Asda Online Doctor has become one of the first private online clinics to sell WeGovy pills after opening for pre-orders.
The pills received regulatory approval earlier this month, making the treatment accessible to those put off by weekly injections for the first time.
PwC has forecast a surge in demand which could see the number of adults using GLP-1 drugs leap to two-and-a-half times current levels to 13%.
Asda’s own research found more than one in five (22%) of overweight adults said a fear of the injections had put them off medical weight management treatments.
Over 13,000 people had already signed up to hear more about the Wegovy pills from Asda Online Doctor before it opened for pre-orders.
In taking orders for Wegovy pills, Asda has stolen a march on category giants including MedExpress and Superdrug, which are still open for registrations of interest only.
“We know managing weight is not one-size-fits-all, and different approaches may suit different people,” said Faye Breckons, director of healthcare services at Asda. “Expanding our service means we can support more patients with options that fit their needs, while ensuring all care is delivered safely and appropriately.
“Through Asda Online Doctor, our focus remains on providing trusted clinical care, convenient access to services and clear information to help patients make informed decisions about their health.”
Initial reports predicted Wegovy pills would make the weight-loss drug more affordable. However the lowest dose of Wegovy pills costs more than the injection. A month’s supply of the 1.5mg pills starts at £98.97, compared with £88.97 for a 0.25g four-week injection pen.
Asda Online Doctor has been a strong performer for the beleaguered supermarket group, which has suffered falling grocery sales and market share. Sales are up by more than 50% year on year.
After Worldpanel figures showed it was the only grocer to lose sales over the past 12 weeks, a spokesman said: “Asda is much more than a supermarket, with a significant proportion of our sales coming from non-food areas that are not captured in Worldpanel data.
“This is a clear competitive advantage for us.”
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