Weight Loss Jabs: Wealth Divide Fuels Inequality

Research indicates a significant disparity in access to weight loss medications, with women and the middle classes dominating private prescriptions. Almost 80% of these private prescriptions are for female patients, and the 30 to 49 age group shows the highest uptake across both genders. The findings highlight an inequality, as individuals in more deprived areas are about a third less likely to receive these jabs compared to those in less deprived areas. This is particularly concerning given that people in poorer areas often start treatment at a heavier weight.

The data, which analyzed 113,630 individuals who paid for these drugs privately between November 2024 and October 2024, coincides with the NHS's carefully planned, 12-year rollout of Mounjaro. The National Health Service has prioritized an estimated 220,000 patients for the initial three years of this program. Eligibility for NHS treatment has generally included individuals with a body mass index over 40 and pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Samantha Field from The Health Foundation emphasized the stark divide, noting that an estimated 2.4 million people in the UK are already prescribed weight loss medications. She underscored the importance of government focus on preventative measures, such as healthy eating, given the unequal access. The UK has recently implemented a ban on junk food adverts for soft drinks, chocolate, and some porridges, aiming to encourage healthier choices.