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Over 1.5 million people in the UK are now purchasing weight-loss injections privately every month, highlighting a dramatic surge in demand and the growing accessibility of these obesity treatments, according to a leading pharmacist.
Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), revealed the figure—far higher than previous estimates—underscoring both strong demand and ample supply of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. He emphasized that community pharmacies are prepared to offer these weight-loss jabs through the NHS, if supported with proper funding.
NHS May Soon Offer Jabs via Pharmacies
The UK Government is reportedly preparing to launch pilot schemes allowing these medications to be accessed through pharmacies following a brief consultation, with patients paying just the NHS prescription fee of £9.90. Currently, these treatments are primarily accessible through private clinics or via lengthy NHS referral processes.
GLP-1 drugs work by suppressing appetite and reducing food cravings. They’ve gained popularity for their effectiveness, with clinical trials showing weight loss of 15–20% depending on the medication.
Years-Long NHS Waitlists for Weight-Loss Medications
Despite eligibility, millions face long delays for treatment on the NHS. For example, Mounjaro has an NHS waiting time of up to 12 years, with only 220,000 patients expected to access it over the next three years, although 3.4 million are estimated to qualify. For Wegovy, patients can expect up to a two-year wait.
In contrast, private weight-loss jab prices range from £129 to £300 per month, depending on dosage and provider, making them inaccessible to many on lower incomes.
Pharmacies Positioned to Lead Roll-Out
Picard stated, “Pharmacies are the most accessible part of the NHS and are ideally placed to expand access to obesity treatment. With proper funding, pharmacists can deliver safe, effective weight-loss support, especially in underserved and deprived communities.”
He added that despite occasional supply chain issues, stock is currently available, noting that over 1.5 million private users each month indicate strong supply within the system.
Addressing the UK's Growing Obesity Crisis
With more than 28% of adults in England classified as obese, and an additional 36% overweight, obesity is costing the NHS over £6 billion annually, with wider economic consequences due to lost productivity and increased welfare support.
Dr. Bryony Henderson, GP and medical director at digital health provider Numan, supported the move to widen access:
“Expanding access to GLP-1 drugs via local pharmacies would help millions who face bottlenecks within NHS systems. These are powerful metabolic treatments and should be part of a structured, medically supervised care plan.”
She cautioned, however, that these medications are not quick fixes, and any rollout must include screening, ongoing monitoring, and lifestyle support to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Government Push for Preventive Healthcare
A Government spokesperson confirmed that making effective weight-loss medications more accessible aligns with its long-term goal of shifting NHS focus from treatment to prevention. Community-based care and digital innovations are key strategies in expanding availability and tackling the obesity crisis holistically.
