New data has identified Bolton as the leading UK town most interested in weight loss medications, based on recent search data. Following closely are Croydon and Doncaster, ranking second and third respectively in the study examining interest levels across the country.
Rising Interest in Weight Loss Medications
Interest in weight loss medications has surged globally in recent years. In the United States, nearly half (45%) of adults have shown interest in prescription weight-loss drugs, according to research by KFF. This trend has been mirrored in the UK, partly driven by the popularity of the drug Ozempic, which has gained traction through endorsements from celebrities and social media influencers.
Investigative Study by Simple Online Pharmacy
Simple Online Pharmacy conducted an investigation to pinpoint which UK areas show the most interest in newly available weight loss medications. Using Google Keyword Planner, the study analysed the average number of monthly searches for terms related to weight loss medications. These included general searches like ‘best weight loss medication’ and specific drug names such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda.
The total number of searches was then compared to the local population sizes in various towns and cities across the UK to determine where interest in weight loss medications is highest.
Top Findings
Bolton emerged as the area with the highest interest, recording 2,159 monthly searches per 100,000 people for weight loss drugs and related terms, amounting to an overall monthly search volume of 3,051.
Croydon ranked second with 1,706 monthly searches per 100,000 people, totalling an average of 2,958 searches per month.
In third place, Doncaster had 1,620 searches per 100,000 people, with a monthly average of 1,840 searches.
Wakefield followed in fourth place, with an average of 1,581 monthly searches per 100,000 people and an overall monthly average of 1,736 searches.
Rounding out the top five was Manchester, recording 1,482 monthly searches per 100,000 people, corresponding to 5,863 total monthly searches related to weight loss medication.
Other towns and cities making the top ten list include Lincoln (1,473 searches per 100,000 people), Stockport (1,422), Salford (1,260), Huddersfield (1,231), and Peterborough (1,217).
Least Interested Areas
On the other end of the spectrum, Oxford was identified as the area least interested in weight loss medication, with only 270 monthly searches per 100,000 people and a total of 438 searches per month.
Derby ranked second to last with 278 monthly searches per 100,000 people and an overall average of 752 searches per month.
Cardiff followed, recording 290 monthly searches per 100,000 people, equating to an average of 1,295 monthly searches.
Nottingham and Kingston upon Hull were also among the areas with the least interest, averaging 327 and 381 monthly searches per 100,000 people respectively. Nottingham had an overall monthly average of 1,058 searches, while Kingston upon Hull had 1,197.
Other areas with low interest levels included Stoke-on-Trent (418 searches per 100,000 people), Reading (426), Southend-on-Sea (438), Northampton (452), and Southampton (477).
Top 10 areas most interested in weight loss medications
| Rank | Location | Average Monthly Search Volume Per 100,000 residents |
| 1. | Bolton | 2,159 |
| 2. | Croydon | 1,706 |
| 3. | Doncaster | 1,620 |
| 4. | Wakefield | 1,581 |
| 5. | Manchester | 1,482 |
| 6. | Lincoln | 1,473 |
| 7. | Stockport | 1,422 |
| 8. | Salford | 1,260 |
| 9. | Huddersfield | 1,231 |
| 10. | Peterborough | 1,217 |
Expert Commentary
Commenting on the findings, Addy Mohammed, CEO of Simple Online Pharmacy, said, “The recent increase in weight loss searches has undoubtedly led to a significant rise in interest for weight loss medications over the past year. People are keen to see if they are eligible for weight loss medications available on the NHS.”
The study highlights the growing trend of individuals seeking pharmaceutical solutions for weight management, reflecting broader societal shifts towards addressing obesity and related health issues. With weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda gaining popularity, the data underscores the importance of understanding regional interest and the potential impact on public health services.
For more information, visit https://www.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk/.