Weight-Management Medication — Practitioner / Prescriber FAQs 

 

  1. Why do I need to provide the patient’s BMI?

 

Documenting the patient’s BMI is essential to confirm clinical eligibility and ensure safe prescribing. A verified BMI must be recorded in the questionnaire section of the prescription, otherwise it will be rejected. 

 

  1. What if the patient’s BMI is between 27–29.9 kg/m²?

 

If the patient’s BMI falls within 27–29.9 kg/m², prescribers must also document at least one qualifying weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes mellitus). Both BMI and comorbidity must be included in the questionnaire section. 

 

  1. How much weight-management medication can I prescribe?

 

Prescribers may issue a maximum of 2 boxes per patient per 2 months. 

(This limit cannot be overridden.) 

 

  1. Why must weight-management medication be shipped directly to the patient?

 

These medicines are self-administered and must be delivered only to the (end user) patient to ensure only the patient named on the prescription is in receipt of the medication for clinical safety and regulatory purposes. Prescribers must enter the patient’s full address and phone number at checkout. 

 

  1. Can I include weight-management prescriptions in the same order as other treatments?

 

No. If you have weight-management medication in your basket, you must check out separately before ordering any other prescription or non-prescription items.
Aesthetic treatment products must always be placed on a separate order. 

 

  1. What happens if BMI or comorbidity information is missing from the questionnaire?

 

The prescription will be automatically rejected. You will need to amend the questionnaire and resubmit the prescription. Complete the questionnaire with the clinically appropriate information. 

 

  1. Who is authorised to prescribe weight-management medication?

 

Only a registered UK healthcare professional (such as a doctor, dentist or registered independent prescriber) may prescribe weight-management medication. A valid prescription is required before dispensing.