Slow NHS rollout, growing private market and rising illicit sales
are creating a two-tier system for Londoners seeking treatment
for obesity.
A new report from the London Assembly Health
Committee: Weight loss medicines in London –
warns that the vast majority of people are currently obtaining
weight loss drugs privately, rather than through the NHS, which
carries significant risks.
While around half a million Londoners could ultimately be
eligible for the medicines, only around 3,000
people in London were receiving them on the NHS as of November
2025. At the same time, tens of thousands are estimated
to be buying them privately, contributing to what the Committee
describes as a growing “two-tier system” of
access.
The report also highlights serious risks linked to the rapid rise
in demand. Londoners are increasingly encountering
counterfeit or unregulated “skinny jabs” sold through
social media, beauty salons, gyms and other informal
settings, which can pose significant health risks.
Evidence suggests that more than 18,000 illegal
weight-loss medicines were seized at UK borders between 2024 and
mid-2025.
Despite these risks, the Committee heard strong evidence that
weight loss medicines can deliver major health benefits when used
safely. Patients told the Committee that the drugs had improved
both their physical health and confidence, with one Londoner
describing the treatment as having an “incredible impact” on
their ability to manage their weight.
Clinicians and patients also stressed that medication must be
accompanied by “wraparound care” – including
diet, lifestyle and psychological support – to ensure safe and
sustainable weight loss.
To address these issues, the Committee is calling for faster NHS
rollout alongside stronger safeguards across both public and
private provision.
Key recommendations include:
- accelerating the NHS rollout of
weight loss medicines so eligible Londoners can access treatment
sooner
• developing a London-wide clinical pathway and wraparound care
offer to ensure patients receive consistent support alongside
medication
• ensuring patient voices are included in the design of
services and treatment pathways
• strengthening regulation and enforcement to tackle illegal
and counterfeit weight-loss drugs, including the creation of a
dedicated cross-agency taskforce
Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, AM, said:
“Weight loss medicines have the potential to transform the
lives of many Londoners living with obesity, but right now access
is deeply unequal. While thousands of people are able to buy
these treatments privately, only a tiny fraction are receiving
them on the NHS.”
“We heard powerful evidence from Londoners whose health and
confidence have improved because of these medicines – but we also
heard real concerns about people being pushed towards unsafe or
counterfeit products when they cannot access proper
treatment.”
“If these drugs are going to play a meaningful role in
improving London's health, the NHS rollout must move faster,
patients must receive proper wraparound support, and regulators
must crack down on the growing illegal market.”
Notes for editors:
- The embargoed report is attached.
- Find out more about the work of the Health
Committee.
