Recently, there’s been a surge of interest in prescription weight-loss medications (often called anti-obesity drugs or fat-loss drugs), such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), which have been shown to help with significant weight reduction.
But can diabetics who struggle with their weight take these drugs, and more importantly, should they?
Why Weight Management Matters for Diabetics
Type 2 diabetes and excess weight are closely linked. Carrying extra fat especially around the abdomen, can worsen insulin resistance, making blood sugar harder to control. Even a modest weight loss of 5–10% can improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of heart disease, a major concern for diabetics.
Which Weight-Loss Drugs Are Used in Diabetes?
Some fat-loss medications are already licensed for use in people with diabetes. In fact, several were first developed as diabetes drugs and later approved for weight management:
Semaglutide (Ozempic for diabetes, Wegovy for obesity) – mimics the GLP-1 hormone to slow digestion, reduce appetite, and improve blood sugar control.
Liraglutide (Victoza for diabetes, Saxenda for obesity) – another GLP-1 agonist with similar effects.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) – works on two gut hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) and has shown impressive results for both weight loss and glucose control.
Other options, like orlistat (Alli, Xenical), work differently by blocking fat absorption from food, though side effects can be unpleasant.
Safety and Considerations for Diabetics
For diabetics considering fat-loss drugs, there are key points to consider:
Medical supervision is essential – Certain drugs can interact with diabetes medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
Type 1 diabetes is different – These drugs are generally not licensed for people with type 1 diabetes.
Side effects can affect blood sugar – Nausea, vomiting, or reduced appetite may require adjustments to existing medication doses.
Heart health benefits – Some GLP-1 drugs have been shown to lower cardiovascular risk, which can be a plus for diabetics.
NHS access vs. private prescriptions – In England, NICE guidelines allow some weight-loss drugs for certain patients with both obesity and type 2 diabetes, but strict criteria apply.
NHS Guidelines on Who Qualifies
As of 2025, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends that certain GLP-1 weight-loss drugs can be offered on the NHS if:
The patient has a BMI of ≥35 and weight-related health problems (including type 2 diabetes), or
They have a BMI of 30–34.9 and meet other high-risk criteria.
Treatment is usually limited to a set period (for example, two years for Wegovy) and must be part of a supervised weight management programme.
Bottom Line
Yes, diabetics who have weight issues can take certain fat-loss drugs, and in many cases, these medications are designed with them in mind.
However, this should always be under the care of a GP or specialist, with close monitoring of both blood sugar levels and possible side effects.
Weight-loss drugs aren’t a magic fix; they work best when combined with healthy eating, regular activity, and ongoing medical support. But for some diabetics, they can be a game-changer in improving both weight and long-term health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to your GP or healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
.jpg)
