Medical Weight Loss Options
If you’re looking for medically supported ways to lose weight, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Depending on your health, weight and treatment goals, this may involve lifestyle support, prescription medication or referral for specialist treatments.
This page walks you through the medical weight-loss options available in the UK, who they’re suited to, and how lifestyle changes fit into the bigger picture.
What Are My Medical Options for Weight Loss?
Depending on your medical history, BMI and overall health, your medical weight loss options available in the UK include:
| Option | How It Works | Consideration |
| Lifestyle Support | Focuses on nutrition, physical activity and behaviour change to support sustainable weight loss. | Foundation of treatment |
| GLP-1 Medications | Help regulate appetite, reduce cravings and support a lower calorie intake. | Requires clinical assessment |
| Oral GLP-1 Treatments | Weight loss tablets that help regulate appetite and support weight loss. | May suit people who prefer an alternative to weight-loss injections. |
| Weight-Loss Surgery | Procedures such as gastric bypass alter the digestive system to support significant weight loss. | Usually considered for people with severe obesity or obesity-related health conditions. |
| Endoscopic Weight Loss Procedures | Minimally invasive procedures that can reduce stomach capacity without traditional surgery. | May be suitable for selected patients following specialist assessment. |
Did You Know? Excess weight can increase the risk of several cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. For many people, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight forms an important part of protecting long-term heart health. Discover our heart health service.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications
Disclaimer: Prescription weight-loss medication is suitable for only some people and should be used only after assessment by a qualified prescriber. The information below is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
| Medication | How It Works | Administration | Clinical Trial Results* |
| Tirzepatide | Mimics the effects of GLP-1 and GIP hormones to help regulate appetite and increase fullness. | Weekly injection | Participants in the SURMOUNT-1 trial achieved an average weight loss of up to 20.9% over 72 weeks. |
| Semaglutide | Mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help reduce appetite and food intake. | Weekly injection/Daily tablets | Participants in the STEP 1 trial achieved an average weight loss of 14.9% over 68 weeks. |
| Mysimba (naltrexone/bupropion) | Acts on appetite and reward pathways involved in hunger and food cravings. | Daily tablets | Clinical studies showed clinically meaningful weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. |
| Orlistat | Reduces the absorption of dietary fat. | Capsules taken with meals | Can reduce fat absorption by approximately 30% when taken as directed. |
*Results are from clinical trials conducted under specific conditions and may not reflect individual outcomes.
Eligibility for Medical Weight Loss Treatment
Our clinical team will assess your eligibility on an individual basis, in line with NICE guidelines. We’ll look at your eating habits, family history and the wider factors contributing to your weight, so any plan we recommend is right for you.
You may benefit from medical weight loss treatment if you are:
- An adult with a BMI of 30 or more
- An adult with a BMI of 27 to 29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or increased cardiovascular risk
- Someone who has tried diet and exercise alone without achieving the results they were hoping for
- Someone whose weight is affecting their quality of life, mobility or mental wellbeing
- Living with a condition made worse by excess weight, such as sleep apnoea or joint pain
You’ll also need to be 18 or over, as these medications are licensed for adults only.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are concerned about weight gain, please consult your GP.
Eligibility varies by medication, and NHS access is being rolled out in phases:
Semaglutide is generally available through a specialist weight management service for a BMI of 35 or more with a weight-related health problem, or 30 to 34.9 with additional criteria.
Tirzepatide is recommended by NICE for people with a BMI of 35 or more and at least one weight-related condition. Current NHS access through GP practices is prioritised for those with a BMI of 40 or more and multiple weight-related conditions, with eligibility widening over time.
People from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African and African-Caribbean backgrounds may be eligible at a lower BMI, as health risks can develop at lower BMI levels in these groups.
Eligibility criteria can change over time. The best way to understand your options is to speak with our clinical team or your GP.
Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Weight Management
Obesity is recognised as a chronic, relapsing health condition, which means long-term support is often more effective than short-term interventions. Because of this, NICE guidance recommends that any weight management plan combine lifestyle changes with medical support where needed and include ongoing follow-up rather than a one-off fix.
1. Healthy Eating Habits
Food is about nourishment, not restriction. A few simple principles can support a healthy diet:
Calorie intake: NICE recommends a daily calorie deficit of around 600 calories for most adults as a safe starting point for weight loss. This can be adjusted with support from a healthcare professional, depending on your needs.
Portion awareness: Using a smaller plate or paying attention to how much you serve yourself can help, without needing to count every calorie.
Protein: Beans, pulses, fish, eggs or lean meat at meals can help you feel full for longer.
Fibre: Wholegrains, vegetables and pulses support digestion and help keep you satisfied between meals.
Dietary fat: Swapping saturated fats for unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts and oily fish, supports heart health alongside your weight-loss goals.
For some people with a higher BMI or a weight-related health condition, a very low-calorie diet may be recommended for a short period, but only under medical supervision.
2. Regular Physical Activity
Movement should feel achievable, not daunting.
Movement rather than “exercise”: Gardening, walking to the shops or taking the stairs all count. Being consistent matters more than being intense.
Strength training: Building or maintaining muscle helps protect your metabolism, which matters when you’re losing weight.
Daily activity: Look for small ways to add more movement into your everyday routine. It all adds up.
3. Behaviour Change
Managing your weight is closely tied to how you feel and live day to day.
