UK weight loss drug access labelled “deeply unequal” as NHS rollout lags behind demand

Slow access to obesity treatments is driving a two-tier system, with people increasingly turning to private or unsafe alternatives across the UK.

Access to weight loss medication across the United Kingdom is creating a widening divide between those who can afford private treatment and those reliant on the NHS, according to a new report highlighting inequalities in obesity care.

The analysis, published by the London Assembly Health Committee, found that while around 500,000 people in London may be eligible for weight loss medications, only about 3,000 were receiving them through NHS services as of November 2025. While the data is London-specific, the findings are being viewed as indicative of wider challenges across the UK, where access to obesity treatment remains uneven.

The report raises concerns about a growing “two-tier system” in obesity treatment nationwide, where people with financial means can access medication privately, while others face long waits or turn to unregulated alternatives. Limited NHS access is pushing some individuals towards potentially dangerous sources, with evidence suggesting weight loss drugs are being obtained through informal channels including beauty salons, gyms, social media platforms and even pubs.

This trend reflects broader demand across the UK. Evidence presented during the inquiry suggested that up to two million people may already be using weight loss medications, including significant numbers outside the capital. While many people reported improved health and confidence after using these medications, the report highlights increasing exposure to counterfeit or unlicensed products when access to regulated care is limited.

Emma Best, who chairs the committee, described access as “deeply unequal”, warning that restricted availability within the NHS is contributing to unsafe behaviours and reinforcing health inequalities linked to obesity.

Clinical trials show that some anti-obesity medications can lead to weight loss of between 14 and 20 per cent of total body weight when used appropriately, alongside behavioural support. This positions such treatments as a potentially significant tool in tackling obesity and related conditions across the UK.

However, the rollout within the NHS which is guided by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence criteria has been gradual, with strict eligibility requirements limiting early uptake. NHS England has acknowledged the concerns raised in the report and said it is committed to addressing disparities in access, including monitoring prescribing patterns and ensuring people receive appropriate behavioural support.

The committee is calling for a faster NHS rollout of weight loss medications and stronger enforcement against the illegal market. Without intervention, it warns, inequalities in obesity treatment could deepen further across the UK, limiting the public health impact of what many experts see as a transformative class of therapies.