How To Get Ozempic In The UK For Weight Loss

Ozempic has hit the headlines in recent months for its effects on weight loss, with celebrity endorsements coming from far and wide, though it is primarily approved for type 2 diabetes treatment in the UK.

In this article, we discuss what Ozempic is, what it’s approved for in the UK, and what alternatives you should consider if you’re looking for weight loss medications.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

Semaglutide works by mimicking the actions of the hormone GLP-1 by:

• sending signals to the brain telling you that you are full
• reducing your calorie intake
• stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, a hormone essential for blood sugar regulation

Ozempic is a prescription-only medication and is similar to Wegovy.

Can you get Ozempic for weight loss in the UK?

No, Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK. It is only approved for treating people with type 2 diabetes. So, the only way to get Ozempic if you don’t have diabetes is via an ‘off-label’ prescription.

In the past, Ozempic has been available off-label, but not all doctors will prescribe it because it can lead to medication shortages.

Instead, if you are looking to try semaglutide for weight loss, Wegovy is a better option. Wegovy is similar to Ozempic because it contains the same active ingredient semaglutide, except it is available in a higher maximum maintenance dose which is most effective for helping you lose weight and it is specifically approved for weight loss in the UK. 

What Ozempic alternatives are available?

For weight loss, Wegovy is the approved alternative to Ozempic, as both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management. It contains the same active ingredient but is available at a higher maximum maintenance dose, 2.4 mg per week compared to Ozempic’s 2 mg weekly.

Figure 1. Wegovy weight loss injection dosage schedule.

If semaglutide isn’t right for you, there are several other weight loss medications which may be more suitable, including:

• Mounjaro – a weekly weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. After 72 weeks at the highest maintenance dose, Mounjaro can help you lose up to 22.5% of your starting body weight.
• Orlistat – also known as Xenical, orlistat is a prescription-only weight loss pill that can prevent the absorption of dietary fat.
• MySimba – a prescription-only weight loss pill that contains naltrexone and bupropion. It works by acting on the area of the brain responsible for appetite regulation and reward.

If you’d prefer an over-the-counter weight loss medication, Alli is available. It is a lower-dose orlistat pill that you can buy without a prescription.

Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?

Ozempic and Wegovy are almost the same medication because they contain the same active ingredient, but there are a few differences.

The table below shows the most common similarities and differences between Wegovy and Ozempic, or you can read our article: Is Wegovy The Same As Ozempic?

Is Ozempic the same as Mounjaro?

No, although they work in similar ways they are different. Ozempic acts on the GLP-1 receptor, a protein that stimulates the release of insulin and regulates your appetite. Mounjaro, on the other hand, has a dual action because it mimics both the GLP-1 and GIP hormones to regulate appetite and control blood sugar levels.

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, whereas Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. Mounjaro is an approved weight loss injection and is also available for type 2 diabetes.

Can a doctor prescribe me Ozempic?

If you do not have type 2 diabetes and are keen to get Ozempic, you will not be able to obtain it because current guidance states that it cannot be prescribed solely for weight loss. Instead, you may be eligible for Wegovy, an approved weight loss treatment that also contains semaglutide.

It is more cost-effective and better to buy an approved weight loss medication like Wegovy which is licensed to help you lose weight. Our clinicians at Prescription Doctor can provide a private prescription for Wegovy and other weight loss medications.

Weight loss injection eligibility criteria

To qualify for Wegovy or any other weight loss medication, you will need a body mass index (BMI) of:

• 30 or more
• 27 or above and a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure

You will need to have an online weight loss consultation with one of our registered clinicians before obtaining a prescription. This is so our clinicians can make sure weight loss treatment is safe and suitable for you.

Summary

Ozempic can only be prescribed for type 2 diabetes in the UK. Instead, Wegovy is a more effective treatment if you're looking for a medical way to help you lose weight.

Authored & Reviewed By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 12/02/2025 Reviewed on: 12/02/2025