• The NHS is considering a pilot scheme to provide weight loss injections, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, via pharmacies following a brief consultation, potentially costing £9.90 per prescription.
• The program aims to widen access to these drugs, currently restricted to those with the highest clinical need and facing long waiting lists, addressing the rising obesity rates costing the NHS billions annually.
• Concerns exist among health experts regarding the necessity of medical supervision, comprehensive support, potential misuse, and the overall cost-effectiveness of such a widespread rollout.

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is reportedly considering a pilot program to make weight loss injections, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, more readily available to patients. Under the proposed scheme, individuals could obtain these medications from pharmacies after a brief consultation, costing £9.90 per prescription. This initiative aims to broaden access to these drugs, which are currently restricted to individuals with the highest clinical need and often involve lengthy waiting lists. The move comes amid growing concerns about obesity rates in the UK, with the condition costing the NHS an estimated £6 billion annually and contributing to numerous health issues.

• What: A pilot scheme is being considered to allow NHS patients to obtain weight loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro from pharmacies after a short consultation, potentially costing £9.90 per prescription.
• Who: The NHS, patients, pharmacies, pharmaceutical firms (specifically Lilly mentioned), health officials, NICE, government spokespersons, and health experts.
• When: The reports are dated late April/early May 2025, discussing immediate plans and the potential rollout of the program.
• Where: The UK, with a focus on England and Wales. The pilot scheme is suggested to be rolled out across the UK.

The potential NHS pilot scheme represents a significant shift in addressing obesity in the UK. While expanding access to weight loss injections like Ozempic could benefit many, concerns exist about the program's cost-effectiveness, potential for misuse, and the need for medical supervision and comprehensive support. The current two-year waiting list for Wegovy and NICE's initial limited availability highlight the challenges in meeting the demand for these treatments. The success of the pilot will depend on careful monitoring, evaluation, and resource allocation to ensure long-term benefits for patients and the NHS.

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.

Weight-loss medications have a lot of potentialto 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 NHS is considering a significant step in tackling obesity by potentially offering weight loss injections through pharmacies. This initiative could improve access to treatment but raises questions about cost, monitoring, and the necessity of comprehensive support. The pilot program's success will hinge on addressing these concerns and ensuring safe, effective, and equitable access to these medications.