UK May Expand NHS Weight Loss Drug Access

The UK government is planning to increase access to weight loss drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, by allowing NHS patients to obtain them from pharmacies, health centers, and via apps after a brief consultation, at a standard NHS prescription price of £9.90. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to shift NHS focus from treating illness to prevention and aims to address long waiting times for obesity treatments, which are currently available only to a small proportion of eligible people after lengthy delays. A pilot scheme, backed by a multi-million-pound deal with pharmaceutical companies, is expected before any national rollout. Experts and officials welcome the expansion but stress the need for medical supervision and comprehensive support due to potential side effects. Some health experts caution that these plans remain speculative until officially confirmed by the government. The pilot will be closely monitored to assess safety and effectiveness.