How do you get GLP-1 prescribed?

What are GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medicines, and why are they prescribed?

GLP-1 is a hormone your body naturally releases from the gut after you eat. It helps regulate appetite, fullness and blood sugar levels. GLP-1 based treatment mimics these natural signals. That can mean feeling less hungry, getting full sooner and staying satisfied for longer.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. These medicines are given as a once-weekly injection and belong to a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Wegovy is licensed for weight management for people living with obesity, or with overweight and at least one weight-related health condition. It’s used alongside reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity.

GLP-1/GIP dual agonists, such as Mounjaro, act on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This can further support appetite regulation, fullness and blood sugar control. Mounjaro is licensed for type 2 diabetes and for weight management for people living with obesity, or with overweight and at least one weight-related health condition. As with other treatments, it’s used alongside lifestyle support as part of a structured, long-term plan, with regular medical follow-up.

It’s important to understand that GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medicines are not quick fixes or cosmetic treatments. Overweight and obesity are recognised as chronic conditions. Hormones, appetite regulation and metabolism all play a role. For many people, the body actively resists weight loss, even when you’re doing “everything right” with food and movement. These medicines can help by calming some of those biological signals, so your body is not working against you quite as strongly.

Who can be prescribed weight loss medication?

GLP-1 medicines and other weight loss treatments may be suitable if you are living with obesity, or with overweight alongside weight-related health risks.

In many guidelines, BMI is used as a starting point. This is often:

• A BMI of 30 or above for obesity
• A BMI of 27 or above for overweight if there is at least one weight-related health condition

Weight-related conditions can include high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea. The decision is always individual and based on your overall health picture.

At Yazen, we follow the same principle. Treatment needs to be medically appropriate, safe and realistic for your everyday life.

What criteria usually apply?

BMI and medical risk factors

BMI looks at weight in relation to height. It can give a quick indication of potential health risk, but it’s only one part of the picture. Some people may have significant metabolic risk even if their BMI does not meet traditional obesity thresholds, especially where there is central abdominal fat or multiple risk markers.

That’s why a broader medical assessment is usually carried out. This can include measurements such as height, weight and waist circumference, along with blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids and liver markers. The aim is both to assess suitability and to create a baseline so progress can be monitored over time.

Previous attempts at lifestyle change

Research and clinical guidance highlight that medication for obesity should be part of a comprehensive approach. Support around food, movement and behaviour is key. Medication is not a replacement for lifestyle change. It is a tool that can improve the biological conditions needed to make those changes sustainable.

Many people seeking help for obesity have already made repeated attempts to lose weight through diet and exercise, often without long-term results. That history is an important part of the medical assessment. It can help clarify the need for treatment. The decision to prescribe medication is always based on an individual medical evaluation.

Struggling to lose weight is rarely about willpower. When you lose weight, your body may increase hunger signals and lower energy expenditure, making further weight loss harder over time. GLP-1 and similar medicines can help by reducing some of these signals.

Medical contraindications and safety

There are situations where GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medicines are not appropriate, such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Other medical conditions may require extra caution, or mean treatment is not suitable. That’s why a medical assessment is always needed before starting.

How do you get Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro prescribed?

Getting a GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medicine involves more than receiving a prescription. Treatment should be started safely and monitored over time, both for effectiveness and tolerability.

1. Medical assessment

The first step is a thorough assessment. This covers your weight history, previous weight loss attempts and your overall health. It helps your doctor decide whether GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP treatment is appropriate and how best to structure your plan.

At Yazen, this is combined with a broader perspective. We also look at daily habits and the support you might need to make treatment work long term.

2. Tests and risk evaluation

In many cases, blood tests and measurements are needed. This is not about “passing” a test. It’s about creating a safe medical starting point. Tests such as blood sugar, cholesterol and liver function help assess risk and allow progress to be tracked.

