![\"Hand](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2223220663.jpg\")
\n\t\tPrescribers need to be sure the drugs will be safe and effective (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tPrescribers need to be sure the drugs will be safe and effective (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
For many Brits struggling to lose weight, drugs like Mounjaro<\/a> and Wegovy have been hailed as game-changers \u2014 helping them shed pounds at a speed previously only possible with surgery.<\/p>\n But while demand for the jabs<\/a> has exploded, some are discovering they can\u2019t actually get them, despite being willing to pay privately or meeting the BMI criteria on paper.<\/p>\n According to digital healthcare platform\u00a0ZAVA<\/a>, thousands of Brits are being turned away for GLP-1 jabs due to hidden health<\/a> reasons.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a whole host of conditions can make the drugs unsuitable \u2014 or even dangerous<\/a> \u2014 for patients, from digestive disorders to mental health issues.<\/p>\n And experts are urging people to understand these eligibility rules before pinning their hopes on a prescription.<\/p>\n BMI eligibility criteria<\/p>\n One of the most common reasons people are turned away is because they don\u2019t meet the strict BMI requirements needed to qualify for treatment.<\/p>\n Dr Kathryn Basford at\u00a0Asda Online Doctor<\/a> tells Metro<\/strong> that GLP-1 medications are \u2018designed to treat obesity as a medical condition\u2019 and are \u2018not intended for cosmetic weight loss alone\u2019.<\/p>\n As such, the drugs are usually only prescribed to people who meet specific BMI thresholds, sometimes alongside additional weight-related health conditions. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\tBMI criteria for a Mounjaro or Wegovy prescription\t\t\t<\/p>\n Mounjaro <\/strong><\/p>\n Currently, patients need a BMI of at least 35 to 39.9, as well as four or more weight-related health conditions to access this GLP-1 drug on the NHS. From next year, however the requirement changes to a 40+ BMI with three or more health conditions. <\/p>\n Wegovy<\/strong><\/p>\n To be prescribed Wegovy, the other medication of this type approved on the NHS for weight loss purposes, a BMI of over 35, as well as at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or obstructive sleep apnoea) is required.<\/p>\n When it comes to private prescriptions for either jab, you typically need a BMI of 30+, or between 27 and 29.9 alongside a weight-related health issue.<\/p>\n In both cases, however, doctors can refuse a prescription if there are indications the treatment may be unsafe or ineffective.<\/p>\n Pancreatitis<\/p>\n Dr Basford says that, in rare cases, GLP-1 medications \u2018have been linked to inflammation of the pancreas\u2019, meaning anyone with a history of pancreatitis may be advised not to take them due to the \u2018potential risk of recurrence\u2019.<\/p>\n Digestive or gastrointestinal conditions<\/p>\n \u2018As these medications slow digestion and influence appetite, people living with conditions such as gastroparesis, severe acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, or other significant digestive disorders may find the treatment unsuitable or difficult to tolerate,\u2019 says Dr Basford.<\/p>\n This is a particularly important consideration because nausea, bloating and stomach discomfort are already among the most commonly reported side effects of the injections.<\/p>\n Gallbladder disease or gallstones<\/p>\n According to Dr Basford, \u2018both rapid weight loss and the use of GLP-1 medications can increase the likelihood of gallbladder issues\u2019, so anyone with active gallbladder disease may need additional medical assessment before treatment is approved.<\/p>\n \t\t Neither Wegovy or Mounjaro<\/a> are considered safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.<\/p>\n Dr Basford notes that patients are \u2018usually advised to stop treatment well before trying for a baby\u2019 too, due to how weight-loss medications \u2018may affect foetal development\u2019.<\/p>\n Other existing medical conditions<\/p>\n From severe liver disease, to kidney problems, to poorly managed diabetes<\/a>, there are various coniditions that could render the medications unsuitable.<\/p>\n In some cases, treatment may still be possible, but only with \u2018closer medical supervision\u2019 or specialist input.<\/p>\n History of eating disorders<\/p>\n Patients with current or previous eating disorders are also unlikely to be approved for treatment.<\/p>\n Dr Basford explains that this is because appetite-suppressing medicationshave the potential to worsen disordered eating behaviours or negatively impact mental wellbeing\u2019 in people with conditions such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.<\/p>\n Uncontrolled mental health conditions<\/p>\n Similarly, severe or unmanaged mental health<\/a> conditions may need to be stabilised before treatment can begin \u2014 particularly where there are concerns about \u2018wellbeing, medication adherence, or safeguarding\u2019.<\/p>\n Doctors<\/a> may also want to ensure patients fully understand the long-term commitment and potential side effects involved before prescribing the medication.<\/p>\n Severe side effects during previous use<\/p>\n \u2018If someone has\u00a0previously taken\u00a0a\u00a0GLP-1 medication\u00a0and experienced severe vomiting, dehydration,\u00a0or\u00a0ongoing digestive side effects, clinicians\u00a0may\u00a0decide it is\u00a0not\u00a0appropriate\u00a0to\u00a0restart\u00a0treatment,\u2019 says Dr Basford.<\/p>\n While mild side effects are common, more serious reactions can sometimes outweigh the benefits of continuing the jabs.<\/p>\n Medication interactions or allergies<\/p>\n Not only can certain medications interact poorly with weight loss injections, some people\u00a0may be\u00a0allergic\u00a0to\u00a0ingredients used within them.<\/p>\n This is why patients are asked to complete detailed questionnaires and have a full medical review before a prescription can be approved.<\/p>\n \t\t According to Dr Basford, where there are worries about \u2018the safe management of prescription medication\u2019 in regards to substance abuse, patients may need extra support or assessment before treatment can go ahead.<\/p>\n Age restrictions<\/p>\n While Wegovy is approved for weight loss in patients aged 12 and over, Mounjaro can only be prescribed to over-18s.<\/p>\n \u2018Prescribers must follow strict medical guidance\u00a0around who can\u00a0safely receive\u00a0treatment,\u2019 adds Dr Basford.<\/p>\n Unsafe prescribing concerns<\/p>\n Following on from this, the doctor claims patients may be declined a prescription because the the information they provided is \u2018incomplete, inconsistent, or suggests the medication may not be being used appropriately\u2019.<\/p>\n She stresses that these checks are \u2018an essential part of safe prescribing\u2019, adding that weight-loss injections are \u2018powerful prescription medications\u2019 that \u2018are not suitable for everyone\u2019.<\/p>\n \u2018It is relatively common\u00a0for\u00a0people\u00a0to\u00a0be declined\u00a0treatment,\u2019 Dr Basford concludes. \u2018In many cases, refusal is\u00a0about protecting\u00a0a\u00a0patient\u2019s long-term health\u00a0and ensuring that the risks of\u00a0treatment\u00a0do\u00a0not\u00a0outweigh the benefits.\u2019<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Ozempic](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2112991930.jpg\")
\n\t\tBMI is one of the most common reasons for refusal (Picture: Getty Images)
\nPregnancy, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive<\/p>\n![\"Person](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2246127392.jpg\")
\n\t\tA full medical review is required before approval (Picture: Getty Images)
\nDrug or alcohol misuse concerns<\/p>\n
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