Would I be able to get a weight loss drug on NHS?

[Orangesandlemons77]

I'm on antipsychotics and weight gain is a side effect, can't come off them unfortunately.

My BMI is 37, I'm around 14 stone now. and 5ft 3. I'm also on a low fibre diet for another health problem and the combination is not good.

I wondered about asking the GP for something to help, maybe metformin or one of the new weight loss drugs? Do you think I might qualify for something on the NHS? Thanks

I was given a website with a free NHS 12 week course, that I can’t do. Nothing else, and am pre-diabetic as well with high cholesterol. Not on that drug but on lots of meds,

Your current medication would possibly clash and they won't prescribe due to that

Even so, it's doubtful

I had a GP appointment last month to discuss my weight. Weightloss medication (ozempic, mounjaro etc) is only avaliable through the NHS if you have type 2 diabetes and it is only prescribed after 2 other tablet forms of medication hasve been unsuccessful. My GP said they are hoping that they will be avaliable on the NHS for weightloss in the Autumn but this is not set in stone so I doubt it will actually happen that soon unfortunately. He also said if they are approved GP's won't be able to prescribe them. They will only be avaliable through tier 3 weightloss services. I think you usually have to have a BMI of 40 or above for tier 3. They are avaliable on private prescription if you have a BMI over 30 x

Hi OP, your GP can refer you to a service which prescribes it but….its really hard to get hold of in many areas.

in my area they are referring but the service cannot get the drugs. GP cannot initiate prescribing the drug but can continue once the secondary service authorises it.

OK, thanks. I'm not pre diabetic do you think metformin would help?

Metformin is not a weight loss drug, it's a diabetes drug. I did lose loads of weight when I started it though because it made me feel sick!

Your BMI had to be 45 or above before the NHS will intervene, I had asked the same thing and that's what I was told

No... if it's for diabetics then it needs to stay in stock for them!

You can buy Wegovy and mounjaro

It's easy enough to purchase

Ok it probably will be soon due to this med!

Metformin in is for diabetics. I had this in all pregnancies due to gestational diabetes ( then insulin). It was not a pleasant drug but I needed the meds for the pregnancies. Thankfully not after birth as diabetes resolved.

i too would like prescribed nhs injections, but with a BMI of 33, it is private or nothing, or a 12 week weight loss online nhs programme.

OK, thanks for the replies!