Government plans to let pharmacists in the UK offer weight-loss jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro directly through NHS for just £9.90

In a major shake-up of how weight-loss drugs are offered in the UK, the government is planning to make it way easier—and cheaper—for people to get their hands on jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

These powerful injections, previously limited to a select few after specialist approval, might soon be available at your local pharmacy after a quick chat with a pharmacist.

Walk Into a Pharmacy, Walk Out with a Jab

The plan?

A pilot program backed by a deal reportedly worth tens of millions of pounds.

Once launched, people could walk into a pharmacy, have a brief consultation, and walk out with a prescription—for just £9.90, the current NHS prescription charge.

No more two-year waitlists or jumping through hoops with specialists.

Instead, ministers want to bring access directly to local high street chemists, health centers, and even mobile apps.

A Push to Make Access Fair for Everyone

Officials behind the move say it’s not just about convenience—it’s about fairness.

Right now, wealthier individuals can afford to buy these jabs privately, spending anywhere from £120 to £250 a month.

But many people from disadvantaged backgrounds miss out entirely.

A government source emphasized that by involving trusted pharmacists and local healthcare centers from the start, they hope to level the playing field.

The Numbers Speak Volumes

The obesity crisis in the UK is no small issue. Over a quarter of adults (28%) are obese, and another 36% are overweight.

That adds up to major costs—over £6 billion annually for the NHS and billions more in lost work productivity.

While around 500,000 Brits already use these injections, rolling them out to everyone all at once just isn’t feasible.

That’s why the government’s taking a slow-and-steady approach.

Some Experts Urge Caution

While many welcome the plan, not everyone’s convinced.

Critics argue that public money shouldn’t be spent on what they call “trendy” lifestyle drugs, especially when people could simply focus on healthier diets and more exercise.

Drugs Aren’t a Magic Fix, Say Health Leaders

Health experts agree that while the jabs can help, they’re not a miracle cure.

Katharine Jenner from the Obesity Health Alliance supports the rollout—but stresses that these drugs should be used alongside proper medical support.

Obesity is a complex, long-term issue, she says, not something that can be fixed with a quick injection.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, echoed that sentiment.

She believes weight-loss meds have great potential—but warns they shouldn’t be seen as a “quick fix,” especially for people wanting to slim down for short-term goals like weddings or holidays.

Watch the Spending, Say Taxpayer Advocates

John O’Connell of the TaxPayers’ Alliance raised a red flag over potential costs.

He called for close oversight, saying the government needs to make sure this plan doesn’t become a bottomless pit of public spending.

“It must deliver value,” he said, “not waste.”

Global Momentum Builds with WHO Endorsement

This all comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) appears ready to change its stance.

According to a leaked memo, the WHO is preparing to officially endorse weight-loss drugs to combat obesity for the first time.

If added to the Essential Medicines List, these treatments could become more widely available around the globe.