Commenting on the rollout of Mounjaro weight loss treatments by the NHS, Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, which represents 6,000 community pharmacies across the UK, said:
“The demand for weight loss jabs continues to rise sharply, and more GPs have been directing patients back to pharmacies after initial enquiries, to access these treatments privately.
“As the NHS is now moving to implement NICE guidance, and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) becomes prescribable to more patients, we expect to see prescription volumes increase rapidly.
“However, NHS provision won’t meet demand straight away, so we fully expect that many people will continue seeking it privately from a pharmacy.
"Pharmacists are experts in medication and many of us have lots of experience delivering weight loss injections as part of a package of care including lifestyle advice. We are well placed to help roll out weight loss treatment on the NHS, with the right funding to support it.
“The biggest concern we have is that prescribing these medications alone misses the point. They should be part of a comprehensive weight management strategy – combining lifestyle coaching, exercise, and nutritional guidance. In reality, many GPs lack the bandwidth to deliver the level of support needed to ensure proper understanding and follow-up.
“As a result, we could end up in a situation where patients are prescribed the medication, lose weight, and then experience rebound weight gain once the course ends – simply because the foundational lifestyle changes weren’t addressed.”
