As an increasing number of individuals begin using weight loss injections, experts suggest that the UK could be on the cusp of a significant decline in obesity rates—potentially reversing a decades-long upward trend. The projection comes from one of the largest online distributors of weight loss medications, which reports a surge in the adoption of drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Rising Demand for Weight Loss Injections
Simple Online Pharmacy, a major player in the weight loss medication market, claims that over 500,000 people in the UK are currently using these medications, with many expected to lose between 15% to 20% of their body weight within a few months. The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Rebecca Moore, forecasts that approximately one million individuals could reverse their obesity within the next year.
“We believe we are reaching a tipping point, where the rising rates of obesity will begin to decline,” Moore said. “By the end of this year, we could see a significant reduction in obesity levels.”
The pharmacy has already supplied Wegovy to 200,000 people, collectively shedding 600 tonnes of weight. With demand escalating by 10% to 40% each month, the company has expanded operations, including the installation of a walk-in fridge to store medication for up to 400 patients per hour.
A Revolution in Obesity Treatment
The growing use of weight loss injections is changing how the public views obesity, Moore noted. “People are beginning to understand that obesity is a chronic, lifelong condition, and these medications represent a once-in-a-generation breakthrough in treatment. There’s a greater openness to using these drugs, and I expect continued strong growth next year.”
Recent NHS statistics show that 27% of adults in England are classified as obese, a sharp increase from 15% in 1993. Although obesity rates have plateaued in recent years due to public health initiatives like the sugar tax, the success of weight loss injections in the United States suggests similar outcomes could soon be seen in the UK.
Barriers to NHS Access and Private Purchases
Despite the increasing availability of weight loss medications, access through the NHS remains limited. Research by Sky News reveals that only 800 patients in the UK had been prescribed Wegovy as of four months into its rollout, a stark contrast to the 12,000 initially anticipated. Last month, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) restricted access to Mounjaro, approving it for only 200,000 patients in its first three years, out of an estimated 3.4 million eligible individuals.
This limited access has pushed many patients to seek private prescriptions, where the cost of treatment can reach up to £150 per month. Nearly 95% of those using weight loss jabs in the UK are purchasing them privately, with some, like Sarah Le Brocq—founder of the advocacy group All About Obesity—calling the NHS’s slow rollout “hugely frustrating.”
“Obesity treatments are underfunded,” Le Brocq said. “The government needs to allocate more resources to address this growing crisis.”
Real-Life Stories Highlight NHS Shortcomings
For some patients, the lack of NHS coverage has meant seeking out private alternatives. Angela Chesworth, who suffered from chronic abdominal pain, found relief only after taking Mounjaro privately. Her consultant had recognized that the weight she had gained was aggravating existing scar tissue from past surgeries, but the NHS could not approve the treatment until she demonstrated its effectiveness.
“Knowing there’s something out there that can help you, but being denied it because of cost, is deeply frustrating,” Chesworth said. “It makes you feel worthless.”
Her husband, Paul, has also benefited from the treatment, losing two stone and improving his health after three months on the medication. Despite nearing type 2 diabetes, Paul continues to purchase his medication privately, as NHS support remains out of reach for many patients.
Government Response and the Need for Investment
In response to these challenges, the Department of Health maintains that new treatments recommended by NICE must be funded within existing NHS budgets. A spokesperson also emphasized the government’s broader strategy to address obesity through prevention measures, including initiatives outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan.
As weight loss injections continue to gain popularity and show success in reversing obesity trends, the ongoing debate over access to these treatments is likely to intensify, particularly as more individuals turn to private solutions in the face of limited public provision.
Related Topics:
