A surge in demand for GLP-1 weight-loss medications has led to an estimated 300,000 people in Scotland now accessing weight-loss drugs through private providers, according to recent public-health reports.
For many, though, accessing weight loss medications is inaccessible.
In Scotland, there are limited options for accessing new-generation weight-loss medications through public healthcare. Only two of Scotland’s 14 regional health boards currently offer these new-generation GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Public health minister Jenni Minto has confirmed that two more health boards are expected to begin prescribing GLP-1 medications soon, with another five boards working towards it.
‘Postcode lottery' for weight-loss drug access
Since the recent price increase of Mounjaro, the medication has become unaffordable for many patients.
One patient, Debbie from Glasgow, has since been forced to stop the injections, due to the price hike, joining many others on the 18-month NHS waiting list for weight-management support.
The price increase has driven a treatment gap, whilst wealthier patients can afford to access weight loss medication privately, many lower-income patients have had to stop their medication and join the waiting list for NHS support.
Growing concerns surrounding counterfeit weight loss medication
The surge in demand has also raised concerns about unregulated providers selling counterfeit GLP-1 products.
Unregulated practitioners can prescribe incorrect doses and unregulated products. Weight-management support is a crucial component of weight loss medication; professionals support patients, ensuring guidance, safety, and accountability.
What happens next?
Next year, up to 5,000 people from deprived areas in Scotland will be offered free weight-loss injections as part of government-funded research, to gain insight into the lives of patients living with obesity and health inequalities.
The study will look into how weight loss medications improve patients' quality of life, and test how weight‑loss medication can be delivered fairly through the NHS. If successful, the research could lead to a wider rollout of the injections throughout the country.
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