Chemist chain Boots is gearing up for a major push into the weight loss market as it battles for high street customers, it has been reported.
The Nottingham-based firm is to start selling Weight Watchers products, previously available only to members of the slimming firm or online, through its stores, according to the Mail on Sunday.
Boots is also stepping up investment in its own weight loss products and programmes as part of the drive. The chemist currently offers weight loss advice through its pharmacies and has a service on its website.
The group, which has almost 2,500 UK stores ranging from small pharmacies to large health and beauty outlets, is said to want to become the principal source of advice in the UK for weight loss and will back this up with advertising and more clearly defined sections in stores.
If the initial campaign gets a good response it could be extended to include advice in stores and other services, it is understood.
The company, which was taken private in an £11.1 billion takeover in 2007, last year became the third UK retailer to post profits of more than £1 billion behind Tesco and Marks & Spencer. The group employs around 75,000 staff in the UK.
Last week, Prime Minister David Cameron said drastic action was needed on obesity to prevent health costs soaring and life expectancy falling.
Obesity could soon overtake smoking and drinking as the biggest health challenge facing Britain, the Prime Minister added.
Boots declined to comment.