Medicines
GLP-1 weight-loss injections in the UK
GLP-1 receptor agonists (and related medicines) are prescription-only in the UK. They can help some adults with obesity or related health risks when prescribed after a proper assessment — but they are not suitable for everyone.
At a glance
- UK information only — not medical advice
- Prescription-only medicines
- Follow your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse
When to get help
- Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to your back or comes with vomiting.
- Speak to a clinician urgently if vomiting or diarrhoea is persistent or you cannot keep fluids down.
- Call NHS 111 or seek emergency care if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, sudden vision changes on semaglutide, or any symptom your prescriber told you to treat as urgent.
Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse. SlimBee does not provide personal medical advice.
What GLP-1 medicines are used for in the UK
Licensed uses include weight management and, for some products, type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the names most UK patients encounter when researching private or NHS access.
Safety-first expectations
Side effects are common, especially during dose increases. Serious risks are rarer but important — including pancreatitis and severe dehydration from persistent vomiting.
Medical disclaimer: SlimBee is an independent UK information website. We do not prescribe, dispense or sell medicines. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse.