London weight loss drug access 'unequal' - report

"While thousands of people are able to buy these treatments privately, only a tiny fraction are receiving them on the NHS. We heard powerful evidence from Londoners whose health and confidence have improved because of these medicines but we also heard real concerns about people being pushed towards unsafe or counterfeit products when they cannot access proper treatment."

"The committee said patients were acquiring the medicines in beauty salons, gyms, and on social media, and in other cases, in pubs and fish and chip shops. If these drugs are going to play a meaningful role in improving London's health, the NHS rollout must move faster...and regulators must crack down on the growing illegal market."

A London Assembly Health Committee report reveals that inadequate NHS provision of weight loss drugs has created significant health inequalities. Up to two million people in the UK, including tens of thousands of Londoners, currently use these medications. While wealthy individuals access treatments privately, most NHS patients receive minimal support. The shortage drives people toward unsafe alternatives obtained through beauty salons, gyms, social media, pubs, and fish and chip shops, including counterfeit products. The committee urges faster NHS rollout and stronger regulatory action against illegal markets. NHS England acknowledges the report and commits to equitable access and sustained behavior change support for all eligible Londoners.

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