A new ABPI report finds substantial, unexplained geographical variation in how NHS Scotland prescribes GLP-1 and related drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro (including GIP/GLP-1) across health boards. It says prescribing growth has been strong overall, but differences between boards cannot be fully accounted for by patient need.
Glasgow Times and PravdaReport both point to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as an outlier, noting it records among the highest prescribing rates even though the board’s area has relatively low recorded prevalence of overweight and obesity. They also highlight differences elsewhere, including NHS Western Isles showing high prescribing despite having a comparatively high obesity prevalence, alongside much lower prescribing in Shetland.
Across the two outlets, the shared emphasis is on the mismatch between prescribing intensity and local obesity levels, raising questions about consistency in prescribing practices between boards.
