5 Nov 2025
Medical Weight Management in Ireland: Who Is It Actually For?
All medical information is reviewed by our clinical partners at MedicOnline.
Dr. Jahan Khan, CMO @ MedicOnline
IMC 409788
You have probably seen the headlines. Maybe a friend has mentioned it. Medical weight loss treatments are now available in Ireland, and there is a lot of information - and confusion - about who can access them.
Is it for everyone? Only people with severe obesity? Or just someone who wants to lose a few pounds?
The short answer: These are serious medical treatments, not quick fixes. Access is strictly regulated for patient safety, and not everyone qualifies.
The Medical Criteria
To qualify for medical weight management treatment in Ireland, you must meet specific criteria related to your Body Mass Index (BMI) and your overall health history.
Treatments are typically reserved for people in two categories:
- BMI of 30 or higher: This is classified as obesity. At this level, excess weight becomes a complex medical issue that can impact your long-term health.
- BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition: If you have conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea, losing weight is a medical priority. In these cases, treatment may be appropriate even if your BMI is slightly lower.
For more detailed information about Mounjaro specifically, you might like to read our posts on am I eligible for Mounjaro in Ireland? or who qualifies for Mounjaro in Ireland?
How to check if I'm eligible for treatment?
Not sure where your BMI currently sits? Use our simple BMI checker to get a quick estimate before you start your assessment.
Am I eligible for weight loss treatment?
Calculate your BMI to see where your weight loss journey could take you
Why These Rules Exist
These guidelines exist because medical weight management treatments are designed to treat a specific biological problem.
Your body has a natural weight regulation system. When you diet, this system fights back - lowering your metabolism and increasing hunger signals. This is why traditional dieting often fails.
Medical treatments are designed to interrupt this cycle. They work on your brain's appetite centers to help you feel full and reduce "food noise," making it easier to stick to a calorie deficit. To learn more about why traditional approaches fail, see our post on why "eat less, move more" has failed you.
It Is Not a "Magic Fix"
Meeting the BMI criteria is just the first step. Our clinical team focuses on long-term solutions, not short-term drops on the scale.
A long-term approach works. Standard diet and exercise alone typically result in 5-10% weight loss, which is hard to sustain. In contrast, a medically led plan can help patients lose up to 22.5% of their body weight.
But results rely on consistency. Treatment works best when combined with real changes to how you eat and move. At Bua Health, we provide access to specialist dietitians, not just prescriptions. We help you build lasting habits.
How to Check If You Are Eligible
You don't need to guess or wait to find out if you meet the criteria.
Our secure online assessment checks your eligibility in minutes. Irish-registered (IMC) doctors specializing in weight management review your medical history to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Ready to find out?
Complete your assessment online in under 4 minutes. Irish-registered doctors can review your assessment usually within 3 hours.
References
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3):205-216.
- Garvey WT, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology Comprehensive Clinical Practice Guidelines for Medical Care of Patients with Obesity. Endocrine Practice. 2016;22(Suppl 3):1-203. (Referenced for standard BMI criteria guidelines).
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