NHS spending on semaglutide in London has soared from £242,823 in 2019 to over £15.6 million in 2024, according to recent data.
This marks a 6,324% rise in just five years, highlighting the growing demand for the drug.
Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight management, has gained widespread recognition for its potent weight loss effects.
Originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, semaglutide mimics a natural hormone, suppressing appetite, slowing digestion, and lowering blood sugar levels.
More than 500,000 people in the UK now take weight-loss medication like semaglutide, with experts predicting a drop in obesity rates.
Trends in NHS semaglutide spending and prescriptions in London and wider UK
Since its launch in the UK in 2019, the market for semaglutide has significantly grown.
As its effectiveness for weight loss became evident, doctors increasingly prescribed semaglutide to patients with obesity.
The graph below visually demonstrates the growing presence of semaglutide across England, underlining its increasing adoption in both diabetes management and weight loss.
NHS spending in London more than doubled between 2021 and 2023, rising from £5.4 million to £13.75 million.
Prescriptions also surged, increasing from 196,182 to 863,092 in the same period.
This sharp rise reflects growing patient demand, wider prescribing practices, and changes in eligibility criteria, particularly after 2023.
Despite overall growth, significant regional disparities in prescription rates persist.
The ICB expenditure in North Central London was £650,464 for the whole of 2022, compared to £494,333 in October 2024.
In contrast, South West London recorded £123,491 spent on the drug in October 2024.
Factors such as prescribing policies, population demographics, and local healthcare priorities contribute to these disparities.
While NHS semaglutide spending in London has risen dramatically, similar patterns are emerging across the UK, showcasing the broader impact of this medication on public health.
Impact of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) approval on Wegovy eligibility
The surge in prescriptions was driven by NICE’s approval of Wegovy in September 2023.
Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide, became available on the NHS for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, or 30 with weight-related health conditions.
Moreover, NICE’s endorsement of Wegovy as “safe, effective, and affordable” drove an increase in prescriptions and wider patient access.
A West-London based doctor, who asked to remain anonymous, described Wegovy’s approval as a game-changer for her practice.
She added: “I’ve seen patients aged anything from about 25 up to 65 asking for it.”
The doctor noted a sharp rise in prescription requests over the past 18 months, reflecting the drug’s growing popularity and usage.
Between 2023 and 2024, spending in London grew by 13.6%, rising from £13.75 million to £15.63 million.
Prescriptions increased by 155%, from 863,092 to 2.2 million.
The more modest growth in items suggests larger dosages or higher quantities per prescription rather than a significant increase in patient numbers.
NHS semaglutide access, shortages, and prescription challenges
Under NHS guidelines, Ozempic is provided free of charge to those managing diabetes, as long as they qualify for prescriptions.
Semaglutide’s surge in demand has caused significant shortages, making it harder for diabetic patients to access the drug.
The shortage became particularly apparent in 2023, with many patients struggling to obtain their prescriptions.
Sophie Benson, a London-based professional who uses Ozempic for prediabetes symptoms, expressed frustration with the situation.
“The price can be high, but if you really need it for diabetes, then you should have it prescribed on the NHS or have insurance like I do,” she said.
Benson explained that the shortage had impacted many patients, with some experiencing long wait times for their prescriptions.
She said: “It’s unacceptable that Ozempic isn’t always available in pharmacies because of a black market rush of private prescriptions from people trying to lose weight.
“It should be triple the price for weight loss use.”
However, some patients have bypassed NHS eligibility requirements by obtaining semaglutide through private prescriptions.
This has raised ethical concerns about the misuse of the drug, particularly as it is marketed for weight loss.
Rising demand for Wegovy and Ozempic fuels concerns over semaglutide shortages and misuse
Obesity remains one of the most significant public health challenges facing the UK.
Obesity costs the NHS £6.5 billion annually and is the second leading preventable cause of cancer in the UK.
According to Reuters, several million Britons may potentially qualify for Wegovy.
Advocates of semaglutide, including junior doctor Joseph Kimpton, believe the drug could play a key role in reducing the strain obesity places on the healthcare system.
Kimpton said: “Ozempic is the first medication that has ever been effective in treating excess weight.”
Kimpton, who uses Wegovy for weight loss, described obtaining a prescription as straightforward.
He said: “I applied, completed the online questionnaire, and had to provide photographic evidence of my weight and body.
“The access is far too easy, and tighter control is needed.”
He added: “No one should be able to easily order a medication online after completing a form.
“I got it far too easily.”
What does the future hold for semaglutide and its role in obesity management?
A study found 75% of 1,000 participants would consider weight loss injections in 2025 to lose weight, further solidifying the demand for semaglutide.
In December, Professor Kamila Hawthorne MBE, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, warned that NHS weight-loss delays were driving patients to risky fake jabs online.
The growing market has in turn fuelled the semaglutide black market, as unregulated sellers exploit demand by offering “diet kits.”
Furthermore, some private clinics and online pharmacies have leveraged regulatory approval to widen access, with some accepting a BMI of 27.
This trend has sparked major safety concerns, as many users remain unaware of the risks associated with these unapproved sources.
While selling semaglutide without a prescription is illegal in the UK, enforcement remains difficult, and the rise in demand is exacerbating the issue.
As the demand for semaglutide continues to rise, the NHS and healthcare providers must adapt to ensure fair access and mitigate concerns around shortages, misuse, and broader public health impacts.
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