NHS vs Private Weight Loss: Which Is Right for You?
Should you wait for NHS treatment or pay for private prescription? This guide compares costs, waiting times, eligibility requirements, and the pros and cons of each route for GLP-1 weight loss medications in the UK.
NHS Route
- Free treatment if eligible
- Stricter eligibility (BMI 35+ or 30+ with conditions)
- Waiting times vary (weeks to 12+ months)
- Comprehensive support services
Private Route
- £150-£350 per month
- Lower eligibility threshold (BMI 27-30+)
- Fast access (often within days)
- Support varies by provider
Cost Comparison by Medication
Here's what you can expect to pay for each medication through NHS and private routes:
| Medication | NHS Cost | Private Monthly | Private Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Free (if eligible) | £150-£280/mo | £1,800-£3,360/year |
| Mounjaro | Free (if eligible) | £180-£320/mo | £2,160-£3,840/year |
| Ozempic (off-label) | T2D only | £140-£220/mo | £1,680-£2,640/year |
| Saxenda | Limited availability | £150-£250/mo | £1,800-£3,000/year |
Note: Private costs include consultation and medication. NHS prescriptions may still require a prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item) unless you qualify for exemption. Some private providers offer discounts for subscriptions or upfront payments.
Detailed Comparison
Eligibility Requirements
- BMI 35+ OR BMI 30+ with weight-related condition
- Adjusted thresholds for certain ethnic groups
- Must have tried structured lifestyle programme
- Medical assessment and blood tests required
- Max 2 years treatment duration (typically)
- BMI 27-30+ (varies by provider)
- Some accept BMI 27+ with weight-related condition
- Online questionnaire and consultation
- May not require previous lifestyle intervention
- No set treatment duration limit
Waiting Times
- GP appointment: 1-3 weeks typically
- Specialist referral: 2-12+ months (varies widely)
- GP prescribing (Mounjaro): May be faster in 2025
- Assessment to treatment: 1-3 months after referral
Total: 1-15+ months depending on area and pathway
- Online consultation: Same day to 48 hours
- Prescription approval: 24-72 hours
- Medication delivery: 1-5 working days
Total: 3-10 days from application to medication
Support Services
- Specialist weight management team
- Dietitian consultations
- Psychological support (where needed)
- Group sessions and programmes
- Regular face-to-face reviews
- Online consultations (video or messaging)
- App-based tracking (some providers)
- Community forums (some providers)
- Coaching calls (premium services)
- Rarely includes in-person dietitian
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Pros and Cons Summary
Advantages
- Free treatment (huge cost saving)
- Comprehensive multidisciplinary support
- Integrated with your medical records
- Regular face-to-face monitoring
Disadvantages
- Strict eligibility requirements
- Long waiting times in many areas
- Treatment duration often limited
- Less flexibility in medication choice
Advantages
- Fast access (days not months)
- Lower BMI threshold for eligibility
- More medication options available
- No treatment duration limits
Disadvantages
- Significant ongoing cost (£150-350/mo)
- Less comprehensive support typically
- Quality varies between providers
- Separate from your NHS care
Which Route Is Right for You?
NHS may be best if...
- • You meet eligibility criteria (BMI 35+ or 30+ with conditions)
- • You can wait for treatment (or waiting times are short locally)
- • Cost is a significant factor for you
- • You want comprehensive support and monitoring
- • You prefer face-to-face medical care
Private may be best if...
- • Your BMI is below NHS thresholds (27-34)
- • You want to start treatment quickly
- • NHS waiting lists are very long in your area
- • You can afford the ongoing monthly cost
- • You're comfortable with online healthcare
Consider both if...
- • You want to start privately while waiting for NHS
- • You qualify for NHS but waiting times are long
- • You want to try a medication before committing long-term
Choosing a Safe Private Provider
If you go private, ensure your provider is legitimate:
Safety Checklist
Must Have
- GPhC registration (check online register)
- Medical consultation before prescribing
- UK prescriber (GMC registered)
- Clear UK contact details
Red Flags
- No consultation required
- Prices significantly below market rate
- No GPhC or GMC registration visible
- Medication shipped from abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
References & Sources
- NICE Clinical Guideline CG189: Obesity: identification, assessment and management.
- NHS England. Weight Management Services Commissioning Guidance.
- GPhC. Online pharmacy registration requirements and standards.
- Private provider pricing surveys, December 2025.
All Cost & Access Guides
Medical Disclaimer
This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Both NHS and private treatment require medical assessment. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable option for your individual circumstances. Private costs shown are estimates and may vary between providers.
Last updated: December 2025
Stay Updated on UK weight loss treatment options
Get notified about availability changes, price updates, and new research. Plus receive our free UK medication guide when it launches.