Thousands of patients from Scotland’s poorest areas to benefit from landmark UK government-funded obesity study

Scottish patients placed at the heart of a multi-million pound study of weight-loss medicines.

Thousands of people from across some of Scotland’s most deprived communities will be invited to take part in groundbreaking research, looking at the real-world impact of weight-loss medicines, thanks to backing from the UK government announced today (Saturday 1 November).   

The Scotland CardioMetabolic Impact Study (SCoMIS), representing a collaborative approach between the UK and Scottish Governments, will involve 3,000 to 5,000 participants from across Scotland, with the UK government announcing an initial £650,000 today to design the project.    

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

Industry leaders Novo Nordisk and IQVIA, together with the Universities of Glasgow and support from clinical leaders at the Universities of Dundee and Edinburgh, have been awarded £650,000 to engage with patients and doctors to prepare for the full launch of the study in 2026. They will plan the involvement of 3,000 to 5,000 Scottish patients living with obesity to ensure the multi-million-pound study reaches and supports those who will benefit from these medicines the most, working through pharmacies and GP surgeries.