Summary
Some injectable drugs, initially used for treating diabetes, are now popular for weight loss. While these drugs are available through the UK's National Health Service (NHS), many people have to pay privately due to restricted access, leading to concerns about unequal access based on wealth.
Key Facts
- Ozempic is an injectable drug that was initially used to treat type 2 diabetes but is now used for weight loss by many people.
- The NHS does prescribe some weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro, but access is limited, resulting in many people paying out of pocket.
- Around 1.5 million people in the UK are believed to use these drugs, with over 90% purchasing them privately.
- The cost of these drugs ranges between £100 and £350 a month depending on dosage and additional lifestyle support needs.
- There are concerns about developing a two-tier system where wealthier individuals benefit more from these weight-loss drugs.
- Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly was expected to increase the price of its drug Mounjaro significantly, raising concerns about affordability.
- Discussions highlight fears that unequal access to weight-loss drugs may worsen existing health inequalities.
