Scott Weaver
Updated at: October 22, 2024 · 8 min read
Understanding The Facts About Ozempic For Weight Loss In The UK
In this article, we’ll explore the facts around Ozempic for weight loss in the UK. We’ll answer key questions such as whether Ozempic can be used for weight loss, why your doctor might prescribe it and whether medication is always necessary to achieve weight loss. We will also provide details on how Ozempic works, its current status in the UK and other considerations surrounding its use.
It is important to be clear that Ozempic is NOT used for weight loss in the UK and that UK Meds will not provide Ozempic to patients for this use.
Key Takeaways
Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about Ozempic for weight loss in the UK:
Ozempic is a prescription medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is not licensed for weight loss in the UK.
For those seeking a semaglutide-based medication for weight loss, Wegovy is the approved option in the UK.
Besides Wegovy, there are other injectable medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) that are licensed for weight management in the UK. Your doctor can advise you on which treatment is most suitable for your individual needs.
Wegovy (semaglutide) can lead to a 15% reduction in body weight over 68 weeks, Mounjaro users may achieve up to 22.5% weight loss after 72 weeks, and Saxenda users might expect around 9% weight loss after 52 weeks.
Achieving weight loss does not always require medication. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management, can effectively help many people lose weight.
An Overview of Ozempic
Ozempic is a prescription medication that is used to help manage type 2 diabetes. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and contains the active ingredient semaglutide. This ingredient is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which plays a large role in blood sugar regulation. Ozempic helps the body to produce more insulin when needed by reducing the amount of glucose released by the liver. In certain countries Ozempic can be used for weight loss, however, this is not the case in the UK.
Can I buy Ozempic for weight loss in the UK?
In the UK, Ozempic is not licensed as a treatment for weight loss. Instead, it is licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. The confusion arises as Ozempic is used in some countries, including the USA, to treat weight loss. Ozempic can sometimes be prescribed off-label, meaning a doctor will prescribe it for a use other than its approved purpose. It should be noted that not all prescribers will prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, including UK Meds.
If you are looking for a medication to help aid your weight loss then Wegovy is a good option to consider. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) and is licensed for weight loss in the UK (Department of Health and Social Care, 2023). Semaglutide, whilst also being used for type 2 diabetes, can aid weight loss by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, leading to a reduced calorie intake when used alongside a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise.
Why would my doctor prescribe Ozempic?
Your doctor might prescribe Ozempic for a few specific reasons. Primarily, Ozempic is prescribed in the UK to treat type 2 diabetes by managing blood sugar levels. As mentioned, some doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label to treat weight loss. If you need a medication for weight loss and your doctor thinks semaglutide is a good option then they will usually prescribe you with Wegovy. It should also be noted that Ozempic prescribed off-label will not be available through the NHS.
Do you always need weight loss medication to lose weight?
No, weight loss medication is not always necessary to lose weight. Many people have achieved and maintained a healthy weight by adopting a healthy lifestyle. If you feel like you need to lose weight it is a good idea to consult with your doctor for advice on methods that suit you, which could include medication.
Previously we have put together an article outlining the best ways to lose weight. The article puts forward different methods and lifestyle changes that you should consider, including:
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fibre and protein and low in processed food, sugar and fats
Getting regular exercise, at least 30 minutes most days
Staying well hydrated
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night
Managing stress levels
Whilst you do not need weight loss medication to achieve your weight loss goals they can help to speed up the process of losing the weight. If you feel like you need the help of weight loss medications it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for advice on whether it could help you.
Ozempic for Weight Loss FAQs
Can I take Ozempic if I am non-diabetic?
No, Ozempic is only used to treat type 2 diabetes in the UK so if you do not have diabetes you will more than likely not be able to use it unless a doctor prescribes it to you off-label for weight loss.
Are there any alternative forms of semaglutide that are licensed for weight loss?
Yes, there is an alternative form of semaglutide available that is licensed for weight loss in the UK and it is called Wegovy. As mentioned, Ozempic is licensed solely for type 2 diabetes in the UK, however, Wegovy includes the same active ingredient (semaglutide) and can be used in the UK for weight loss.
Which alternative forms of weight loss injection treatments are available?
There are a number of alternative weight loss injection medications that are available in the UK that are specifically designed and approved for weight management rather than diabetes:
Wegovy
Like Ozempic, Wegovy contains semaglutide as its active ingredient, however, it is licensed to treat weight loss whereas Ozempic is not.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide which works in a similar way to semaglutide. Mounjaro is also known as Zepbound, which is the brand name for the medication in the USA.
Saxenda
Saxenda was one of the first weight loss injections available in the UK. It contains liraglutide as its active ingredient and also helps to regulate appetite.
How effective is Ozempic compared to approved weight loss injection treatments?
When comparing Ozempic to other weight loss medications, it is important to remember that it is not licensed for weight loss in the UK. Rather, you should compare semaglutide to other weight loss medications, particularly under the brand name Wegovy.
People using Wegovy (semaglutide) can expect to lose up to 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks of use.
Users of Mounjaro lose up to 22.5% of their starting weight after 72 weeks.
Saxenda users can expect to lose up to 9% of their body weight after 52 weeks.
Which weight loss pills could be an alternative treatment to Ozempic?
As well as injectable medications, some people can also use weight loss pills to help aid their journeys. There are a number of different pills that are available, each with their own characteristics and results. Popular weight loss pills include:
Orlistat
Orlistat blocks the absorption of some of the fat from the food that you eat, reducing calorie intake.
Xenical
Xenical is a branded version of Orlistat and works in the same way.
Alli
Alli is the over-the-counter version of Orlistat that is available in lower dosages.
What is the best alternative to Wegovy?
If you are looking for an alternative to Wegovy (semaglutide) then there are a number available including injections (Mounjaro & Saxenda) and pills (Orlistat, Xenical and Alli). It is essential to consult with your doctor if you want to use a weight loss medication, or if you are looking for an alternative to semaglutide.
We have also put together a number of different articles that provide you with all you need to know about different weight loss medications, including:
Doctor's Corner: Your Questions About Wegovy Answered By A Doctor
Doctor's Corner: Your Questions About Saxenda Answered By A Doctor
How can I manage the side effects of Mounjaro, Saxenda and Wegovy?
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC Reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website
Sources
Semaglutide | Drugs | BNF | NICE
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity | New England Journal of Medicine
Blog author
Scott Weaver
Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.
Related Blog Posts
Here to help you
Our Customer Service is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999. Visit our help section
