7,660 Scots prescribed weight loss drugs on NHS but demand could be far higher

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today called on the SNP government to ensure fair and equal access to weight loss drugs across the country, with research from his party showing at least 7,660 patients in Scotland are being prescribed weight loss medication.

Figures published in October show that around two thirds of Scottish adults are overweight, and one-third are living with obesity. It is projected that by 2040 female cases of obesity will rise by 118,000, while male cases will rise by 36,000.

In March, a BBC report found that most health boards are not currently prescribing Mounjaro or Wegovy for weight loss. It also found that any patients prescribed the drugs on the NHS would need to see a specialist before starting the injections, and there are long waits for weight management services.

There have also been reported shortages of weight loss medication after US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, which manufactures Mounjaro, announced it was increasing the cost of the drug by up to 170%.

Scottish Liberal Democrats asked the Scottish Government how many people are currently being prescribed weight loss medications, including Wegovy and Mounjaro.

The data showed that between January to March 2025:

• At least 7,660 people were being prescribed weight loss medication in Scotland.
• Mounjaro was the most prescribed weight loss medication, with 4,082 patients taking it.
• 3,168 patients had been prescribed Orlistat, while 406 had been prescribed Wegovy.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“As well as the obvious risks to individuals, rising levels of obesity will only heap more pressure on a health service that is already swamped.

“The SNP cannot afford to slouch around on this. It’s important that the government takes decisive action now to stop things from spiralling.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats have a realistic plan to invest in preventative care and cut the burden on the NHS. Weight loss drugs are a key part of the solution.

“Right now, there are too many obstacles to people accessing the drugs, from long waits for weight management to price hikes and reports of drugs being stockpiled. Ministers need to be on the front foot about ensuring fair and equal access to weight loss medications across the country, which includes working in close step with health boards to achieve that.

"Scotland deserves better than years of SNP mismanagement of our health service. Wherever you are, every vote for the Scottish Liberal Democrats on the second peach ballot at next May’s election will deliver change with fairness at its heart.”