There’s growing hope that weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro could soon be available at your local pharmacy for the standard NHS prescription price of just £9.90.
Right now, these medications can cost upwards of £150 privately, making them out of reach for many. But new plans could change that.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, the government is in talks with major pharmaceutical firms to fund a national pilot.
The idea is to make these weight loss drugs more accessible by offering them over the counter in pharmacies after a short consultation.
The medications work by mimicking a hormone in the body that helps people feel full.
Some users have lost up to 15% of their body weight within just a few months. With more than a third of adults in England living with obesity, access to these treatments could have a big impact.
There’s already a two-year waiting list for Wegovy on the NHS.
Making these jabs more widely available through pharmacies could help cut through the backlog and give people a safer alternative to risky online purchases.
Pharmacists say they’re ready to help. They’re trained professionals who can provide support and guidance, not just a prescription.
Experts are calling for medication to be part of a wider approach that includes lifestyle changes and medical oversight.
Medications aren’t for everyone, and they come with potential side effects. That’s why it’s so important to speak to a healthcare professional before starting any medication.
Other ways to lose weight
Medication is one tool in the toolkit. But for many, weight loss can be achieved through approaches that are not only affordable but have a strong evidence base behind them.
Here’s some approaches over and above the well documented low calorie approach.
Mediterranean diet
This isn’t just a diet – it’s a way of life. The Mediterranean approach focuses on fresh vegetables, fruits, olive oil, nuts, whole grains and fish. It’s been linked to longer life expectancy and reduced risk of heart disease.
It’s also a proven approach for weight management.
Unlike restrictive diets, the Mediterranean diet is rich in flavour and variety, making it easier to stick with over the long term.
- Mediterranean Diet and 7 Day Meal Plan
- Bone loss in older women reduced by exercise and a Mediterranean diet
- Adopting a Mediterranean diet improves fertility, evidence suggests
Low carb diet
The low carb approach involves reducing your intake of bread, pasta, rice and sugar while increasing healthy fats and protein.
Studies have shown that low carb diets can be particularly effective for people with type 2 diabetes – often helping with blood sugar control and weight loss – and supporting type 2 diabetes remission.
Many people find it easier to follow than traditional calorie-restricted diets because it naturally curbs appetite. And the best part? You don’t need to count every calorie.
- Low Carb Diet: Beginner’s Guide and Meal Plan
- Low carb intake associated with metabolic benefits of short-term fasting
- Man reverses type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 12 weeks
Intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity for good reason – although the approach itself has been around for thousands of years and is well documented in many religions.
Ramadan, for example, is a period of fasting.
Whether it’s the 16:8 method (eating during an 8-hour window and fasting for 16) or alternate-day fasting, IF can help reduce insulin levels and support fat burning.
Research has shown it can lead to sustainable weight loss and even improvements in metabolic health.
It’s simple and flexible – no special foods or supplements needed.
Which approach works best?
Whether you’re considering weight loss medication or looking to change your diet, the best approach is the one you can maintain.
Losing weight isn’t just about appearance. It’s about improving your energy, your health and your quality of life.
