Who Is Wegovy Suitable For? Understanding The Eligibility Criteria In The UK

Wegovy is a weight loss medication designed for people who need extra support in managing their weight. But who is it suitable for? In the UK, Wegovy is approved for specific individuals who meet certain health criteria. Here’s a look at who can benefit from Wegovy and what makes someone eligible.

Key Takeaways

Wegovy Eligibility: Who Can Use It?

Wegovy is prescribed in the UK to adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above or those with a BMI of 27+ who have weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. This ensures it’s used by people who need additional weight management support.

Not Suitable for Everyone

Wegovy is only for adults 18 and over, and it’s not recommended for children, teenagers, or people with certain medical histories, such as thyroid cancer or allergies to semaglutide. A healthcare provider will confirm if it’s safe based on individual health needs.

Consultation Required

Before starting Wegovy, an online or in-person consultation with a healthcare provider is essential. Services like UK Meds offer free consultations to determine eligibility, ensuring Wegovy is used safely and effectively for weight management.

Who can use Wegovy?

Wegovy may be prescribed to adults who meet the following criteria:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above: Wegovy is suitable for people with a BMI classified as “obese,” which is typically 30 or higher.

• BMI of 27 or above with weight-related health issues: Those with a BMI of 27 or higher, along with certain health conditions related to weight, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea, may also be considered for Wegovy.

This criteria helps ensure that Wegovy is used by those who can benefit most from weight management support.

Why are these criteria important?

Wegovy is a powerful weight management tool, but it’s not suitable for everyone. The eligibility criteria ensure that people prescribed Wegovy really need it and can use it safely.

Is Wegovy right for children or teenagers?

Wegovy is currently only approved by the MHRA for adults aged 18 and over. It is not recommended for children or teenagers as it is specifically tested and approved for adult weight management.

What makes someone an ideal candidate for Wegovy?

People who can use Wegovy include:

• Adults with a BMI of 30 or above who may struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

• Those with a BMI of 27 or above who also have weight-related health conditions, which can improve with weight loss.

For people who meet these criteria, Wegovy can be an effective way to lose weight, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Who should avoid Wegovy?

Some individuals may not be suitable for Wegovy, including:

• People with a history of certain cancers, such as thyroid cancer.

• Individuals with a known allergy to semaglutide or any other ingredient in Wegovy.

A healthcare provider will assess each person’s medical history to ensure Wegovy is a safe option for them or if an alternative is more suitable.

How can you find out if Wegovy is right for you?

The first step is to have a consultation with a healthcare provider. They will review your health history, weight management goals and eligibility criteria to see if Wegovy is suitable for you. This ensures that Wegovy is used responsibly and safely. At UK Meds, you will need to complete our free online consultation. This will be reviewed by a healthcare provider to ensure that it is suitable for you.

Beginner’s Guide To Wegovy For Weight Loss

Discover everything you need to know about Wegovy for weight loss in our beginner's guide. This comprehensive overview explains how Wegovy works, whether it’s approved by the MHRA, who it’s suitable for, and much more. If you’re curious about how Semaglutide supports weight management or want to compare Wegovy with similar treatments like Mounjaro, this guide has you covered. Read on to see if Wegovy could be the right step in your weight loss journey, with all requests for supply subject to an online clinical consultation and the approval of a registered independent prescriber.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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