Weight Loss Drug Demand Risks Overwhelming Pharmacies

Unprecedented demand for weight loss medication risks going far beyond what is clinically deliverable, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has warned.

A survey of over 2000 adults for the NPA found that more than one in five adults had attempted to access weight loss treatments — either online or in person — in the past year.

Among 16-34-year-olds, the figure rose to more than one in three. In contrast, only 7% of adults over 55 had made similar attempts.

The NPA said that many people seeking treatment are not clinically eligible. It urged the government to bring forward plans to include pharmacies in the rollout of the NHS weight management programme.

The association said social media had played a major role in fuelling demand, raising concerns that patients could turn to unregulated online suppliers.

Tighter Safeguards Needed

The NPA called for new regulations to protect patients buying weight loss medication online, ensuring a two-way consultation and a review of relevant medical records by a qualified prescriber.

The survey, carried out by market research firm Savanta, also found that 41% would be willing to access weight loss treatments through the NHS if these were made available to them. Among 25-34-year-olds, the figure rose to 64%.

The NPA said the findings highlight booming demand for both private and NHS weight loss services.

Eligibility Criteria Remain Strict

According to guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, patients must meet strict clinical criteria to be prescribed drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy. Pharmacy-prescribed patients typically need a BMI of at least 35 kg/m2 and at least one weight-related comorbidity. 

Wegovy may be offered to people with a BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2 who meet the criteria for referral to specialist overweight and obesity management services. 

Currently, the NHS only offers Mounjaro to those with a BMI of over 40 and at least four comorbidities. 

GP Services Already Under Strain

Last month, after Mounjaro becoming available at GP surgeries in England, Royal College of General Practitioners chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne urged patients not to contact their GP unless they thought they met eligibility criteria.

She warned that GPs were already “over-burdened” and lacked the workforce to meet additional demand.

The NPA estimates that at least 85% of prescriptions for weight loss medication were handled by pharmacies in April this year.

During the launch of the 10-Year Health Plan, Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer pledged to deliver “innovative weight loss services” through pharmacies.

However, the NPA noted that no further details have been provided about pharmacy involvement in the NHS rollout of these services.

“Weight loss jabs are one of the biggest drug innovations this century,” said Olivier Picard, NPA chair. “But growing demand for weight loss treatment highlights the need to make sure this is appropriate for those who want it,” he added.

“We want to make sure supplies are carefully managed so that those in most clinical need can benefit,” Picard said. 

Dr Rob Hicks is a retired NHS doctor. A well-known TV and radio broadcaster, he has written several books and has regularly contributed to national newspapers, magazines, and online. He is based in the UK.