Weight loss jabs – the pros & cons

The first medicine licensed for weight loss in the UK was semaglutide (Wegovy) in 2021, followed by tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in 2023.^[1]

In December 2024, according to Simple Online Pharmacy, a registered UK online pharmacy and doctor, 500,000 people took semaglutide and tirzepatide in the UK.^[2] Of these, 95 per cent were buying the medicines privately.^[3] Both drugs can now be prescribed on the NHS for those with the greatest need.

Experts have stressed that weight loss medicines should not be seen as a ‘silver bullet’ for losing weight.^[4] Concerns have also been expressed about various side effects and complications. 

As part of its investigation into Weight Loss Medication, the London Assembly Health Committee will:

• Explore the increasing demand for, and supply of, weight loss medicines in London
• Investigate the availability and take-up of weight loss medicines through the NHS in London
• Investigate how and on what scale Londoners are accessing weight loss medicines privately, and the regulatory framework for accessing them in this way
• Understand the benefits and risks for Londoners in accessing weight loss medicines.

The guests are: 

Panel 1: 10:00-11:25

• Dr Tamara Hibbert - Chair, Newham Local Medical Committee (LMC)
• Dorottya Norton - Joint Bariatric AHP and Specialist Adult Weight Management Clinical and Service Lead, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 

Panel 2: 11:30-13:00

• Sukhi Basra – Vice-Chair, National Pharmacy Association
• Sokratis Papafloratos - Founder and CEO, Numan
• Joanna Hollington – Principal Dietitian, Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
• Neha Ramaiya, Lead Clinical Advisor, General Pharmaceutical Council

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 10 September from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend. 
 
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube
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