Demand for weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro is becoming so 'unsustainable' that it may soon outstrip supply, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has warned. The industry body cautioned that supply problems could drive people to unregulated online sources, despite the risks.
Over 1.6 million packs of the drugs were purchased in the UK in April alone, with the number of users exceeding one million. New polling by Savanta for the NPA found that 21% of Britons have tried to obtain the medications in the past year, rising to 35% among 18- to 34-year-olds. Among all age groups, 41% said they would use them if available on the NHS, increasing to 64% for those aged 25-34.
The NPA suggested that the drugs may need to be reserved for the most overweight patients rather than the 'worried well'. Supply shortages have already affected higher doses of Mounjaro in some parts of the UK, restricting access for new patients. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has warned patients to obtain the drugs only with a doctor's prescription, avoiding beauty parlours or websites.
A Department of Health spokesperson stated that more people would be able to access 'revolutionary' weight loss jabs over the next few years, as part of a 10-year health plan to tackle obesity. They added that the government is committed to ensuring safe and controlled access, with those most in need receiving treatment first. About 220,000 people in England are due to be offered tirzepatide over the next three years.
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, said: 'Weight loss jabs are one of the biggest drug innovations this century but growing demand for weight loss treatment highlights the need to make sure this is appropriate for those who want it.' He urged the government to use pharmacists' expertise to expand the NHS weight loss medication programme to millions of the most in need patients.
