Community pharmacies have warned that people are being tempted to resort to unregulated online suppliers instead of regulated pharmacies as they desperately seek out weight loss drugs.
New polling commissioned by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) found that 21 per cent of the public agreed that they had attempted to access weight loss treatments in the last year through an online or in person pharmacy, rising to 35 per cent of 16–34-year-olds. This is compared to only 7 per cent of those over 55.
An estimated 41 per cent agreed that they would access weight loss treatments on the NHS if it was made available to them, rising to 64 per cent of 25–34-year-olds. This is despite many of these patients being unlikely to be clinically eligible.
The findings highlight the booming demand for private and NHS weight loss services.
The NPA warned that many patients interested in using the medication are not eligible to do so.
The GPhC recently responded to NPA calls to introduce new regulations to protect patients buying weight loss medication online, ensuring a full two-way consultation takes place with a patient as well as a prescriber having to review all relevant historical medical records before the treatment is prescribed.
“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,” said Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association.
"It's clear from this polling that many more people are interested in getting weight loss jabs than would actually be suitable for treatment.
“We want to make sure supplies are carefully managed so that those in most clinical need can benefit from weight loss medication.”
Pharmacists are currently able to prescribe weight loss medication as a private service alongside a structured programme designed to help people change their behaviour.
During the announcement of the 10 Year Health Plan, prime minister Sir Kier Starmer said he wanted the plan to deliver ‘things like innovative weight loss services – available in pharmacies.’
However, no details have been announced yet about the role pharmacies could play in the NHS rollout of the service and the NPA have called for greater clarity.
“We’re also urging the government to bring forward plans to include pharmacies in the roll out of their NHS weight management programme,” said Picard.
"Pharmacists are experts in medication and many have extensive experience delivering weight loss injections as part of a package of care including lifestyle advice.
“Pharmacies are well placed to help roll this treatment out on the NHS, and help people make the best use of these powerful medicines.”
