Pharmacies are preparing for a surge in patients starting weight loss treatment, as the first two strengths of a groundbreaking new GLP-1 pill is launched today.
A snap survey by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents around 6,000 independent community pharmacies in the UK, found that over three-quarters (76 per cent) of pharmacies anticipate starting significant numbers of new eligible patients on the pill form of weight loss treatment in the coming months.
Meanwhile, around half (49 per cent) had received an increased number of queries from patients wanting to start treatment, in light of the approval last month by the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Almost all pharmacies (97 per cent) were concerned that the new form of treatment would result in an increase of fake or unlicensed weight loss pills being sold on the black market, causing a risk to patient safety.
The results are from a snap survey of NPA members across the UK between Wednesday July and Friday 3 July 2026. It was completed by 310 pharmacies.
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, said: “This is a significant day and pharmacies are bracing themselves for a surge in demand for this new form of weight loss treatment.
“This is particularly significant for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine.
"The NHS roll out remains extremely slow and community pharmacy is ready to support a wider roll out, which will help eligible patients access treatment safely and help mitigate the impact of obesity on the NHS.”