Saxenda

Four weight loss medications are currently available in the UK: orlistat (Xenical/Alli), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Tirzepatide produces the highest weight loss (20.9% in SURMOUNT-1) but is the newest and most costly. Choice depends on BMI, medical history, tolerability, and NHS eligibility.

Four weight loss medications are licensed in the UK: orlistat (NHS Tier 2), liraglutide/Saxenda (NHS Tier 3), semaglutide/Wegovy (NHS Tier 3), and tirzepatide/Mounjaro (NHS Tier 3). Phentermine is not licensed in the UK. This article covers mechanisms, evidence, NHS eligibility, and the private prescribing pathway.

Four medications are currently licensed for weight management in the UK: orlistat (Xenical/Alli), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Phentermine is not licensed in the UK. NICE eligibility criteria vary by medication: BMI ≥30 (≥27 with comorbidity) for orlistat and Saxenda; BMI ≥35 for Wegovy (NHS specialised services); BMI ≥35 with T2D or prediabetes for Mounjaro (NHS). Private prescriptions available at lower BMI thresholds.