Our service

Am I eligible for medical weight loss?

Medical weight-loss treatment can help when diet and activity alone have not been enough — but it is only right for some people. Here is how eligibility is decided.

Published by Well Medicare, a GPhC-registered pharmacy in Marylebone, London · Last updated October 2026

Key points
  • Treatment is generally considered for adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related health condition.
  • Thresholds are usually 2.5 points lower for people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background.
  • It is not suitable during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or trying to conceive, for under-18s, or for people with an eating disorder.
  • A registered prescriber reviews every assessment and only recommends treatment when it is safe and appropriate.

The BMI criteria

Most UK prescribing follows NICE’s approach. You may be considered if you are 18 or over and:

  • your BMI is 30 or more, or
  • your BMI is 27 or more and you have at least one weight-related health condition.

For people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background, these thresholds are usually 27.5 and 24.5, because health risks start at a lower BMI (why). Not sure of your BMI? Use our BMI calculator.

Weight-related conditions

Conditions that can make you eligible at the lower BMI include:

When treatment is not suitable

  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
  • You are under 18.
  • You have, or have had, an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder.
  • Some medical conditions and medicines make treatment unsafe — the assessment asks about these in detail, so answer fully and honestly.

If treatment is not right for you, the prescriber will explain why and you will not pay for it — anything already paid is fully refunded.

What the prescriber checks

Your assessment covers your weight history, health conditions, current medicines, allergies and previous treatments. To confirm your measurements safely, we take photos — in the clinic, or through a secure link if you choose home delivery — and ask for your GP’s details. See how our consultation works step by step.

Treatment works best with lifestyle support

Medical weight-loss treatment is designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity. Our guides on nutrition, strength training and keeping weight off will help you get the most from it.

Not sure if medical weight loss is right for you?

Our free online assessment takes about five minutes. A GPhC-registered prescriber reviews it and only recommends treatment if it is safe and suitable for you.

Start the free assessment

Frequently asked questions

Can I get treatment if my BMI is 27 without any health conditions?

Usually not. At a BMI of 27 to 29.9 (or 24.5 to 27.4 if the lower thresholds apply), treatment is generally only considered if you also have a weight-related condition.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No. You can complete our online assessment yourself. We ask for your GP’s details and, with your consent, can let your GP know about your treatment.

What happens if I am not eligible?

The prescriber will explain the reason and may suggest other support. You will not be charged for treatment that is not prescribed.

This page is general health information. It does not replace advice from your GP or another healthcare professional who knows your history. If you have symptoms that worry you, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999. Prescription treatment is only supplied after an assessment by a registered prescriber.