'Unsustainable demand for weight loss drugs'

THE booming demand for weight loss jabs may be unsustainable, pharmacists warn.

- CAITLIN DOHERTY

Many more patients are interested in using weight loss medication than are actually suitable for treatment, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents more than 6,000 independent community pharmacies.

Some 21% of people who were interviewed in a NPA-commissioned poll agreed they had attempted to access weight loss treatments in the last year, either online or in person at a pharmacy, rising to 35% of 16 to 34-year-olds.

This is compared to only 7% of those over 55.

There were also 41% who agreed they would opt for weight loss treatments on the NHS if they were made available to them.

This figure rose to 64% among 25 to 34-year-olds, despite many of these patients being unlikely to be clinically eligible.

The NPA says the poll, in which 2,002 people were interviewed, reflects an increasing demand for private and NHS weight loss services.