NHS patients could get 'weight loss jabs' on prescription from pharmacies

Pharmacists could prescribe weight-loss jabs for NHS patients as part of a bid to tackle obesity, it was reported.

The trial scheme is reportedly set to be announced by health officials to broaden access to the injections.

The plan would allow patients to get the jabs from pharmacies after a short over-the-counter consultation, it was reported.

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It is thought a major deal with be struck with a pharmaceutical firm to fund a pilot scheme with the aim of rolling it out for everyone who needs a jab.

There has previously been rationing of the jabs by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence with only one in 10 eligible people able to get them on the .

The jabs - such as Wegovy and Mounjaro - can only be given out after consultation with a specialist and have to be taken together with other weight loss methods

Research has shown that over half a million people are buying weight loss jabs privately.

Although health officials want GPs to prescribe them, family doctors’ high workloads mean the rollout has been slow.

Prof Jason Halford, from the European Association for the Study of Obesity, told the Daily Telegraph: “I welcome efforts to increase availability of these drugs, and pharmacies could certainly play a part in that.

“The concern is getting enough support. People need close monitoring, psychological support and advice on nutrition.

“Potentially this is certainly work that pharmacies could expand into, but these are powerful drugs and they do have side-effects. I would definitely welcome efforts to trial new ways to roll out the drugs.”

A government spokesperson said: “As the government shifts the NHS from sickness to prevention, we will be looking across the board at how these drugs can be made available to more people who can benefit from them.

"The NHS is already tackling obesity in innovative ways, including through community care models and digital technologies, to help deliver these drugs as part of a rounded package of care."