Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, who represent around 6000 independent pharmacies in the UK, said:
"The NHS roll out of weight loss treatments remains very slow and only a handful of patients are being treated. In some parts of the country, it has hardly begun at all.
"This means that the vast majority of patients will be receiving weight loss treatment from their pharmacy.
"The government should be using the expertise pharmacies have in this area and commission them to provide weight management services on the NHS, rather than relying on overstretched GPs.
"Pharmacies have significant experience delivering weight loss treatment to patients. With the right levels of funding and support, they are well placed to speed up the current sluggish NHS roll out.
“Community pharmacies can provide a patient with the care they need to achieve a sustainable weight loss, through wrap around support and careful lifestyle changes, where a patient is eligible for treatment.”
