Something’s happening in Brighton’s healthcare scene that’s worth talking about. Walk past any of the medical clinics along Church Road or Western Road, and you’ll notice more people discussing weight loss injections than ever before. Mounjaro and Wegovy aren’t just medical terms anymore—they’re part of everyday conversations across the city.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Brighton has quietly become a leader in weight loss injection prescriptions across the UK. Local clinics report a massive increase in consultations, with some seeing their prescription numbers triple since last year.
The statistics paint an interesting picture. Brighton has the lowest adult overweight/obesity rate in the South East at 49.2%, compared to England’s 63.8% and the South East’s 63.1%. But that still means nearly half of Brighton residents are carrying extra weight.
The city has significant health challenges despite the positive overall numbers. Only 37% of Brighton residents are at a healthy weight, with 36% overweight and 25% obese. Just 38% of adults eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily, and one in three 11-year-olds is obese.
More concerning are the inequality gaps. In Brighton’s most deprived areas, obesity rates among children are twice as high as in affluent areas—25.8% versus 12.8%. Some wards like Moulsecoomb and Bevendean show reception-age overweight/obesity rates as high as 30.4%.
Brighton also has 4.3% of adults diagnosed with diabetes, with an estimated total prevalence of 6.9% including undiagnosed cases. People with diabetes here are 98.5% more likely to have a heart attack and 49.1% more likely to have a stroke than those without.
The city has a high number of fast food outlets, especially in deprived areas, which correlates with higher obesity rates. Over 5,000 people weekly use Brighton’s emergency food network, highlighting ongoing struggles with food insecurity.
Recent success stories show promise though. In a 2025 study of Brighton adults using digital weight loss platforms, over 52% lost at least 5% of their body weight within 12 months, and 24% lost at least 10%. The average weight loss was 7.8 kg (11.9% of starting weight), with the most engaged users losing 22.3 kg (21.7%).
What Makes These Injections Different
Let’s cut through the medical jargon. Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work by changing how your body handles hunger signals. Instead of constantly thinking about food, people find they feel satisfied with normal portions.
These GLP-1 medications are showing particularly impressive results in clinical trials, with Mounjaro participants losing up to 23% of body weight compared to 15% with Wegovy. Both are weekly weight loss injections that help regulate blood sugar levels while reducing appetite and supporting cardiovascular health.
The key difference from traditional weight loss drugs? These obesity medications don’t just suppress appetite, they actually change how your body processes food and manages hunger hormones, offering comprehensive health benefits beyond just reducing body weight.
Brighton’s Medical Scene Adapts
Local healthcare providers have been quick to embrace these new treatments. Weight Loss Clinics across Brighton and Hove are offering comprehensive programs that combine weight loss medications with lifestyle support.
The approach here isn’t just “take this injection and lose weight.” Brighton’s medical community is focusing on holistic care, combining the GLP-1 treatments with nutritional guidance, exercise support, and regular health monitoring to preserve muscle mass during dramatic weight loss.
Several clinics now offer specialised prescriptions for weight loss, with waiting times typically around 2-3 weeks compared to much longer waits in other UK cities.
How Local Businesses Are Responding
The restaurant scene in Brighton is subtly adapting. Many establishments have started offering smaller portion options or “lighter” menu sections without making a big announcement about it.
Fitness centres are also seeing changes. Gyms report that people on these injectable drugs often approach exercise differently—less focused on burning calories and more interested in building strength and maintaining muscle mass during weight loss. This shift in fitness culture aligns perfectly with Brighton’s broader wellness ethos, exemplified by events like the Brighton Marathon in April, which draws thousands of participants to the city’s scenic seafront route and reinforces the community’s commitment to health and fitness goals.
Some yoga studios and wellness centres have introduced classes specifically designed for people whose energy levels and body composition are changing during weight loss.
The Community Aspect
Brighton’s approach to these medications reflects the city’s broader attitude toward health and wellness. Rather than treating weight loss as a private struggle, there’s been a move toward community support.
Informal support networks have emerged, with people sharing experiences about managing side effects, finding reliable suppliers, and maintaining results long-term.
The city’s existing wellness infrastructure—from health food shops to alternative therapy centres—has provided a supportive environment for people navigating these new treatments.
Safety and Regulation Concerns
With popularity comes problems. Local healthcare providers are seeing an increase in people seeking help after purchasing counterfeit medications online.
The medicines regulator has issued warnings about fake versions of both Mounjaro and Wegovy being sold through unofficial channels. Brighton’s medical community is actively educating patients about the importance of obtaining these medications through legitimate sources.
Side effects, while generally manageable, do require medical supervision. Common gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, digestive problems, and fatigue—all reasons why proper medical oversight is essential. Some patients may also experience effects on blood pressure, and those with existing health conditions like kidney disease require careful monitoring.
Beyond Individual Results
The trend is having broader effects on Brighton’s health landscape. Local GPs report more conversations about weight management as a medical condition rather than a lifestyle choice, with many patients exploring digital health platforms alongside traditional obesity treatments.
There’s also been an increase in referrals to nutritionists, personal trainers, and mental health professionals as people approach weight loss more holistically. Some patients are even considering these medications as an alternative to bariatric surgery for extreme weight loss cases.
The city’s already strong focus on mental health support has proven valuable, as many people find that significant weight loss brings psychological challenges alongside the physical changes.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Brighton’s embrace of these medications reflects a shift in how we think about obesity and weight management. Rather than treating excess weight as a personal failing, there’s growing recognition of it as a health condition that can benefit from medical intervention, moving away from the idea of a “magic bullet” toward comprehensive health plans.
The city’s progressive healthcare approach, combined with its culture of wellness and self-improvement, has created an environment where these new treatments can be integrated thoughtfully rather than used as quick fixes.
What This Means for Brighton
This trend represents more than just a new weight loss option—it’s changing how the city approaches health and wellness. From healthcare providers to restaurants to fitness centres, businesses are adapting to serve people whose relationship with food and exercise is evolving.
The success of these programs in Brighton might serve as a model for other UK cities looking to integrate these medications into their healthcare systems effectively.
For a city that’s always been at the forefront of health and wellness trends, Brighton’s thoughtful approach to weight loss injections feels like a natural evolution rather than a dramatic shift.
Whether this trend continues to grow or stabilises at current levels, it’s already changed the conversation about weight management in Brighton—and that might be its most lasting impact.
