Who Gets Access—and Who Doesn’t? Experts Weigh In on Wegovy’s Place in UK Healthcare

Wegovy has sparked a lot of interest for its role in long-term weight management. But interest doesn’t always equal access—and that’s where things get complicated.

Behind the scenes of success stories and clinical data is a tougher question: Who can actually get Wegovy, and under what circumstances? From NHS criteria to private healthcare offerings, access to Wegovy depends on more than just interest—it depends on systems, policies, and affordability. Here's a closer look at what experts in healthcare and insurance are saying about how accessible Wegovy really is in the UK.

One Medication, Two Healthcare Paths: NHS vs Private Sector

When the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved Wegovy in 2023 for specific use cases, it came with a strict framework. Under NHS guidelines, Wegovy can be prescribed to adults with a BMI of 35 or more, or 30+ with weight-related health conditions, but only within a specialist weight management service. That means it’s not something you can just ask for at your GP’s office—and not everyone qualifies.

Clinics operating under NHS contracts report long waiting lists and limited capacity. “We’ve had the green light to use Wegovy, but the actual rollout has been slower than expected,” says one service coordinator at a London-based weight management clinic. “Staffing and funding still haven’t caught up with demand.”

In contrast, the private sector has moved quickly. Private healthcare providers began offering Wegovy through weight loss clinics and online consultation platforms soon after its MHRA approval. While access is easier, the cost barrier is real: monthly treatment can run hundreds of pounds, putting it out of reach for many people.

Private providers often bundle Wegovy with personalised support packages, including nutrition guidance and follow-up check-ins. It’s a more flexible model, but one that’s available mainly to those who can afford it.

What Experts Are Saying About the Accessibility Gap

Healthcare system analysts see a familiar pattern forming: those who meet strict NHS criteria or can pay privately get access—while others are left in a holding pattern.

“There's growing frustration among people who feel caught in the middle,” says healthcare policy researcher Jamila Rowe. “They’re not eligible under NHS rules, but they also can’t afford private care. That tension is starting to show up more in patient forums and GP conversations.”

Rowe also points to socioeconomic disparities as a major factor. “Weight-related conditions are more common in lower-income populations,” she notes, “but those are often the groups with the least access to private options. So the people who could benefit the most may be the ones waiting the longest—or not getting the chance at all.”

Some healthcare leaders are calling for a broader conversation about how access decisions are made. Should weight-loss medications be treated like other long-term treatments? What role should prevention play in future guidelines?

For now, experts recommend improving communication between GPs, patients, and specialists so people at least understand the criteria, timelines, and options available to them—even if they don’t qualify right away.

The Insurance Angle: Still a Work in Progress

In the UK, private medical insurance doesn’t typically cover weight-loss medications like Wegovy—at least not yet. Some policies cover consultations or general obesity treatment programs, but coverage for medication itself remains rare.

“Right now, most insurers treat Wegovy as elective,” says Samuel Ellis, who works with health benefits packages for large employers. “That means unless the policy is unusually generous—or specifically tailored for weight management—it won’t include the drug.”

There are signs of possible change, though. With obesity-linked conditions driving long-term healthcare costs, some insurers are exploring pilot programs where GLP-1 medications are included as part of preventative care. But that’s early days.

Even among providers willing to consider coverage, a lack of clear outcomes data in real-world settings makes insurers hesitant. “They want to see proof that it reduces hospital visits or other healthcare usage over time,” Ellis adds. “Without that, it's a tough sell internally.”

If coverage does expand, it’s likely to begin with employer-backed group plans, especially in industries with strong wellness initiatives. Broader retail insurance adoption may take longer.

Looking Ahead: What Could Improve Access?

Wegovy’s popularity isn’t slowing down, and experts believe accessibility will need to evolve—whether through policy reform, provider education, or insurance innovation.

Some proposed changes include:

• Expanding NHS capacity to include more clinics under the specialist service umbrella.

  
  

• Broader eligibility criteria based on risk factors, not just BMI.

  
  

• Sliding-scale pricing models in the private sector to reduce out-of-pocket barriers.

  
  

• More insurer involvement, especially for individuals managing multiple health conditions.

  
  

A few health systems outside the UK are already testing integrated care models—where medication, coaching, and follow-up are all included under a single coverage plan. Whether that becomes a model here remains to be seen, but the interest is there.

What’s clear is that accessibility isn’t just about supply—it’s about how healthcare systems define value, who they prioritize, and whether support structures keep up with demand.

Feeling Stuck Between the NHS and Private Options?

If you’re not sure what’s available to you—or how to navigate eligibility, costs, or consultations—we’re happy to help walk you through it. No judgment, just clarity.

Want Help Figuring Out If Wegovy Is an Option for You?

Our consultants understand how the system works—from NHS referrals to private programs and out-of-pocket options. Let’s talk through what makes sense for your situation, and what steps you can take next.