- Sleep: Bad sleeping habits can disrupt appetite hormones and make healthy choices harder. Getting enough rest is part of the plan, not separate from it.
- Stress: Ongoing stress can affect eating patterns and weight. Finding small ways to manage stress can support your progress.
- Emotional eating: It’s common to turn to food for comfort. Noticing this pattern without judgement is often the first step towards change.
- Food cravings: Everyone experiences cravings from time to time. Identifying your triggers can make them easier to manage.
Did you know? On average, people who combine medication with lifestyle changes lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight over a year than those who make lifestyle changes alone. Medication works best as part of a wider plan, not as a replacement for healthy eating and regular physical activity.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Some weight regain after stopping medication is common, although the amount varies considerably between individuals. Studies show weight regain typically levels off at around 75% of what was lost. This is why these medications are usually prescribed as long-term therapy rather than a short course.
Yes, structured weight-loss programmes are generally associated with better outcomes than individual attempts. Research supports this. In one trial, participants in the structured programme lost more than three times as much weight as those in the self-directed group at one year.
Yes. Some medications can reduce hunger and make food cravings feel less intense, although experiences vary between individuals. Many people also report less “food noise” or fewer intrusive thoughts about food throughout the day.
Weight loss results differ for everyone. Your progress will depend on factors such as your starting weight, medical history, daily habits and treatment plan.
People lose different amounts of weight. Some see small changes, while others lose more weight over time. Even losing a modest amount of weight can benefit your health by improving blood pressure, blood sugar levels and heart health. Your clinical team will help you set realistic goals and support you throughout your weight-loss journey.
Side effects depend on the type of medication, but most are mild and ease over time.
GLP-1 injections
The most common side effects are digestive: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation, especially when starting treatment or increasing your dose. Headache and fatigue can also occur.
Orlistat (tablets)
Orlistat reduces fat absorption, so it commonly causes oily stools, urgent bowel movements and flatulence, particularly after fatty meals. A lower-fat diet helps ease these effects. Headaches have also been reported.
Serious side effects
Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues and allergic reactions. Contact your doctor straight away if you get severe stomach pain or signs of an allergic reaction.
Your clinical team will explain what to expect from your specific medication and how to manage any side effects.
Both activate GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite. Injectable forms tend to produce slightly greater weight loss and better blood sugar control.
| Injectable Treatments | Oral Treatments | |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Daily tablet |
| Convenience | Less frequent dosing | No injections required |
| Suitability | Depends on clinical assessment | Depends on clinical assessment |
| Availability | Established options available | A new oral treatment has recently been approved, with more options in development. |
| Monitoring | Regular review recommended | Regular review recommended |
Ready to explore your weight-loss options? Contact us for an evidence-based, compassionate conversation about the right path for you.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only. This should not be considered a substitute for personalised medical advice.
If you are struggling to maintain weight loss, please speak to your GP.
Sources and Further Reading
- NICE. (2025c, January 14). Overview | Overweight and obesity management | Guidance | NICE. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng246
- Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. Epub 2022 Jun 4. PMID: 35658024.
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33567185.
- Wang, T. Y., Liu, M., Portincasa, P., & Wang, D. Q. (2013). New insights into the molecular mechanism of intestinal fatty acid absorption. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 43(11), 1203–1223. https://doi.org/10.1111/eci.12161
- Onakpoya IJ, Lee JJ, Mahtani KR, Aronson JK, Heneghan CJ. Naltrexone–bupropion (Mysimba) in management of obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of unpublished clinical study reports. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2020; 86: 646–667. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.14210
- Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. (2026, April 8). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity
- Patel J P, Hardaswani D, Patel J, et al. (March 10, 2025) Comparative Effectiveness of Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Orlistat, and Phentermine for Weight Loss in Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review. Cureus 17(3): e80321. doi:10.7759/cureus.80321
- Budini B, Luo S, Tam M, Stead I, Lee A, Akrami A, Vidal-Puig A, Park A. Trajectory of weight regain after cessation of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and nonlinear meta-regression. EClinicalMedicine. 2026 Mar 4;93:103796. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.103796. PMID: 41938838; PMCID: PMC13043475.
- Cheney C, Hunter K, Klein M. Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Perceived Eating Behaviors in Response to Stimuli. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2025 May 2;18:1411-1418. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S488806. PMID: 40336809; PMCID: PMC12056664.
- Heshka S, Anderson JW, Atkinson RL, et al. Weight Loss With Self-help Compared With a Structured Commercial Program: A Randomized Trial. JAMA. 2003;289(14):1792–1798. doi:10.1001/jama.289.14.1792
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Our online weight-loss programme is a complementary service and not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you have an underlying health condition, please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new weight-loss treatments. All Envigore treatment plans are overseen by qualified prescribers in line with NICE guidelines. Right Medicine Pharmacy Group, our GPhC-registered pharmacy partner, dispenses prescriptions issued through Envigore.
About Your Clinical Team
This content was medically reviewed and approved by Danny Gian Hou Chu, an HCPC-registered Physician Associate (PA38670), who oversees all prescribing decisions at Envigore.
All prescriptions are dispensed by Right Medicine Pharmacy, a GPhC-Registered Pharmacy (No. 9012382).
Nutritional guidance and lifestyle support are provided by Veronica Giudice, an HCPC-registered dietitian (DT26570) and British Dietetic Association member.
Last medically reviewed: July 2026