A new survey, compiled by charity and think tank The Food Foundation, has revealed that an estimated 8.25 million people in the UK have either taken, are taking, or are considering taking GLP‑1 weight loss medications, amid growing concerns over equity of access and longer‑term impacts.
As a result of this rapid and unprecedented surge in demand for GLP‑1s, the UK’s appetite for the drugs is now outpacing NHS capacity and raising clear concerns about the nation’s entrenched health inequalities, The Food Foundation said.
Demand outstrips NHS capacity
The foundation’s survey, conducted in January, found that nearly 7% of the UK population have already used GLP‑1 drugs, while a further 8% are considering or have considered taking them.
With 66% of the UK population currently overweight or living with obesity, the foundation estimates that around 29 million people in England are technically eligible to receive the drugs on the NHS.
However, with the NHS predicted to struggle to meet rapidly growing demand, the think tank warns that around 90% of UK patients are now accessing GLP‑1s privately or off‑label.
As such, the report raises clear concerns over the potential for unsafe or unregulated use, including a growing black market, and the lack of behavioural and psychological support for private users.
The Food Foundation says this is especially worrying as most people regain weight after stopping treatment, making early wrap‑around support crucial for long‑term success.
Currently, the NHS is aiming to reach 220,000 people over three years from June 2025, with a longer‑term target of reaching 3.4 million people over 12 years – far below anticipated demand.
Equity and long‑term risks
“While there can be no doubt that GLP‑1 drugs are a highly effective treatment option for those living with obesity and related conditions, significant questions remain about their long‑term impact,” said Rebecca Tobi, head of food business transformation at The Food Foundation.
“There remain a number of gaps in the evidence base, wider unanswered questions around the potential impact on health inequities, and the risk of unintended consequences from unregulated online prescription of the drugs and their long‑term use.”
She continued: “The government must remain focused on the wider prevention agenda. And food businesses and investors must continue to ensure wholesale shifts in portfolios towards food offerings that are both healthy and affordable.”
The report warns that due to the disparity between availability and demand, people from lower‑income communities – who are more likely to be living with obesity – are also significantly less likely to be able to afford private prescriptions and are therefore set to be disproportionately affected by the shortage.
Food businesses and investors must continue to ensure wholesale shifts in portfolios towards food offerings that are both healthy and affordable.
Rebecca Tobi, head of food business transformation, The Food Foundation
The Food Foundation says this risks widening existing health inequalities further, and warns that food businesses may respond to growing numbers of consumers taking GLP‑1s by increasing prices to recoup profits lost through declining volumes, or by continuing to launch premium versions of pre‑prepared meals and products designed and marketed specifically for GLP‑1 users.
Call for joined‑up action
Despite the rapid weight‑loss effects offered by GLP‑1s, the charity also cautions against blind reliance on the medication, as studies show rapid weight regain when patients return to the wider food environment following the standard two‑year NHS GLP‑1 prescription.
This, the report argues, is driven by easier access to unhealthy options compared with healthier choices. As such, it stresses that regulating the food environment must remain a policy priority, with more evidence needed on long‑term effects – particularly for children and adolescents – and on extended or repeated use.
Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, added: “There is a real risk that those who would benefit most are the least able to access these medicines – either at all, or as intended alongside the wrap‑around support needed to sustain weight loss.”
“Expanding NHS access is necessary, but only part of the answer. These medicines should be a reset moment to improve the food environment, while also supporting the health of people living with obesity. Lasting progress will depend on doing both.”
