NHS prescribing of Ozempic-style drugs varies tenfold across Scotland
A report has found that NHS prescribing of Ozempic-style medicines varies tenfold between Scottish health boards, raising concerns that access may depend on where patients live. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry says differences in patient need do not fully explain the gap and is calling for more co-ordinated implementation of medicines approved for NHS use.
The Western Isles had the highest recorded prescribing rate, while Shetland had the lowest; Greater Glasgow and Clyde also ranked highly despite having the second-lowest prevalence of overweight and obesity. The report says most NHS prescriptions are for type 2 diabetes, while obesity treatment remains more limited: 71 per cent of Scottish respondents who used weight-loss medication in the past year obtained it privately. Separately, just 705 people received weight-loss injections through NHS pilot schemes over three years.
In short
- Prescribing rates differ tenfold across Scottish health boards.
- Most NHS use is for type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity treatment remains limited on the NHS.
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The case for
The tenfold variation, including high prescribing in an area with relatively low obesity prevalence, suggests that differences in need alone may not account for access. More co-ordinated implementation could help ensure that patients eligible for approved medicines are treated consistently, rather than facing different prospects because of where they live.
The case against
Prescribing rates may reflect more than population-level obesity figures, including differences in diabetes burden, clinical eligibility, local services and how health boards organise care. A uniform approach could overlook these local circumstances, so variation by itself does not establish unfair access or show that every board should prescribe at the same rate.
Explained simply
Ozempic-style medicines mimic a gut hormone to help regulate blood sugar and appetite. Some are used to treat type 2 diabetes, while certain medicines in the group can also be prescribed for weight management under specific NHS rules.
In Scotland, NHS care is organised through regional health boards, which plan and provide services for local populations. Differences in prescribing can reflect factors such as patient need, clinical guidance and how services are set up.
Access matters because these medicines may help some people manage diabetes or obesity, but NHS eligibility and availability differ from private treatment. Comparing prescribing rates can show how consistently approved medicines are reaching patients across the country.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Scottish patients face Ozempic postcode lottery”.