In a significant shift in its approach to tackling obesity, the National Health Service (NHS) is reportedly set to make weight loss injections available over the counter at pharmacies across the UK. This change, which could see medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro offered after a brief consultation with a pharmacist, aims to broaden access to these treatments for many who are currently unable to obtain them.
As reported on May 2, 2025, patients may soon be able to get these weight loss jabs for the price of an NHS prescription, currently set at £9.90. This is a stark contrast to the private market, where similar treatments can cost between £120 and £250 a month. The NHS's current system, which restricts these injections to individuals deemed to have the highest clinical need, has resulted in a two-year waiting list for Wegovy, another weight loss drug.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, a multimillion-pound deal is expected to be finalized with a major pharmaceutical firm to fund a pilot scheme, facilitating the distribution of these medications through chemists and health centers. This pilot program is intended to ensure that those who need these treatments most can access them, regardless of their financial situation.
Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), emphasized the importance of making these drugs accessible to all. He noted, "Access to medicines that could cut damaging levels of obesity shouldn’t be restricted to those who can pay or disadvantage deprived communities." Picard believes that pharmacies are well-suited to deliver this service effectively.
Currently, over a quarter of adults in England are classified as obese, with an additional 36% considered overweight. The obesity crisis not only poses significant health risks but also costs the NHS approximately £6 billion annually. The potential introduction of weight loss injections into pharmacies could significantly impact this public health issue.
Health experts have indicated that weight loss medications, including those like Mounjaro and Wegovy, can lead to substantial weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that individuals may lose between 15% and 20% of their body weight within a few months of starting treatment. However, experts caution that these drugs should only be used under medical supervision and are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, expressed support for the initiative, stating, "This is a move in the right direction. Community pharmacies are well-placed in providing this service and also advise patients on healthy lifestyle." She emphasized the need for professional oversight in administering these medications, highlighting that they should not be obtained from unregulated sources.
Despite the promise of this initiative, there are concerns regarding the financial implications for the NHS. Critics argue that taxpayers may question whether funding weight-loss drugs is the best use of public money. John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, stated, "While tackling obesity is important, ministers must ensure that this scheme delivers value for money and doesn't simply open the door to spiraling costs or waste."
Furthermore, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has estimated that about 3.4 million people in England could benefit from weight loss injections. However, last December, NICE revealed that only 220,000 patients would have access to these jabs on the NHS in the initial three years, leaving millions waiting potentially up to 12 years for treatment.
As the government prepares to announce the pilot scheme, it is essential to consider the long-term implications of such a program. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, remarked, "Weight-loss medications have a lot of potential to help patients who are struggling to lose weight, and who meet all the clinical criteria for a prescription. But these drugs should not be seen as a silver bullet for weight loss or a short-term fix to lose weight for a particular milestone."
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also reportedly preparing to endorse weight-loss drugs for obesity treatment in adults for the first time, following previous hesitations due to concerns over long-term effects. This endorsement could pave the way for broader global access to these medications.
In summary, the potential for weight loss injections to be made available through pharmacies marks a pivotal moment in addressing the obesity crisis in the UK. While the initiative promises increased accessibility, it is accompanied by a need for careful oversight and evaluation to ensure that it meets the needs of those struggling with obesity without imposing undue burdens on the NHS.
