What Are Weight Loss Injections and How Can You Access Them Privately in the UK?
An introduction to private weight loss injections in the UK, including how they work, how private prescriptions are issued, and what new starters need to know before beginning treatment.
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are prescription medications used to support weight management when diet and exercise alone have not been effective. In the UK, these treatments are classed as prescription-only medicines and must be issued by a qualified healthcare professional.
The most commonly prescribed weight loss injections available privately in the UK include:
Wegovy (semaglutide) – a GLP-1 receptor agonist
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist
Saxenda (liraglutide) – an earlier GLP-1 medication
These medicines work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones involved in appetite regulation.
How Do They Help With Weight Loss?
GLP-1 medicines act on receptors in the brain that regulate hunger and satiety. According to UK Government medicines guidance, GLP-1 medicines reduce appetite and energy intake by increasing feelings of fullness after eating¹.
Tirzepatide works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which may enhance metabolic effects compared with single-pathway treatments².
These injections are typically administered once weekly (Wegovy and Mounjaro) or once daily (Saxenda), depending on the prescribed medication.
How Private Access Works in the UK
Because these medicines are prescription-only, they cannot legally be purchased without a consultation.
When accessing treatment privately:
You complete a medical consultation (online or in person).
A qualified prescriber reviews your medical history, weight, BMI and any relevant health conditions.
If clinically appropriate, a prescription is issued.
The medication is dispensed by a registered UK pharmacy.
Private access does not require an NHS referral, but prescribing must still meet UK medical safety standards.
Safety Considerations
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned about unregulated sellers offering weight loss injections without proper medical checks³. Purchasing from unverified online sources carries risks, including counterfeit or incorrectly stored medicines.
For safety, ensure your provider:
Is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Uses prescribers registered with the GMC or GPhC
Dispenses medication through a UK-registered pharmacy
Private access can provide quicker availability, but treatment should always be medically supervised.
References
GOV.UK. GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/glp-1-medicines
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity.
https://www.nice.org.uk
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Guidance on safe supply of GLP-1 medicines.
https://www.gov.uk/mhra