School Lane SurgeryWe know that weight loss injections, including Wegovy, are gaining a lot of attention in the media and online. Understandably, many people are curious about whether they might be eligible and how to access them.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy is designed to aid weight loss by reducing appetite and helping to regulate hunger signals. It is most effective when combined with meaningful lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, and increased physical activity.
Who Can Be Prescribed Wegovy?
Under NHS guidelines, Wegovy can only be prescribed within a specialist Tier 3 weight management service to individuals who meet strict eligibility criteria:
- A BMI of 35 or higher, or
- A BMI between 30 and 34.9, if there are additional weight-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
However, since Norfolk does not currently have a commissioned Tier 3 service, NHS prescriptions are not available in our area currently.
Why Am I Seeing Online Adverts for This Medication?
Some private providers may offer Wegovy, but this is separate from NHS services. Accessing Wegovy privately involves a chargeable prescription and a consultation with a private provider. Each provider will be responsible for your care and costs may differ.
As these medications are not available through the NHS in our area, we do not have access to specific guidance regarding their use, and GPs are not specialist weight management providers. It is the responsibility of the private provider to assess suitability and review your medical history before prescribing.
What Happens Next?
We understand this may be frustrating for those who feel they could benefit from Wegovy. If and when a weight management service becomes available in Norfolk, we will update our patients accordingly.
In the meantime, we encourage those looking to manage their weight to focus on healthy lifestyle changes, and we are happy to discuss general weight management strategies that do not involve Wegovy.
For more information on NHS guidance around Wegovy, visit: https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/accessing-wegovy-for-weight-loss-everything-you-need-to-know/
We appreciate your understanding and will share updates should the situation change.