I have just been to the GP…

[2026willbemyyear]

… and I was very pleasantly surprised to be told that I would be eligible for weight loss injections and dietician support on the NHS. I thought I wasn’t as my BMI is 38 (not over 40), and I don’t think I have any underlying health conditions (although my blood pressure was on the high side and also blood tests will confirm this), but apparently I am eligible under the NICE guidelines (I am in my early 30s).

However, the problem is that the waiting time in my area is 18-24 months!!! Yes months, not weeks.

I asked about an NHS referral to Slimming World and the GP said I can self-refer, but I am not sure that how it works?

I am going for a follow up in 4 weeks to discuss blood results as well as a mid-term plan after he has reviewed the waiting times again.

Has anyone else been / in a similar position and what was your plan of action?

You can get SW vouchers & self refer.
Can you afford to self fund WLI?

I think your GP is probably talking about referring you to the specialist weight loss service, and working through that till Tier 3 which means access to Wegovy in some areas, instead of being offered bariatric surgery.

You wouldn’t qualify for the Gp direct prescribing Mounjaro as you need a BMI of 40 plus, and 4 out of 5 specific weight related health conditions.

Do you want to wait 18 to 24 months for eventual access to a programme that would later offer you Wegovy? Or could you afford to start Wegovy or Mounjaro privately now?

I was told the same and went on a waiting list. I didn't want to wait so paid privately. Just as well because I got a letter recently to say I had been taken off the list because there were just too many people on it. I have lost over 5 stones and glad I didnt wait!

Op are you sure it wasn’t a waiting list for tier 2 or 3 weight management clinic? This is very different to a wait list for mounjaro. If it was tier 2 or 3, you’re more likely to be offered bariatric surgery, as you work your way through the program and up to tier 3, so a wait list of up to 2 years to get seen by the clinic and then another 1-2 years of diet support. Before being offered drugs or surgery,

I am not sure gp’s are being very clear that’s what they are refering to, and what the wait list is for, as my friend thought the same, then she claried and it was just weight management clinic.