Thousands of poorest Scots to receive free weight-loss jabs in trial

Thousands of people from some of Scotland's most deprived areas are to be offered free weight-loss jabs as part of government-funded research.

Up to 5,000 people in Scotland will take the injections as part of the multi-million pound study being led by Glasgow University.

The findings will provide insight into the lives of people living with obesity and health inequalities across the UK.

If successful, it could lead to a wider rollout of the injections throughout the country.

The UK government has provided an initial £650,000 for the Scotland CardioMetabolic Impact Study (SCoMIS).

As a leading cause of long-term illness such as heart disease and cancer, tackling obesity will help millions live longer healthier lives and reduce the pressure on health services, potentially saving the NHS billions annually.

UK Health Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said: "As a practicing NHS surgeon and Glasgow MP, I know firsthand the impact of the obesity crisis that plagues Scotland – and the litany of health problems it leads to.

"More than 1 in 3 adults in Scotland's most deprived areas are living with obesity. The UK government is committed to tackling inequality wherever it finds it in our country.

"It's why this landmark UK government investment is targeting help where it's needed most in Scotland and meeting people where they are and backing helping the NHS services they trust to treat them."

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Source: BBC News, 1 November 2025