Obesity is a serious concern!
According to a study, obesity is a significant public health concern in Britain and other parts of the world. According to the Obesity Statistics, approximately 25.9% of adults in England are obese, and a population of 37.9% is overweight but not obese. Every one in four children in Year 6 is either obese or severely obese. An obese or overweight individual is susceptible to several health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea and some cancers. In July 2020, the government expanded its National Health Services to help its citizens manage their weight.
Weight Loss Medicines generate significant revenue!
After alleviating initial supply shortages, Reuters reported that online pharmacies and slimming clinics in Britain are reducing prices for Wegovy and Mounjaro, the newly introduced weight-loss medications. These drugs have seen an upswing in demand to the point that people seek alternative ways outside the NHS to get the drug. Pharma companies, namely Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, have gained noteworthy proceeds from such self-paying patients, thus prompting retailers to implement competitive pricing strategies.
Simple Online Pharmacy, among others, has slashed the price of Mounjaro starter doses from £179 to £149 for a one-month supply, citing unprecedented demand and easing supply chain pressures. The move aligns with a broader trend of price reductions observed across various weight loss clinics, such as Mayfair Weight Loss Clinic and London Slimming Clinic, as they vie for market share in the burgeoning weight-loss drug market.
Darrin Baines, a health economics professor and founder of Intelligent Parameters consultancy, noted the industry’s efforts to determine profit margins amidst evolving market dynamics. However, concerns arise about potential implications for patient care continuity, especially when patients opt for providers that offer these drugs at lower prices.
Caution
People with a BMI of at least 35 and weight-related illnesses can access these medicines under the NHS. This limitation of prescription opens a window to people seeking alternative avenues.
Professor Nick Finer of University College London flags a red signal against trivializing the medical nature of these drugs, pressing the importance of consistent treatment under medical supervision. He further emphasized that while driven by competitive pricing, retail marketing strategies must prioritize patient safety and long-term therapeutic adherence.
