Weight Loss Jabs Prescription Analysis Reveals Gender and Income Disparities
New research has uncovered significant demographic patterns in the uptake of weight loss injections, with women and individuals from middle-income backgrounds dominating private prescriptions. An analysis of private prescriptions for drugs such as Mounjaro shows that almost 80 per cent of users are female, highlighting a stark gender divide in access to these treatments.
Demographic Breakdown and Age Trends
The study, conducted by the Health Foundation in collaboration with online weight management provider Voy, examined 113,630 patient prescriptions between November 2024 and October 2025. It found that uptake is highest among men and women aged 30 to 49, with a sharp decline after the age of 60. These medications, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), work by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating, helping individuals feel fuller and manage their weight.
The research also considered residential location as a measure of deprivation, revealing troubling inequalities. People in the most deprived regions were approximately a third less likely to receive weight loss jabs compared to those in the least deprived areas. This disparity persists despite higher obesity levels in deprived regions, where the potential benefit from these drugs is greater.
Inequalities in Access and Treatment Timing
Further analysis indicates that individuals in more deprived areas tend to start treatment at higher body mass index (BMI) levels, suggesting delayed access to care. Among 30 to 49-year-olds in the most deprived areas, around 45 per cent began treatment with a BMI of 35 or above, compared to about 30 per cent in the least deprived areas. The Health Foundation warns that this delay puts patients' health at risk, as they may experience worsening conditions before receiving medication.
Samantha Field, senior fellow in prevention at the Health Foundation and co-author of the research, emphasized the findings: "With an estimated 2.4 million people in the UK already prescribed weight loss medications, our findings reveal a stark divide. The groups bearing the greatest burden of obesity are seeking GLP-1 treatments less frequently, and often at higher BMIs."
NHS Rollout and Private Prescription Dominance
NHS England has implemented a phased rollout of Mounjaro over up to 12 years, but current data suggests that even eligible patients face challenges in accessing the drug. In the first three years of the rollout, approximately 220,000 patients have been prioritized, meaning the vast majority of Mounjaro users pay for it privately. Eligible patients in the initial year include those with a BMI over 40 and complicating illnesses such as high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
NHS England previously noted that if all eligible patients (estimated over three million) sought the drug in the first year, with 70 per cent starting treatment, it would significantly impact primary care, consuming 18 per cent of GP appointments. Another GLP-1 drug, semaglutide (Wegovy), is available on the NHS for individuals with health problems related to weight and a high BMI.
Expert Insights and Future Implications
Dr. David Huang, director of clinical innovation at Voy, commented on the collaboration: "We're pleased to have worked with the Health Foundation on this analysis to improve transparency of health inequality in the UK. By providing real-world patient insights, we can highlight barriers within the health system and inform steps to address the obesity crisis. Weight loss medication can have a life-changing impact for eligible patients."
Field added a call to action: "The NHS should consider these findings as the rollout progresses to ensure medications reach those most in need. While fair public provision is essential, these drugs address a preventable problem. It's crucial that the government focuses on changes to our food environment to prevent obesity in the first place."
An NHS spokesperson responded: "The NHS is prioritizing weight-loss drugs for those in greatest clinical need and exploring ways to accelerate access so eligible people can benefit from safe treatment across England. The NHS also offers a wide range of other weight loss support, helping tens of thousands achieve healthier lifestyles."
This research underscores the complex interplay of gender, income, and health access in the UK, pointing to the need for more equitable distribution of weight loss treatments and broader preventive measures against obesity.
