Weight Loss
Who Can Take the Wegovy Pill? Eligibility and BMI
In one sentence
You may be able to take the Wegovy pill if you are an adult with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related health condition, but it is not suitable in pregnancy or for under-18s.
At a glance
The Wegovy pill is for adults with a BMI of 30 or more (obesity),
or a BMI of 27 to 30 (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition.
It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity.
It is not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for under-18s.
It is not recommended if you have severe kidney or liver problems.
A prescriber checks your BMI, health and medicines before it can be prescribed.
The Wegovy pill is a prescription weight-loss medicine, so it is not suitable for everyone. Whether it is right for you depends mostly on your body mass index (BMI), your general health and the other medicines you take. This guide explains the eligibility criteria and who should not take it.
Key takeaways
What BMI do you need?
A BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more if you also have a weight-related health condition.
Who is it not suitable for?
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, under-18s, and those with certain medical conditions.
Is it used with diet and exercise?
Yes. It is licensed as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How is eligibility checked?
Through an online consultation, where a prescriber reviews your BMI, health and medicines.
Who can take the Wegovy pill?
The Wegovy pill is licensed for adults who have a BMI of 30 or more (obesity), or a BMI of 27 to just under 30 (overweight) together with at least one weight-related health condition. It is used as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.1 A prescriber confirms whether you meet these criteria and whether it is safe for you.
What BMI do you need for the Wegovy pill?
Your BMI is a measure of your weight in relation to your height. You can work it out using the free NHS BMI calculator.2 The table below shows how BMI relates to eligibility for the Wegovy pill.
BMI (kg/m²) | Category | Wegovy pill eligibility |
Below 27 | Healthy weight or lower overweight | Not licensed |
27 to 29.9 | Overweight | Eligible with a weight-related condition |
30 and above | Obesity | Eligible |
BMI is not perfect. Lower thresholds may apply for people from some ethnic backgrounds, including South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African and African-Caribbean backgrounds, where health risks can start at a lower BMI. Your prescriber takes this into account.
"BMI is where we start, not where we finish. A consultation looks at the whole picture, your health, your other medicines and your history, to decide whether the Wegovy pill is genuinely right and safe for you. That check is there to protect you, not to catch you out."
What counts as a weight-related health condition?
If your BMI is between 27 and 30, you may still be eligible if you have a weight-related health condition. Common examples include:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
High cholesterol
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Heart disease
Your prescriber will ask about these during your assessment.
Who should not take the Wegovy pill?
The Wegovy pill is not suitable for everyone. You should not take it, or should only take it with caution and medical advice, in the following situations.1
Not suitable or use with caution if you:
are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy
are under 18, as it is not established in this age group
have had an allergic reaction to semaglutide or any ingredient in the tablet
have severe kidney or severe liver problems, where it is not recommended
have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), where it is used with caution
This is not a full list. Your prescriber will check your medical history in detail. Always read the patient information leaflet.
"Part of my job is knowing when to say no. The Wegovy pill is not right for everyone, and in pregnancy or with certain conditions it should not be used at all. A good consultation is as much about ruling it out safely as it is about ruling it in."
Can you take the Wegovy pill if you have type 2 diabetes?
Often, yes, but it needs extra care. If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea, your prescriber may reduce those doses when you start the Wegovy pill, because together they can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).3 It should also not be combined with another GLP-1 medicine. See our guide to Wegovy pill interactions.
"If you take medicines for type 2 diabetes, please tell us. Semaglutide can lower blood sugar further, so we may need to adjust your insulin or tablets to keep you safe. It is a simple check, but an important one."
Can you take the Wegovy pill if you are pregnant or trying to conceive?
No. The Wegovy pill should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.1 If you become pregnant while taking it, stop and contact your prescriber. If you are planning a pregnancy, speak to your prescriber in advance, as the medicine needs to be stopped some time before you try to conceive.
How is your eligibility checked?
Eligibility is confirmed through an online consultation. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your BMI, your medical history, any weight-related conditions and the other medicines you take, then decides whether the Wegovy pill is suitable and safe for you. At Mail My Meds, this is done through an online weight-loss consultation. For a step-by-step overview, see how to get the Wegovy pill online.
Related Wegovy pill guides
Frequently asked questions about Wegovy pill eligibility
What BMI do you need for the Wegovy pill?
You need a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 to just under 30 if you also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. A prescriber confirms your eligibility.
Can you take the Wegovy pill if you are not overweight?
No. It is licensed only for adults with obesity (a BMI of 30 or more), or overweight (a BMI of 27 or more) with a weight-related condition. It is not intended for cosmetic or short-term weight loss at a healthy weight.
Can you take the Wegovy pill with type 2 diabetes?
Often yes, but with care. If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea, your prescriber may lower those doses to reduce the risk of low blood sugar. It should not be combined with another GLP-1 medicine. Always share your full medicines list.
Can you take the Wegovy pill when pregnant?
No. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop and contact your prescriber. If you are planning a pregnancy, speak to your prescriber, as it needs to be stopped in advance.
Is there an age limit for the Wegovy pill?
Yes. It is licensed for adults. Its safety and effectiveness in children and young people under 18 have not been established, so it is not prescribed in this age group.
What health conditions stop you from taking the Wegovy pill?
It is not suitable if you are allergic to semaglutide, and it is not recommended with severe kidney or liver problems. It is used with caution if you have a history of pancreatitis. Your prescriber checks your full history before prescribing.
Sources and references
electronic medicines compendium (emc). Wegovy tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics. States the indication (BMI 30 or more, or 27 to under 30 with at least one weight-related comorbidity, as an adjunct to diet and activity), that it is for adults, and the cautions around pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe kidney or liver impairment and a history of pancreatitis.
NHS. Calculate your body mass index (BMI). A free tool to work out your BMI category.
Diabetes UK. Wegovy (semaglutide). Notes that low blood sugar is more likely when semaglutide is taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Eligibility is decided by a prescriber based on your individual circumstances. Always read the patient information leaflet. If you have questions about your health, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
Our commitment to accuracy: This page reflects the approved product information and current UK guidance from sources such as the emc, NHS, NICE and the MHRA. It is reviewed by our Superintendent Pharmacist and updated as guidance changes.
About the author
Blog author
Dayna Sheppard
Dayna is a pharmacy manager with over 15 years of pharmacy experience. She is focused on delivering a safe and excellent pharmacy service for patients.
Medically reviewed by
Medical reviewer
Taslima Hussain
Taslima is a pharmacist who is passionate about patient care. She has experience working in community pharmacy as a locum.
