The surge in demand for weight loss drugs in the UK has reached “unsustainable” levels and could soon outstrip supply, pharmacists have warned, prompting concerns about patients turning to unsafe, unregulated sources.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents 6,000 independent pharmacies, said supply issues surrounding popular weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro may encourage desperate individuals to seek out online alternatives, despite the significant health risks.
More than 1.6 million packs of Mounjaro and Wegovy were purchased in Britain in April alone, with usage now estimated to have climbed well above one million people, the majority obtaining the drugs privately.
“The spiralling demand for weight loss medication risks going far beyond what is clinically deliverable,” said the NPA.
The association added that these powerful drugs may need to be reserved for those with serious medical need, rather than being distributed to the “worried well” seeking cosmetic weight loss.
New polling carried out for the NPA by research firm Savanta found that 21% of UK adults have attempted to access the medications in the past year, a figure that rises to 35% among 18 to 34 year olds.
When asked if they would use weight loss jabs if they were free on the NHS, 41% of respondents said yes, including 64% of those aged 25 to 34.
“Weight loss jabs are one of the biggest drug innovations this century, but growing demand highlights the need to ensure this treatment is appropriate for those who genuinely need it,” said Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA.
“It’s clear from this polling that more people are interested in weight loss medication than can actually benefit from it.”
Shortages are already being felt in parts of the UK, particularly with higher doses of Mounjaro, forcing some pharmacies to limit new patient prescriptions.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning advising the public to obtain these drugs only with a prescription from a licensed medical professional, and never from beauty clinics or unverified websites.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the government remained committed to widening access to weight loss treatments safely.
“Weight loss drugs are a powerful tool in tackling the obesity crisis head-on as part of our 10-year health plan,” the spokesperson said.
“We are committed to ensuring that more people can access these revolutionary treatments when needed, and crucially in a safe and controlled manner. Those most in need will receive treatment first.”
Around 220,000 people in England are expected to be offered tirzepatide, a diabetes drug that also promotes weight loss, over the next three years.
Pharmacists currently dispense about 85% of all weight loss medications and should play a central role in the rollout of the NHS weight loss programme, Picard added.
“The government should make full use of the untapped expertise of pharmacists to accelerate access to weight loss treatment for millions who need it most,” he said.
