Fears over 'postcode lottery' for NHS weight-loss drug access in Scotland

Concerns Over Unequal Access to NHS Weight-Loss Drugs in Scotland

About 300,000 people in Scotland are thought to be obtaining weight loss medications privately. However, poverty advocates warn that access to NHS-funded weight-loss drugs varies greatly depending on location, creating a "postcode lottery."

Currently, only two of Scotland’s 14 regional health boards provide new-generation GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro on the NHS. This disparity forces many to pay for the drugs out-of-pocket, which has become increasingly unaffordable for some.

Case Study: Debbie from Glasgow

Debbie, a Glasgow resident, was covering the cost of Mounjaro herself until prices increased sharply in September. She has since stopped the injections and joined an 18-month NHS waiting list for specialist weight management services.

“The last time I paid for it, it was £199, and I was struggling to justify that. Then I got an email saying the same dose was going up to £301, and I thought, ‘Well, I can’t.’ So now I’ve lost nearly three stone – but how am I going to keep this weight off?”

“I’m getting to the stage of desperation for that type of rise. If I could get the same medication cheaper, I would.”

“I’ve since been put on an 18-month waiting list for specialist weight management support through my GP.”

Charities’ Warning

Charitable organizations stress that Debbie’s story is common and highlight the challenges faced by people with lower incomes in maintaining healthy diets and managing weight, especially with rising food prices.

Summary

Access to NHS weight-loss drugs in Scotland is inconsistent, resulting in significant barriers for lower-income individuals, who often face long waiting times or must rely on expensive private treatments.

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STV News STV News — 2025-11-07

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