Introduction
As of today, GPs across England can begin prescribing weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy (semaglutide), on the NHS for eligible patients. This represents a significant shift in public health, aiming to address obesity-related conditions at a population level. However, strict criteria apply, and access remains limited.
At Haus Of Ästhetik, we support the NHS initiative and welcome increased public access to medically proven weight management interventions. But for many patients who do not qualify under the new NHS criteria or who seek more personalised and holistic support, private access remains essential. Our clinic continues to offer safe, regulated GLP-1 prescriptions as part of a comprehensive range of aesthetic and healthcare services. Our offering complements NHS services by focusing on psychosocial support, early intervention, and continuity of care, factors often limited in the overstretched public sector.
What Has Changed in NHS Policy?
From 23 June 2025, NHS England has launched the national rollout of GLP-1 weight-loss medications like semaglutide (Wegovy), following recommendations by NICE and NHS England's pilot studies. This rollout is supported by £40 million in funding and targets patients at high medical risk due to obesity.
Key criteria include:
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BMI ≥40 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea)
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Or BMI ≥37.5 in those of non-White ethnicities
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At least four prior weight-management interventions tried without success
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Referral via a Tier 3 weight management service, with GP access for prescribing in integrated care systems that support it
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12-week minimum engagement in a supervised programme
These criteria, while clinically justified, present barriers for patients in the early stages of weight gain or those experiencing significant psychological distress despite a lower BMI. For example, a patient with a BMI of 33 suffering from body dysmorphia or hormonal fluctuations may be deemed ineligible, despite clearly benefiting from a medical and therapeutic intervention.
While this is a landmark development, NHS access is carefully rationed and limited to around 220,000 eligible patients in its first phase. Most UK adults with overweight or moderate obesity will not qualify.
How This Affects Aesthetic Clinics
This policy shift has implications for both patients and private clinics:
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Wider Public Awareness: Increased GP prescriptions raise general awareness and demand for GLP-1s like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro.
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Stricter Pharmacy Regulations: In parallel, pharmacies (especially online) face tighter regulation from the GPhC. They must verify patient identity, BMI, medical suitability, and use video consultations or access to health records. At Haus Of Ästhetik, we ensure all prescriptions are issued only after comprehensive, prescriber-led consultations, including video verification, and coordinated pharmacy dispatch in line with GPhC guidance.
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The Need for Clinical Governance: Aesthetic and wellness clinics offering GLP-1s must operate under a structured clinical governance model, with qualified prescribers and robust follow-up protocols in place.
Why Haus Of Ästhetik Continues to Offer GLP-1 Medications
At Haus Of Ästhetik, we believe that effective weight management should be medically supervised, ethically delivered, and emotionally supportive. We are proud to continue offering weight-loss prescriptions to appropriate patients under the care of our qualified prescribers.
Our model includes:
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Consultations with a GMC-registered prescriber
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Full medical assessment including BMI, comorbidities, history, and goals
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Face-to-face or secure video consultations, compliant with GPhC standards
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Collaborative dispensing through registered UK pharmacies
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Regular follow-ups to assess response, side effects, and psychological well-being, aligned with emerging international guidelines on GLP-1 safety and efficacy
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Holistic care, integrating aesthetics, nutrition, and body image counselling
Unlike the NHS pathway, we can:
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Support patients with lower BMI who may benefit from early intervention
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Provide timely treatment without long waitlists
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Tailor care beyond weight-loss to include body contouring and confidence-building
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Monitor emotional impact and psychological motivation for change, ensuring an ethical and sustainable path to wellness
NHS vs Private Sector: A Summary
| Feature | NHS | Haus Of Ästhetik (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| BMI Threshold | ≥40 + comorbidities | Flexible, clinically assessed |
| Access | Limited rollout (220,000 patients) | Open to appropriate patients |
| Referral | Tier 3 or GP via ICS | Direct to clinic |
| Wait Times | Up to 12+ weeks | Same-week consultations |
| Service Model | Medical management only | Holistic aesthetics & lifestyle |
Conclusion
The NHS rollout of GLP-1 medications marks an important step in recognising obesity as a chronic disease requiring clinical care. However, access remains restricted, and not all patients will meet the eligibility or receive the holistic support they need.
Haus Of Ästhetik is committed to continuing safe, responsible, and person-centred prescribing of GLP-1s such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro. Our approach integrates weight management with self-image, skin health, and long-term wellness. Looking ahead, we plan to integrate wearable metabolic monitoring tools and nutritionist-led coaching to enhance the support pathway. For patients seeking a more personalised path, we remain here to help.
References
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NHS England. (2023). National rollout of GLP-1 medications. https://www.england.nhs.uk/
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NICE. (2023). Technology Appraisal Guidance 875: Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875
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Sky News. (2025). GPs can prescribe weight-loss jabs on the NHS from today. https://news.sky.com/story/gps-can-prescribe-weight-loss-jabs-on-the-nhs-from-today-but-strict-eligibility-criteria-in-place-13387265
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The Guardian. (2025). NHS begins mass rollout of weight-loss jabs to patients in England. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/23/nhs-begins-mass-rollout-of-weight-loss-jabs-to-patients-in-england
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GPhC. (2024). Guidance for registered pharmacies providing pharmacy services at a distance, including on the internet. https://www.pharmacyregulation.org
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MHRA. (2023). Black Triangle Scheme for new medicines. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update