Boots is rolling out a new 'drop in' service that will allow customers to buy weight loss jabs across 17 of its stores across the UK.
The pharmacy chain has launched the services as a trial initially in 17 locations nationwide, meaning shoppers can access treatments such as Mounjaro and Wegovy on the high street for the first time. The service will be based in-stores and will allow customers to attend an in-person consultation with a pharmacist in a private consultation room, where their health and medical history will be assessed to determine if they are eligible for treatment.
Until now, weight loss medication has largely only been available via online prescriptions, or via GPs in England who are allowed to prescribe Mounjaro on the NHS. However, such prescriptions have been restricted to severely obese people who also suffer from a range of other health problems.
Estimates suggest more than 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking weight loss drugs, which may have been prescribed through specialist weight loss services or via private prescription.
But the Boots trial means customers will be able to access weight loss drugs on the high street and can simply pop in for a consultation during lunch breaks.
Jamie Kerruish, chief healthcare officer at Boots, said: "We know that people have different preferences for how they access healthcare services - some seeking online support and some wanting in person conversations with their local practitioner.
"The launch of our in-store weight loss treatment service alongside our digital offer delivered through Boots Online Doctor means we can now deliver convenient care to people both online or in person."
He added: "Our weight loss treatment services are for anyone whose lives are affected by obesity. For people who are overweight or living with obesity, it can be hard to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
"Weight loss treatment combined with 360 support to make lifestyle and behavioural changes, can be a powerful tool in helping people manage their weight and at Boots we are here for every step of our customers' weight loss journeys."
Boots has already been selling Mounjaro, made by Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk's treatment Wegovy through its Boots Online Doctor service. Customers can book in-store appointments for the service online or on a walk-in basis at stores taking part in the pilot.
Listed are the 17 Boots stores across the UK that are offering the weight loss drug service:
Nottingham, Victoria Centre, Nottinghamshire
Cardiff, Queen Street, Wales
Durham, Market Place, County Durham
Belfast, Donegal Place, Northern Ireland
Edinburgh, Princes Street, Scotland
Newcastle, Sidgate, Tyne and Wear
St Albans, St Peters Street, Hertfordshire
London, Liverpool Street Station
Leicester, Fosse Park, Leicestershire
Brighton, North Street, East Sussex
London, Piccadilly Circus
Dartford, Blue Water, Kent
Altrincham, Stamford Quarter, Trafford, Greater Manchester
Chester-Le-Street, County Durham
Middlesbrough, Nunthorpe, North Yorkshire
Bath, Southgate Centre, Somerset
Lisburn, Sprucefield, Northern Ireland
