wait times
NHS (type 2 diabetes)	People with T2D where semaglutide is used within diabetes care (different product/dose pathways may apply)	GP/diabetes team as part of diabetes pathway	Eligibility depends on diabetes treatment stage and clinical needs
Private (online clinics/pharmacies)	BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidity (aligned to licence), subject to safety screening	Online assessment/consultation → prescription → delivery	Faster access, monthly cost, support varies by provider (check follow-ups and policies)

NHS access (weight management)

NHS access can depend on local commissioning, service availability, and whether you can be supported within a structured weight management programme. In some areas, medication access is prioritised for those with the highest clinical need first.

🧭 Practical takeaway: If you qualify under the licence but don’t meet local NHS service thresholds (or there’s a long wait), private access is often the fastest route. If you are aiming for NHS access, speak to your GP about referral to local services.

🏥 Medical Suitability

Age

Adults only (18+).
No fixed upper age limit, but clinicians may titrate more cautiously in older adults based on frailty, kidney function, and dehydration risk.

What private prescribers usually check

Medical history: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, thyroid history, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders
Medication interactions: diabetes medicines (hypoglycaemia risk with insulin/sulphonylureas), anticoagulants (monitoring), other appetite/weight medicines
Baseline risk: BP, glucose/A1c (if available), lipids, liver/kidney function (sometimes requested)
Safety and readiness: realistic expectations, ability to follow injection/storage guidance, and a plan to manage side effects

🚫 Contraindications and “Do Not Use” Scenarios

Absolute contraindications (typically not prescribed)

Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Allergy/hypersensitivity to semaglutide or ingredients

Higher caution / specialist discussion often needed

History of pancreatitis
Significant gastroparesis or severe GI motility disorders
Active gallbladder disease or recurrent gallstones
Severe kidney impairment (risk from dehydration if vomiting/diarrhoea)
Diabetic retinopathy (especially if you have diabetes and glucose changes rapidly)

⚠️ Eating disorders: If you have an active eating disorder (e.g. anorexia/bulimia) most clinicians will not prescribe appetite-suppressing medication. If you have binge eating symptoms, a careful, supportive clinical assessment is essential.

🤰 Pregnancy, Fertility & Contraception

Pregnancy planning

Do not use during pregnancy.
If you’re planning a pregnancy, ask your clinician about an appropriate washout period before trying to conceive.
If pregnancy occurs: stop and contact your clinician promptly.

Contraception note

Wegovy can cause nausea/vomiting/diarrhoea, which may affect absorption of oral medicines.
If you have vomiting/diarrhoea soon after taking the pill, follow your pill’s missed-dose guidance and consider backup contraception.
If you’re unsure, discuss a non-oral contraceptive option with your clinician.

Fertility note

Weight loss may improve fertility (particularly in PCOS), so pregnancy risk can increase even if cycles were irregular before.

🧾 What You’ll Need for a Private Online Assessment

Accurate height/weight (to calculate BMI)
Health history and current medicines list
Evidence of comorbidity (sometimes: GP summary, repeat prescriptions, diagnosis history)
Optional but helpful: recent BP reading, recent blood test results (A1c/lipids/LFTs)

✅ Eligible and ready? Compare prices from verified UK providers: Compare Wegovy prices →

❓ Eligibility FAQs

Can I get Wegovy if my BMI is 28?

Possibly—if you have a qualifying weight-related condition (for example hypertension, prediabetes, sleep apnoea, or dyslipidaemia). Without a qualifying condition, many providers won’t prescribe at BMI 28.

What if I’m just under BMI 30?

If you’re close to the threshold, take accurate measurements and include any relevant comorbidities in your assessment. Some pathways use slightly lower thresholds for certain ethnic backgrounds.

Is Wegovy available on the NHS for weight loss?

It can be, but access usually depends on local services, eligibility criteria, and whether you can be supported within a structured programme. Many areas prioritise higher-need patients first.

Do I need to “prove” diet attempts?

NHS pathways often require a history of structured support. Private prescribers vary, but most still assess lifestyle readiness and safe-use understanding.

Can I switch from Saxenda or another GLP-1 medication to Wegovy?

Many people switch under clinician guidance. Your prescriber will advise timing and dose based on your history and tolerability.

How fast should I expect results?

Results vary. Most clinicians focus on steady, sustainable loss and health improvements. If side effects limit you, a slower titration may be appropriate.

🎯 Key Takeaways

Licence (common private criteria): BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a qualifying condition.
NHS access: often stricter and service-dependent, usually via structured programmes with capacity limits.
Avoid in pregnancy/breastfeeding and speak to a clinician if planning pregnancy.
Safety screening matters: MEN2/MTC history, pancreatitis, severe GI issues, gallbladder disease, kidney risk and diabetic eye disease require careful review.
Best next step: If you think you qualify, compare reputable providers and choose one with clear follow-up and policies.

✅ Eligible? Compare Pharmacy Prices Now

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Next Steps

If you meet the criteria, compare prices and read the practical guides that make treatment easier.

Compare Prices → How to Use Wegovy →