TL;DR

Key points from the 2026 London Health Committee report on weight-loss medications:

• Up to 2 million people in the UK are now using weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy.

• Over 90% access them privately, not through the NHS.

• Only 3,000 Londoners were receiving GLP-1 medications through the NHS in 2025, despite hundreds of thousands potentially being eligible.

• Clinical trials show 10–20% body weight loss is possible with GLP-1 medications when combined with lifestyle changes.

• Experts warn about illegal markets selling counterfeit weight-loss injections via social media, gyms and beauty salons.

• The report stresses the importance of “wraparound care” including diet, exercise and behavioural support to prevent weight regain.

Weight Loss Injections in London: What the 2026 Health Committee Report Means for Patients

Weight loss injections such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are transforming how obesity is treated across the UK. Demand has surged rapidly, with millions of people now using these medicines to help manage weight and improve their health.

In March 2026, the London Assembly Health Committee published a major report analysing the growing use of weight-loss medications across London, including how they are accessed, their benefits and risks, and the roles of the NHS and private providers.

For patients considering treatment, the findings provide important insight into how these medications are being used and what the future may look like.

This article explains the key points from the report and what they mean for people seeking safe, medically supervised weight loss support.

The Rise of Weight Loss Injections in the UK

Interest in GLP-1 medications has exploded over the past few years.

Research cited in the London report suggests that up to two million people in the UK are now using weight loss medications, with the vast majority accessing them privately rather than through the NHS.

Demand has grown quickly due to the strong clinical outcomes seen in studies.

Clinical trials have shown that some patients can lose 10–20% of their body weight when using medications such as tirzepatide or semaglutide alongside lifestyle changes.

For many patients, this level of weight loss can lead to major health improvements, including:

• Improved blood sugar control

• Reduced cardiovascular risk

• Improved sleep apnoea

• Improved mobility

• Improved mental well-being and confidence

These medications work by mimicking hormones involved in appetite regulation, helping people feel fuller for longer and reducing food cravings.

Why Most People Are Accessing Weight Loss Medication Privately

Although the NHS has begun rolling out weight loss medications, access remains extremely limited.

The London Health Committee found that:

• Around 3,000 London residents were accessing weight loss drugs through the NHS in 2025.

• However, 35,000–40,000 people are expected to receive treatment by 2028.

• Ultimately, around half a million Londoners could be eligible for these medications.

Because NHS access is currently restricted to patients with severe obesity and multiple health conditions, many people turn to private clinics and pharmacies for treatment.

This has created what the report describes as a “two-tier system”, where access is heavily influenced by whether someone can afford private treatment.

The Role of Community Pharmacies

The report highlights that community pharmacies play an important role in providing safe access to weight loss medication.

Pharmacies offer several advantages:

• Highly accessible healthcare locations

• Regulated prescribing frameworks

• Medication expertise

• Ongoing patient support

Many pharmacies also provide wraparound care, including:

• Nutritional guidance

• Lifestyle support

• Medication monitoring

• Side effect management

This support is critical because experts agree that weight loss injections should not be used in isolation.

Successful long-term outcomes depend on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes.

Why “Wraparound Care” Is Essential

One of the strongest conclusions of the report is the importance of wraparound care.

This means supporting patients beyond simply prescribing medication.

Effective programmes often include:

• Nutritional education

• Behavioural support

• physical activity guidance

• regular clinical monitoring

Without this support, some patients may regain weight after stopping medication.

Evidence suggests that weight regain is common once treatment stops, particularly if lifestyle habits have not changed during treatment.

This is why structured programmes are becoming increasingly important in modern weight management.

The Risks of Unregulated Weight Loss Drugs

Another major concern highlighted by the London Assembly is the growth of illegal and counterfeit weight loss drugs.

Investigators heard evidence that these medications are sometimes being sold through:

• Social media

• gyms

• beauty salons

• pubs and informal sellers

Some products may be counterfeit or improperly stored, creating serious health risks.

Regulators, including the MHRA and the General Pharmaceutical Council, are now increasing efforts to clamp down on illegal sales.

Patients are strongly advised to obtain medications only from regulated pharmacies or licensed medical providers.

The Most Common Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections

Like all medications, GLP-1 treatments can cause side effects.

The most common include:

• nausea

• vomiting

• diarrhoea

• reduced appetite

These symptoms are usually mild and improve as the body adjusts to treatment.

Rare but serious complications may include:

• pancreatitis

• severe dehydration

• gallbladder issues

This is why proper medical screening and monitoring are essential before starting treatment.

Who Is Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?

In the UK, medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are typically prescribed for patients who:

• have a BMI of 30 or above, or

• have a BMI of 27 or above with weight-related health conditions

Examples of related health conditions include:

• type 2 diabetes

• high blood pressure

• sleep apnoea

• cardiovascular disease

These medicines should always be used alongside lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.

What This Means for Patients in London

The London Health Committee report makes one thing clear:

Weight loss medications are becoming an important new tool in tackling obesity, but they must be used safely and responsibly.

Over the next few years, we are likely to see:

• wider NHS access

• improved clinical pathways

• stronger regulation of illegal markets

• increased involvement from community pharmacies

For patients, this means that safe, medically supervised weight-loss programmes will become increasingly important.

Safe Weight Loss Support at Puri Pharmacy

At Puri Pharmacy, we provide clinically supervised weight management services designed to support patients throughout their treatment journey.

Our service focuses on:

• safe prescribing

• personalised treatment plans

• lifestyle guidance

• long-term weight management support

We believe weight loss medications work best when combined with structured programmes and ongoing clinical support.

Book a Consultation

If you are considering weight loss medication and want professional advice from a qualified pharmacist prescriber, our team can help.

You can book a confidential consultation to discuss:

• eligibility for treatment

• medication options

• potential side effects

• long-term weight management strategies