BMI requirements in the UK
BMI decides whether you can be assessed. The prescriber decides the rest. Here are the licensed UK criteria for Wegovy, the conditions that shift them, the ethnicity adjustments in UK guidance and what the consultation checks.
Last checked 1 Nov 2026
Short answer: the UK licence covers adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 to 30 with at least one weight related condition. UK guidance applies lower thresholds for several ethnic backgrounds because health risks start earlier. Providers verify height and weight, may set stricter rules than the licence, and the prescriber's clinical judgement always makes the final call.
The licensed thresholds
- BMI 30 or more: eligible under the licence on BMI alone, subject to the full clinical assessment.
- BMI 27 to 30: eligible with at least one weight related condition, commonly high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease.
- Below 27: outside the licence. A provider refusing here is following the rules, and a website offering supply anyway is a red flag worth reading the fake pharmacy checklist about.
UK guidance also recognises that weight related health risks begin at lower BMI values for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African and African Caribbean backgrounds, and many providers apply adjusted thresholds for that reason. Answer the background questions accurately. They exist to assess your risk correctly, in both directions.
What the consultation checks beyond the number
Meeting a threshold starts the assessment. It does not finish it. The prescriber reviews your medicines, medical history, pregnancy status and contraindications, and reputable providers verify height and weight with photo or video evidence rather than taking a typed number on trust. The weight loss consultation guide walks through the whole process. Misstating figures to squeeze past a threshold is dangerous and usually caught. Treatment built on a false baseline starts with the wrong dose plan.
Eligibility questions
What BMI do I need for Wegovy in the UK?
The UK licence covers adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 to 30 alongside at least one weight related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnoea. Individual providers can apply stricter criteria than the licence.
Do the thresholds change for some ethnic backgrounds?
UK guidance recognises that health risks begin at lower BMI values for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African and African Caribbean backgrounds, and many providers apply adjusted thresholds accordingly. Declare your background accurately at consultation.
Does meeting the BMI number guarantee a prescription?
No. BMI is the entry criterion, not the decision. The prescriber weighs your full history, medicines, conditions and contraindications. Approval always remains a clinical judgement.
Will pharmacies verify my BMI?
Yes. Reputable UK providers verify height and weight, commonly requesting photos or video and cross checking over time. Misstating figures to qualify is dangerous and consultations are designed to catch it.
Sources referenced on this page
Standing primary references for every iGovy page:
- Wegovy (semaglutide) Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflet, electronic medicines compendium
- MHRA Drug Safety Update: GLP-1 receptor agonists
- NICE TA875: semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity
- General Pharmaceutical Council register of pharmacies
- MHRA Yellow Card scheme
