Controversial weight loss jab to launch at UK pharmacies

A controversial weight loss jab used by some high-profile celebrities will be available at UK high street chemists from the spring.

Semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, will be launched on-prescription in Boots across the country.

The drug contains the same ingredient as diabetes medicine Ozempic which is said to be used by Hollywood actors to stay slim.

Wegovy is self-injected in the stomach once a week.

A Boots spokesman said:

“Wegovy is a prescription-only weight-loss medicine that can help to regulate appetite and reduce cravings.

“It can be an effective medicine to achieve sustained weight loss when used alongside a reduced calorie diet, increased physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.

“The Boots Online Doctor Weight Loss Treatment service is for customers who are worried that their weight is impacting their health.

“Customers will have access to treatment following their completion of an online consultation form, which will be assessed by a clinician.”

In trials, semaglutide helped obese people lose a 10th of their bodyweight when used alongside healthy diet and exercise.

However, researchers have also found that users may regain most of the weight after coming off the drug.

Tom Quinn from eating disorder charity Beat warned that Wegovy should not be viewed as a ‘quick fix’.

He said:

“These medications can be very attractive to people with eating disorders as they seemingly offer a ‘quick fix’ solution, however there is a very high risk of making those affected even more unwell and can further entrench eating disorder thoughts and behaviours.

“It is vital that people are aware of the dangers of abusing medication in order to lose weight and there should be more education on their effects.”