At Yazen, you do not need test results before starting GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP treatment. However, test results must be provided within the first month. These may include blood sugar, blood lipids, thyroid hormones and liver markers. They help ensure treatment is safe and appropriate, and provide a baseline for follow-up.

3. Choosing treatment and dose adjustment

If treatment is appropriate, your doctor will make an individual choice of medicine. Treatment usually starts with a low dose. The dose may then be increased gradually if needed. The aim is to find the lowest effective dose.

Gradual dose increases are an important part of the strategy. They mainly help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or constipation.

You’ll also talk about expectations. Studies show that medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide can lead to meaningful weight loss when combined with structured lifestyle support, but results vary from person to person. The goal is not weight loss alone. It’s better health, improved quality of life and sustainable change over time.

4. Follow-up and adjustments

Regular follow-up is a central part of treatment. During reviews, weight changes, fullness, eating patterns, adherence and any side effects are discussed. If needed, treatment can be adjusted. That might mean changing the dose, slowing dose increases or adapting the plan.

At Yazen, follow-up is structured and ongoing. Weight loss is rarely linear. There will be periods where your body tries to defend its weight and hunger increases. Because most challenges happen in everyday life, support needs to be practical, personal and long term.

Do you need a referral for GLP-1?

Whether you need a referral depends on how services are organised where you live in the UK. In some cases, treatment can be started in general practice. In others, it may be provided through specialist weight management services.

It’s also possible to receive assessment and treatment through regulated digital providers. For some people, this can mean shorter waiting times and more consistent follow-up.

At Yazen, medical assessment, medication and structured lifestyle support are part of one integrated programme. Treatment is reviewed regularly and adapted to your needs.

Common questions about GLP-1 and prescriptions

Can I get GLP-1 through my GP?

Yes, it may be possible to get GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP treatment through your GP, particularly if you have type 2 diabetes or meet the criteria for weight management. Access and local pathways can vary across the UK. In some areas, referral to specialist services may be required. Digital providers may offer an alternative route with quicker assessment and follow-up.

Do I need blood tests before starting?

At Yazen, you do not need blood test results before starting treatment. However, tests must be completed and shared within the first month. These may include blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid function and liver markers. They help ensure treatment is safe and allow progress to be monitored.

How quickly can I start?

The timeframe can vary depending on access to care, testing and assessment. Some digital providers can complete a medical review and issue a prescription within a few days. Through traditional NHS routes, it may take longer. The priority is always to start treatment safely, with clear follow-up in place.

Can I be prescribed GLP-1 if I don’t have diabetes?

Yes. GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medicines can be prescribed for weight management in people without diabetes, as long as medical criteria such as BMI and weight-related health conditions are met. Your doctor will make an individual assessment.

Where can I get GLP-1 medication?

Medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription-only. They can be dispensed by a registered UK pharmacy once you have a valid prescription from a doctor. It’s important to use a regulated pharmacy to ensure the medicine is genuine and safe.

How Yazen can support you

For many people, the biggest difference is not just receiving a prescription, but having the right support along the way. Yazen works with a comprehensive model where medical treatment is combined with lifestyle support and ongoing follow-up. That makes it easier to manage side effects, build sustainable habits and feel supported throughout your treatment.

Summary

To be prescribed GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP treatment, you usually need to meet medical criteria, often linked to BMI and weight-related health risks. The process includes a medical assessment, tests, an individual treatment plan and regular follow-up. These medicines are not quick fixes, but part of long-term treatment for overweight and obesity.

With the right support, treatment can contribute to sustainable weight loss and improved health. At Yazen, you receive an integrated programme where medical care is combined with lifestyle support and structured follow-up.

Sources

European Society of Cardiology, Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: Clinical Consensus Statement
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/4063/7738070

European Medicines Agency, Wegovy (semaglutide)
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/wegovy

European Medicines Agency, Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/mounjaro-epar-product-information_en.pdf

European Medicines Agency, Ozempic (semaglutide)
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/ozempic

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