Getting to a point where you’re considering a medicated weight management programme takes courage. You’ve probably tried other approaches. Before you take the next step, it helps to understand exactly what the eligibility criteria look like, and why they exist.
Key Takeaways
- Private providers typically follow MHRA-licensed BMI thresholds: a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition
- Eligibility considers your full medical history, not just your BMI
- Certain medical conditions and medications can affect suitability for treatment
- NHS access is more restricted and has longer waiting times than private routes
- A clinician reviews every application individually before any prescription is issued
Find out now if you are eligible for a Weightfall weight management program now: Check eligibility.
Why Eligibility Criteria Exist
These aren’t arbitrary gatekeeping rules. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are prescription-only medicines with real clinical effects on appetite, digestion, blood sugar, and metabolism. They work best, and most safely, when prescribed as part of a supervised programme with proper monitoring.
A clinician’s job isn’t just to say yes or no. It’s to assess whether a treatment is right for you specifically, taking into account your weight history, current health conditions, medications, and goals.
BMI Thresholds for Private Weight Management
BMI stands for body mass index, a calculation based on your height and weight. It’s an imperfect tool, but it remains the primary measure used for prescribing eligibility under MHRA licensing.
For both Wegovy and Mounjaro, the licensed thresholds in the UK are:¹
- A BMI of 30 or above
- A BMI of 27 or above, with at least one weight-related health condition
Weight-related health conditions include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, PCOS, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, osteoarthritis, asthma, and COPD. This list isn’t exhaustive, and your clinician will assess your full health picture during the assessment.
What About Ethnicity?
For people from South Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean, Chinese, and other Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds, the standard BMI thresholds are reduced by 2.5 points. This means that if you are from one of these groups, you may qualify with a BMI of 24.5 or above combined with at least one weight-related health condition, rather than the standard 27. This adjustment exists because these groups carry a higher risk of weight-related health conditions at lower BMI values than the general thresholds were originally designed to reflect.²
Your clinician will take this into account during your assessment.
Medical History and Contraindications
A BMI that meets the threshold doesn’t automatically mean treatment is appropriate. There are certain medical situations where Wegovy or Mounjaro may not be recommended.
These include, but are not limited to:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)¹
- A history of pancreatitis
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe kidney or liver disease
- Current use of other GLP-1 medicines
Note: This list isn’t exhaustive. Your clinician will review your full health history before any decision is made.
What to Expect During the Assessment
At Weightfall, the process starts with an online health questionnaire. You share your weight history, current medications, relevant health conditions, and goals. A UK-registered clinician then reviews everything. If they need further information, they’ll get in touch before making any prescribing decision.
If treatment isn’t appropriate for you, your fee for that order is refunded in line with Weightfall’s policy. There’s no pressure to commit, and no prescription is issued automatically.
NHS vs Private: What’s the Difference?
NHS access to weight management injections is tightly restricted. As of 2025, Mounjaro became available through some GP practices in England, but only for a small initial cohort with very high clinical need, typically requiring a BMI of 40 or above and at least four weight-related health conditions.³ Wegovy on the NHS generally requires a referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service, with waiting times that can stretch from months to over a year.
Private programmes like Weightfall follow MHRA-licensed thresholds, meaning eligibility starts at a BMI of 30, or 27 with a weight-related condition. Assessment and prescribing, where clinically appropriate, typically happens within one to two working days.
If you want to find out whether you qualify, you can check your eligibility now and a clinician will review your information first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to access Weightfall?
No. Weightfall is a private service and you can access it directly without a GP referral. You complete an online health questionnaire, and a UK-registered clinician reviews your information to assess suitability.
Can I qualify if my BMI is below 30?
The MHRA-licensed threshold for both Wegovy and Mounjaro starts at a BMI of 27 when combined with at least one weight-related health condition. Some clinicians apply adjusted thresholds for people from higher-risk ethnic backgrounds. A BMI below 27 would generally not meet standard eligibility criteria for medicated weight management.
What counts as a weight-related health condition?
Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, sleep apnoea, PCOS, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, osteoarthritis, asthma, COPD and cardiovascular disease are all considered weight-related health conditions that can support eligibility at a BMI of 27 or above.
Will I definitely receive medication after my assessment?
No. Completing the assessment does not guarantee a prescription. If treatment is not clinically appropriate for you, Weightfall’s refund policy applies. A prescription is only issued if a clinician determines it is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.
How long does the process take?
Clinical assessments are typically reviewed within one working day. If treatment is approved, medication is usually dispatched within a further one working day, subject to the pharmacy’s fulfilment process.
Can I use Weightfall if I’m already on other medications?
It depends on what those medications are. Certain drugs, including other GLP-1 medicines, some diabetes medications, and insulin, may affect prescribing decisions. Your clinician will review your full medication list as part of the assessment.
Is the assessment confidential?
Yes. Your health information is handled in accordance with UK data protection law and Weightfall’s privacy policy. It is not shared with your GP automatically, though you may wish to inform your GP for continuity of care.
References
[1] Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) summary of product characteristics. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13701
[2] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity (TA1026). 2024. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta1026[3] NHS England. Interim commissioning guidance: weight management injectable medicines. 2025. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/interim-commissioning-policy-weight-management-injectable-medicines/