BMI thresholds · How assessment works · What to expect
Medically supervised weight-loss treatment is generally considered for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above alongside a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea. Lower thresholds may apply for some ethnic backgrounds. Your eligibility is always confirmed by a GP at a clinical assessment, and your BMI is verified by the GP, not just self-reported.
Your body mass index (BMI) is the starting point. Weight-management medicines are generally considered for adults who meet one of the thresholds below, and a GP always looks at your wider health before deciding what is suitable.
Meeting a threshold doesn't mean treatment is automatically right for you. Your GP also considers your medical history, other medicines and any conditions that could make treatment unsafe.
Medical weight loss combines a doctor-led plan with changes to diet, activity and daily habits. Where it is clinically appropriate, a GP may also discuss prescription medicines.
The main group of modern weight-management medicines are called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They act like a natural gut hormone that helps regulate appetite, so you may feel fuller sooner and for longer. They are used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity, not instead of them.
Like all medicines they can cause side effects, most often stomach upset such as nausea, and they are not suitable for everyone, for example during pregnancy. Whether any medicine is right for you, and which one, is a decision your GP makes with you after a full assessment.
Since February 2025, GPhC guidance (opens in a new tab) has required prescribers to independently verify a person's weight, height or BMI before supplying weight-management medicines. A questionnaire alone is not enough.
This protects you. At Premier Private GP, a GP assesses you properly in a two-way consultation, in person or by video, and checks that any treatment is suitable and safe for you.
A GMC-registered GP reviews your health and confirms whether treatment is suitable.
Your GP explains your options and builds a plan around your health and goals.
Regular check-ins to see how you are getting on and adjust your plan safely.
Monitoring and GP-led lifestyle and nutrition guidance throughout.
The NHS does offer weight-management support, including medicines for some people. But NHS criteria for medicines are stricter than the general thresholds above, treatment is often provided through specialist weight-management services, and access varies by area. Your own GP can tell you what is available locally.
If you don't meet NHS criteria, or would rather not wait, you can see a private GP for an assessment.
Book a £175 consultation with a GMC-registered GP to check your suitability. No GP referral needed.
Weight-management medicines are generally considered for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related health condition. Lower thresholds may apply for some ethnic backgrounds. Your GP confirms what is right for you at your assessment.
Your BMI is verified by the GP at your consultation, in person or by video, as UK rules require. A self-reported number on its own is not enough.
GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines act like a natural gut hormone that helps regulate appetite, so you may feel fuller sooner and for longer. They are used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity, and a GP decides whether they are suitable for you.
Weight-management medicines are generally not suitable below these thresholds. Your GP can talk you through other ways to manage your weight safely.
No. You can book a consultation directly to check your suitability.
Dr Muddassar Ahmed is the founder and lead clinician at Premier Private GP. He reviews our patient information to make sure it is accurate, clear and up to date.
This page is general information about our service. Any treatment is subject to a clinical assessment of suitability by a GP.
