GLP-1 weight loss users UK: 1.5 million strong and growing fast
Peter Paumgardhen | Last update: 15th July 2025
The numbers tell a powerful story: weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are no longer a fringe solution. Across the UK, millions of us are using these medications to take control of their health. Yet for many people, it can still feel like a lonely journey. At SlimrChat, we believe in making that journey easier by connecting people who are walking the same path and sharing what really works.
TL;DR
- 1.5 million people in the UK are now using GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
- Private online providers supply most prescriptions, making this one of the UK’s fastest-growing trends in healthcare.
- This is no longer a niche treatment; it is a movement reshaping how people manage obesity.
- You’re not alone, SlimrChat is here to help you navigate this journey.
A weight loss movement, not a niche trend
If you’re using GLP-1 weight loss drugs, you’re far from alone. In fact, you’re part of one of the fastest-growing health movements in the UK today. New data from market intelligence experts at IQVIA shows that as of March 2025, around 1.5 million people in the UK are using GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro (Sigma Conference, 12 May 2025).
Wegovy became available via private prescription in September 2023, followed by Mounjaro in February 2024. Since then, private online providers have led the charge, supplying around 80% of all GLP-1 prescriptions for weight loss. This is not just a passing trend, it has become a major part of the private healthcare market.
According to Chris Pilsbury from IQVIA, the overall UK weight management market has seen an average monthly volume growth of 24.6% since October 2023, driven largely by GLP-1s being used for weight management.
Why is this happening now?
The numbers are eye opening. According to IQVIA’s Chris Pilsbury, weight loss medications have driven 56% of the entire private medicines market growth over the past year. That’s more than any other therapy area.
And this is just the beginning. Analysts predict that obesity treatment could soon become the 4th largest therapy area worldwide, reflecting the scale of innovation and demand in this space. GLP-1s have shifted from something a few specialists talked about to a mainstream health conversation.
Private online pharmacies: Leading the way
Most people are getting their GLP-1 weight loss drugs from online providers rather than their local pharmacy. Why? Because it is easier, faster, and for many, more private. You do not need to explain yourself at a pharmacy counter or worry about judgement. Instead, you get professional care in a way that fits your life.
If you have ordered from for example Pharmacy2U, Juniper, or The Independent Pharmacy, you are part of this shift. It is a bit like when people started buying contact lenses or hair loss treatments online, modern health needs modern solutions.
SlimrChat’s take
At SlimrChat, we see this movement up close every day. In our Forums, people share what it really feels like to use GLP-1 weight loss drugs. The excitement when hunger fades. The worry when side effects show up. The real talk about cost, choice, and what friends and family say. We know because we are on this journey too.
This is more than a trend, it is people taking control of their health in ways that work for them. SlimrChat is here to help make sense of it all, whether you are comparing your first prescription or looking for tips on handling cravings.
What’s next for GLP-1 weight loss drugs?
This market is only just getting started. Over 70 companies worldwide are working on new obesity drugs. Some will be easier to take (like pills instead of injections), some may work even better, and others will aim to reduce side effects.
That means you will have more choices in the years to come, and more ways to personalise your weight loss journey.
A quick recap
- 1.5 million UK users and counting: This is now a mainstream weight loss approach.
- Private online pharmacies lead the way: Making it easier and more comfortable to access treatment.
- The future is bright: Innovation is coming fast, giving you more options.
- You are part of something bigger: SlimrChat is your place to connect, learn and share.
Ready to join the conversation?
If you are one of the 1.5 million already using GLP-1 weight loss drugs, or considering whether it is right for you, we would love to hear your story. Come join the SlimrChat Forums, where people just like you are talking about what works, what is hard, and what is changing their lives.