Is Saxenda free on the NHS?

Currently, to be prescribed Saxenda on the NHS, you need to be participating in a tier 3 weight management program. There are ways that you can get Saxenda without going through the NHS.

my-bmi.co.uk - Can my GP Prescribe Saxenda? - myBMI

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Can my GP Prescribe Saxenda?

Saxenda has now been approved for use within the NHS in the UK. However, your GP or family doctor is unlikely to be able to prescribe it to you.

Saxenda has been available for several years in the UK.

However, it wasn’t until 2020 that it was approved for use within the NHS. Previously, those needing Saxenda for weight management had to pay privately. The news of Saxenda on the NHS is welcome to many people with obesity. However, NICE guidelines currently only allow it to be prescribed in tier 3 weight management services, and these aren’t usually carried out by your own GP. When you first start to access weight management services, you will need to go through various stages. For example, your GP may want to refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist. Some doctors will then start to use medicines such as Orlistat if dietary changes aren’t successful. Depending on your area, you may also be offered a subsidised gym membership for a few weeks. Essentially, there are various things your GP may want to try before even considering Saxenda as an option.

This is where the tier system comes into play.

Tier 2 weight management services are often based within the local community.

These are often time-restricted, with most blocks lasting for 12 weeks.

Tier 2 services are generally focused on lifestyle changes rather than medical intervention. This is helpful for people that need more support with diet and exercise, but many people still need additional support. Some tier 3 weight management services are able to prescribe Saxenda to suitable patients. This is due to the fact that they can offer a more specialist service. Consultants are often involved at this stage who have extensive knowledge of obesity. They often take a multi-disciplinary approach to weight management to improve your chances of maintaining any weight loss in the long term. This can often involve taking medication to boost weight loss, and this now includes Saxenda.

However, the ease of access can vary wildly depending on your CCG.

Your own doctor won’t be able to prescribe Saxenda after an appointment.

However, it’s a good idea to utilise the weight management services that may be available to you. This should give you as much support as possible to help you achieve a healthy weight.

How to get prescribed Saxenda

Currently, to be prescribed Saxenda on the NHS, you need to be participating in a tier 3 weight management program. There are ways that you can get Saxenda without going through the NHS.

However, you will still need to meet the criteria for a prescription.

These are currently:

A BMI of 30+

OR

A BMI of 27+ with a weight-related health condition

AND:

Must have tried lifestyle changes to lose weight previously

If you are wanting to access Saxenda on the NHS, you must also:

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Is Ozempic available on NHS England?

Novo Nordisk's Ozempic (semaglutide) drug is now available to be prescribed in the UK, it has been confirmed.

diabetes.co.uk - Type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic now available in UK

Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide) drug is now available to be prescribed in the UK, it has been confirmed. Ozempic, developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, is a once-weekly GLP-1 analogue injection that works by mimicking a hormone that lowers post-meal blood glucose levels. It reduces blood glucose by stimulating insulin, inhibiting glucagon and slowing down digestion. The drug previously received European approval in February 2018 and was approved in the US back in 2017. The EU licensing was based on findings from the SUSTAIN trial which demonstrated Ozempic had positive impacts on blood glucose and weight loss, and also led to people experiencing cardiovascular benefits. Ozempic is recommended for use alongside diet and exercise as primary therapy when metformin is considered inappropriate for a person’s treatment. Some of the possible side effects of Ozempic include pancreas inflammation, changes in vision, kidney problems and allergic reactions. Anyone who experiences any related issues must speak to their healthcare provider immediately. Research is also progressing into oral semaglutide, which was assessed for cardiac safety in a recent trial and found to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Editor’s note: It is possible for people with type 2 diabetes to be medication-free through eating a healthy real-food diet and getting regular exercise. Visit our award-winning Low Carb Program to find out how going low carb can also help weight loss and improving overall health.

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