The NHS is preparing to launch a new scheme that would allow patients to access weight-loss injections at pharmacies for the standard prescription fee of £9.90.
This move could dramatically improve access to treatments for obesity across the UK.
Under the proposed pilot programme, weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro could be offered in pharmacies following a brief face-to-face consultation, rather than being limited to private providers where prices typically reach around £150.
The initiative is aimed at millions of adults in England living with obesity and facing long waiting times through traditional NHS channels.
Currently, NHS access to these medications is restricted to those with the highest clinical need, and demand has resulted in a two-year waiting list for Wegovy.
With obesity affecting around one in three adults in England, the scheme seeks to provide wider and more affordable access to effective treatment options.
The government is reportedly close to finalising a multi-million-pound deal with a major pharmaceutical company to fund the rollout of the pilot programme across the country. The NHS is also focusing on prevention and community-based care to support this shift in approach.
Weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy mimic a hormone that helps regulate appetite, helping people feel full for longer. Clinical data shows that some patients can lose up to 15% of their body weight within months of starting treatment.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) estimates that approximately 3.4 million people in the UK could benefit from access to these medications.
While the treatments offer significant potential, health experts have emphasised that they should be used alongside lifestyle changes and medical supervision, not as standalone solutions.
Pharmacists across the UK are seen as well-positioned to deliver this service safely and effectively. By making the injections available through pharmacies, the risk of people turning to unregulated online sources is reduced, while ensuring they receive appropriate clinical guidance.
Community pharmacies would also offer lifestyle advice and ongoing support, ensuring a comprehensive approach to weight management. With thousands of pharmacies nationwide, access to care would become faster, safer and more convenient for patients.
Obesity currently costs the NHS an estimated £6 billion a year and is associated with serious health risks such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and several forms of cancer. By expanding access to weight-loss treatments, the NHS aims to reduce long-term health complications and promote healthier living.
The pharmacy-based jab initiative forms part of a broader NHS strategy to shift focus from treatment to prevention, supporting patients earlier and more effectively in their health journeys.
