GLP-1 Medicines: Could They Help Tackle Obesity in the UK?

By Dr Mark Larkin PhD, Director, Pharmacy Price Hound

The UK faces one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe: nearly one in three adults is now classified as obese. Beyond the personal health consequences, the cost to the NHS is enormous—obesity contributes to diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and even some cancers.

This is where GLP-1 receptor agonists—medicines like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)—may play a growing role. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, they also reduce appetite and help patients achieve significant, sustained weight loss.

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has already recognised their potential. NICE guidance states that, for certain patients, GLP-1s represent a cost-effective option for weight management—particularly when combined with lifestyle support. By helping people lose weight and keep it off, they can prevent costly complications further down the line, saving the health system money while improving lives.

What This Could Mean for UK Consumers

• Broader NHS access: Over time, more people may be able to obtain GLP-1 medicines via the NHS, not just private prescriptions.
• Focus on prevention: Wider use could shift the focus from treating obesity-related conditions after they develop to preventing them in the first place.
• Changing attitudes: If GLP-1s become mainstream, obesity may increasingly be seen as a condition that can be managed medically, not just through diet and exercise alone.

What You Can Do Now

1. Stay informed: Guidance is evolving—follow updates from NICE and check Pharmacy Price Hound for availability and pricing.
2. Talk to your GP: If you are struggling with weight and related health issues, ask whether a GLP-1 medicine might be appropriate.
3. Compare options: For private prescriptions, use our site to ensure you’re getting the best available price.

GLP-1 drugs won’t solve the obesity crisis alone—but they could be a powerful new tool in the UK’s public health strategy.