Boots has launched a groundbreaking high street service for weight loss jabs, marking the first time such treatments are readily available in physical pharmacy stores across the UK. The pharmacy chain is trialling the initiative initially across 17 stores nationwide, including prominent locations in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
In-Store Consultations and Eligibility Assessments
Customers can now access weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy directly on the high street, a significant shift from the previous norm where these treatments were largely confined to online prescriptions. The service allows individuals to pop into Boots stores during lunch breaks or other convenient times to purchase these jabs.
Upon visiting, customers will receive an in-person consultation with a pharmacist in a private room. During this session, their health and medical history will be thoroughly assessed to determine eligibility for treatment. This personalised approach aims to ensure safe and appropriate use of weight loss drugs.
Expanding Access Beyond Online and NHS Channels
Until now, weight loss medication has primarily been accessible through online prescriptions or, in limited cases, via NHS GPs in England. GPs can prescribe Mounjaro on the NHS, but only to severely obese patients who also suffer from additional health problems. Estimates suggest over 1.5 million people in the UK are already using weight loss drugs, often obtained through specialist services or private prescriptions.
Jamie Kerruish, chief healthcare officer at Boots, emphasised the importance of offering flexible healthcare options. "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 said.
Comprehensive Support for Weight Management
Kerruish added, "Our weight loss treatment services are for anyone whose lives are affected by obesity. For people who are overweight or living with obesity, it can be hard to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Weight loss treatment combined with 360 support to make lifestyle and behavioural changes can be a powerful tool in helping people manage their weight, and at Boots we are here for every step of our customers’ weight loss journeys."
Boots has already been selling Mounjaro, manufactured by Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy through its Boots Online Doctor service. The new in-store offering complements this digital platform, providing customers with the choice of online or face-to-face care.
How to Access the Service
Customers can book appointments for the weight loss jab service either online or on a walk-in basis at participating stores. The pilot includes the following Boots locations:
- 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, Blue Water, 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 initiative represents a major step in making weight loss treatments more accessible and convenient for the public, potentially transforming how obesity is managed in the UK.
