Weight loss injections including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro may soon be available through NHS pharmacies following short consultations, according to recent reports. The proposed program would offer these medications at the standard NHS prescription price of £9.90, representing a significant cost reduction from the approximately £150 monthly charge through private providers.
Current Access Limitations
The NHS currently restricts weight loss injection prescriptions to patients with the highest clinical need, creating substantial barriers to access. A two-year waiting list exists for Wegovy on the health service, while approximately one-third of adults in England are classified as obese. Previous Sky News research revealed that the rollout of these medications has proceeded far more slowly than originally planned, with thousands of people with severe obesity being denied access to treatment.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) estimates that 3.4 million people in England could benefit from weight loss injections. However, NICE indicated in December that these medications would only be available to 220,000 patients on the NHS during the first three years, potentially leaving millions waiting up to 12 years for treatment.
Proposed Pharmacy Model
According to reports, a multi-million pound deal is being negotiated with a major pharmaceutical firm to fund a pilot scheme across the UK. The program would enable patients to obtain weight loss injections through pharmacies and health centers following brief over-the-counter consultations with trained pharmacists.
A government spokesperson stated: "As the government shifts the NHS from sickness to prevention, we will be looking across the board at how these drugs can be made available to more people who can benefit from them. The NHS is already tackling obesity in innovative ways, including through community care models and digital technologies, to help deliver these drugs as part of a rounded package of care."
Clinical Efficacy and Safety Considerations
Weight loss medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy function by mimicking natural hormones, causing patients to feel fuller for longer periods. Clinical studies demonstrate that people can lose up to 15 percent of their body weight within months of starting treatment with Wegovy.
Health experts emphasize the importance of proper medical supervision for these treatments. Thorrun Govind, a pharmacist and health expert, told The Independent: "We must remember that whilst weight loss medications can play an important role in efforts to tackle obesity, they are not a quick fix, and they are not suitable for everyone."
However, Govind noted that pharmacists are well-positioned to provide these services: "Pharmacists are highly trained, regulated professionals who are well-equipped to support patients in accessing treatments safely. By making medicines available through pharmacies, we can reduce the risk of people turning to unsafe, unregulated sources and ensure they receive trusted advice and clinical oversight."
Healthcare System Impact
Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, described the proposed approach as "a move in the right direction," stating that "Community pharmacies are well-placed in providing this service and also advise patients on healthy lifestyle. Weight loss, for patient safety reasons should always be done in the face-to-face presence of health care professionals such as doctors and pharmacists and not online at a distance."
The economic burden of obesity on the NHS is substantial, with annual costs estimated at £6 billion. Obesity is linked to more than 200 different diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Research indicates that half of all obese individuals with three related health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, die within 10 years.
Despite the potential benefits of expanded access, health experts have cautioned that the reports remain "speculative" and stress that obesity medications must only be used under appropriate medical supervision by eligible patients.
