Considering Weight Loss Injections?

Updated 24th June 2025

What You Should Know

Weight loss medications like Wegovy and Saxenda are gaining attention, but it’s important to understand how they’re used within the NHS—and what support is available locally in West Sussex.

Start with Free Local Support

Before considering medication, the recommended first step is a Tier 2 weight management programme.

West Sussex Wellbeing offers this service, providing:

  • Expert advice on nutrition and physical activity
  • Support for sustainable lifestyle changes
  • A safe, gradual approach to weight loss

Self-referral available – no GP appointment needed.

Click here to learn more and refer yourself

About Weight Loss Injections

Medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) are only available on the NHS under strict conditions:

  • Not prescribed by GPs for weight loss
  • Only available through a Tier 3 NHS weight management service

GPs may prescribe these medications for type 2 diabetes in specific cases only.

OR as a result of guidance changes in June 2025:

Where patients have a BMI of 40 or more and any 4 of the following 5 conditions:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Dyslipidaemia

Contracting for this new service is still being arranged. Once the service has been agreed, we will contact eligible patients proactively to discuss weight loss injections. If you haven’t heard anything from us by the end of September and believe that you are eligible according to the criteria above, please contact us to explain why you believe you are eligible (please do not do this before the end of September.)

The full Sussex ICB position statement can be found here

Considering Private Treatment?

Some people choose to access these medications privately. If you do:

  • Your GP cannot manage or monitor your treatment
  • The NHS cannot:
    • Provide prescriptions
    • Offer blood tests or monitoring
    • Handle side effects or complications from private prescriptions

What You Can Do

  • Start with Tier 2: It’s free, supportive, and proven to help.
  • If Tier 2 hasn’t worked for you, you may be eligible for Tier 3 referral.
     

We’re here to help you access the right care at the right time. Starting with Tier 2 is the first step toward long-term, healthy weight management.