Boots, the high street pharmacy giant, is launching a new in-store service to meet the surging demand for weight loss injections. This initiative allows customers to purchase treatments such as Mounjaro and Wegovy during their lunch hour, marking the first time these medications have been made available on the high street.
Expanding Access to Weight Loss Treatments
The trial is being rolled out across 17 branches nationwide, including cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Shoppers will receive a face-to-face consultation with a qualified pharmacist in a confidential room, where their medical background and overall health will be assessed to determine suitability for the treatment. Previously, these weight loss drugs were predominantly accessible only through online prescriptions.
Addressing Healthcare Preferences
Jamie Kerruish, chief healthcare officer at Boots, stated: "We know that people have different preferences for how they access healthcare services – some seeking online support and some wanting in-person conversations with their local practitioner." He added: "The launch of our in-store weight loss treatment service alongside our digital offer delivered through Boots Online Doctor means we can now deliver convenient care to people both online or in person."
Kerruish emphasized that the services are designed for anyone affected by obesity, noting that it can be challenging to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. He highlighted that weight loss treatment combined with 360 support for lifestyle changes can be a powerful tool in managing weight.
Current Availability and Eligibility
Boots is already stocking Mounjaro, manufactured by Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy via its Boots Online Doctor platform. Customers can arrange face-to-face consultations by booking online or visiting participating pilot stores. In England, NHS GPs are permitted to prescribe Mounjaro, but eligibility is restricted to severely obese individuals with additional health complications. Current estimates indicate that over 1.5 million people across the UK are already using weight loss drugs, obtained through specialist services or private prescriptions.
List of Participating Boots Stores
- Nottingham, Victoria Centre, Nottinghamshire
- Cardiff, Queen Street, Wales
- Durham, Market Place, County Durham
- Belfast, Donegal Place, Northern Ireland
- Edinburgh, Princes Street, Scotland
- Newcastle, Sidgate, Tyne and Wear
- St Albans, St Peters Street, Hertfordshire
- London, Liverpool Street Station
- Leicester, Fosse Park, Leicestershire
- Brighton, North Street, East Sussex
- London, Piccadilly Circus
- Dartford, Bluewater, Kent
- Altrincham, Stamford Quarter, Trafford, Greater Manchester
- Chester-Le-Street, County Durham
- Middlesbrough, Nunthorpe, North Yorkshire
- Bath, Southgate Centre, Somerset
- Lisburn, Sprucefield, Northern Ireland
This rollout represents a significant step in making weight loss treatments more accessible and convenient for consumers across the UK.
