Almost 2.5 million people in Britain ordered weight-loss injections in July, a striking increase from just 493,000 the previous year. This surge reflects the skyrocketing popularity of drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy, which have been hailed as breakthroughs in the battle against obesity and related health conditions. However, this rapid rise in demand coincides with significant market turbulence, notably a dramatic price increase introduced in September that may have tempered consumer enthusiasm for these treatments.

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly raised the list price of Mounjaro—dubbed the "King Kong" of weight-loss injections—by as much as 170%, with the highest monthly dose now costing £330, up from £122. According to the company, this price adjustment brings the UK cost into alignment with other European markets and reflects new clinical evidence supporting the drug's value. Despite the steep hike, NHS patients’ access remains protected through existing agreements, and the health service has started rolling out Mounjaro with stringent eligibility criteria. Over three years, the NHS plans to provide the drug to around 240,000 people, although the vast majority—estimated at 90%—currently obtain these medications privately via online and high street pharmacies.

The months leading up to the price rise saw a surge in sales and stockpiling. Between July and August alone, an additional million packs were reportedly purchased, highlighting growing demand but also consumer anticipation of higher costs. This behaviour underscores concerns about affordability, as many people who initially embraced these treatments face financial barriers following the price increase. Online pharmacies have reported sharp increases in searches for cheaper Mounjaro alternatives, with interest in such alternatives rising by thousands of percent. This has raised worries about patients turning to unregulated sources, a concern echoed by Freedom of Information data revealing that UK Border Force seized nearly 18,300 illegal weight-loss and diabetes medications between January 2024 and June 2025.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly highlighted the disparity in access to these drugs, stressing the inequities inherent in the current system. Speaking at the Labour Party conference, Streeting noted that while wealthier individuals boast about improved health and quality of life from these medications, millions struggle due to cost. He described this as "a return to the days when health was determined by wealth," reinforcing the need for equitable healthcare access. The NHS’s 10-year plan aims to address such disparities by expanding weight-loss services beyond hospitals and clinics to more accessible venues such as high streets and digital platforms, potentially bringing treatments closer to where people live and work.

Eli Lilly also temporarily paused Mounjaro shipments in the UK before the price increase to manage supply and prevent hoarding during the transition. This move was accompanied by legal protections aimed at ensuring fair distribution amid heightened demand. The firm’s broader strategy includes expanding market presence internationally, exemplified by new product launches and partnerships, such as a recent push into India supported by substantial grant funding for weight management services.

The growing appetite for GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy demonstrates a significant shift in public and medical attitudes toward obesity treatment. However, the pricing landscape and access restrictions illustrate ongoing challenges in balancing innovation, affordability, and equitable healthcare delivery. As demand continues to climb, the pressure mounts for public health systems and policymakers to adapt swiftly to these evolving realities, ensuring that breakthroughs in weight-loss treatment benefit the entire population, not just those who can afford premium prices.

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Source: Noah Wire Services