New polling shows that demand for weight loss drugs is skyrocketing among under-35s, sparking concern among experts that demand may soon outstrip supply.
The data shows that 35 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds tried to access weight-loss medication in the past year, a significantly higher proportion than the national average of 21 per cent.
Relatedly, 64 per cent of 25- to 34-year-olds say they would use weight loss jabs if they were free on the NHS, compared with the national average of 41 per cent.
Historically, drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have been reserved for those who need them for medical reasons (such as those with type 2 diabetes). But the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has suggested that it’s becoming clear that many of the people seeking out weight loss drugs do not need them.
In April 2025, 1.6 million packs of Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro were bought in the UK. It’s likely that the soaring popularity of weight loss drugs is being driven by the return of extreme thinness returning as a beauty ideal, with many young people seeking to lose weight for aesthetic reasons (often at the expense of their health).
Worryingly, with demand soaring, supply of these medicines has already been hit by shortages in some parts of the UK, which has prevented some new patients from beginning a course of the drugs.
“Weight loss jabs are one of the biggest drug innovations this century but growing demand for weight loss treatment highlights the need to make sure this is appropriate for those who want it,” said Olivier Picard, the chair of the National Pharmacy Association. “It’s clear from this polling that more people are interested in getting weight loss jabs than can benefit from weight loss medication.”
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the UK’s drugs watchdog, has urged patients not to buy drugs from unregulated online sellers.