How Much Do Weight Loss Injections Cost?
- Editorial Staff
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
Helping find the right option for your budget
Weight loss injections have become extremely popular in the UK in the past few years. In part, this is because the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) recognises the obesity burden in the country.
The effectiveness of these drugs in weight loss efforts is due to their ability to suppress appetite in conjunction with following a nutrient-rich diet and committing to an exercise programme.
Despite its effectiveness, one of the biggest challenges surrounding these drugs is the cost and subsequent accessibility of obtaining them. While they can be acquired through the NHS or privately, the staggering difference in cost has many pausing on their purchases.
[Image 1: Beyza Yılmaz via Unsplash]
Options available in the UK:
The main weight loss injections available in the UK are Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Saxenda (liraglutide) and their generics. However, it is important to note that the NHS only makes provisions for Wegovy and Saxenda.
These injections are prescribed to people suffering from obesity in conjunction with other chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Ultimately, they are optimal for people who are susceptible to greater health complications that stem from their weight.
These injections are administered to people via injections into the skin, and they help by lowering a person’s appetite, resulting in them feeling fuller and less hungry while on the medication.
Criteria for NHS assistance
In both private and NHS-issued prescriptions, there are strict criteria surrounding who is able to receive this medication. A person’s BMI is required, and weight-related health conditions that are referred to a specialist weight management service are also essential.
Specifically:
• A person needs to have a BMI of 35 or more to be considered for either drug.
• For Sandexa, the patient is required to have a type of high blood sugar called non-diabetic hyperglycemia and be at risk for heart attacks, strokes and other heart problems due to high blood pressure or cholesterol.
When obtaining the injections through the NHS, you are obliged to pay the standard prescription charge, unless you are exempt.
Prices:
• Prescription: £9.90 per item, unless exempt.
• Wegovy 2.4mg on the NHS is listed at £175.80 per pack.
• Saxenda on NHS is listed at £196.20 per 5-pen pack.
Note: Not all General Practitioners (GPs) can prescribe these injections, and access may be limited due to stock or local policies in place.
Costs and what to expect
Each drug has a different price point depending on the dosage you require and the pharmacy you use.
Wegovy
Starting dose of 0.25mg: Between £109 and £130 per month.
Maximum dose of 2.4mg: Between £269 and £299 per month.
Mounjaro
Starting dose of 2.5mg: Between £119 and £130 per month.
Maximum dose of 15mg: Between £180 and £245 per month.
Saxenda
Per pen: Between £46 and £55 each.
Monthly: Between £127 and £239, depending on the pack size.
Note: The costs of these injections may vary depending on the pharmacy, dosage, and pack size. Online pharmacies can offer better prices for these weight loss injections, but research needs to be done to ensure they are able to deliver to you.
Factors that influence the cost of the drugs
• Dosage: The higher dosage you need will equate to higher monthly costs.
• Provider: The cost of the injections can differ if you order from online pharmacies versus brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
• Brands: Sometimes, the generic options of the weight loss injection may be cheaper.
• Bulk buying: Some providers offer discounts for multipack purchases.
• Long-term costs: Using these injections for a year can lead to a larger cumulative cost.
• Insurance: Private patients can’t switch to NHS provision at a later stage.
• Affordability: The high cost of these weight loss injections can limit your access to drugs.
[Image 2: Marek Studzinski via Unsplash]
Cost-related concerns:
• Assessments: As these medications are prescription only, you need to be prescribed by a professional after receiving a proper assessment. These assessments can be costly in addition to buying the injections.
• Health risks: Sometimes, there are weight loss injections that seem cheaper or easier to access, but buying injections that may be counterfeit and contain substances that are harmful and unknown can lead to further risks. This may result in you requiring treatment, which can cost more.
• Private Cost: These medications can be expensive when bought privately, and they are rarely covered by the NHS, unless the person meets strict eligibility criteria. That being said, even through the NHS, there are standard prescription charges, unless the patient qualifies for an exemption.
• Continual Purchases: Pricing is dose-dependent, and long-term users face escalating expenses when moving to higher maintenance doses. It can be a cumulative burden for private patients.
• Bulk Purchasing: There may also be pressure to buy multiple doses at once, requiring a larger upfront payment.
• Support: Private patients typically receive less support, such as nutrition and exercise advice, compared to NHS patients. This can lead to misuse of the injections and to experiencing adverse reactions. This may require the patient to seek out additional treatment or appointments with respective practitioners.
How to mitigate costs
If NHS eligibility is not met, you need to look at other ways of funding your weight loss injections without breaking the bank.
• Bulk Buying: This option is only a consideration if you can front the large upfront cost.
• Introductory Offers and Discounts: These are offered by private clinics and online customers. There are discounts and codes that can be leveraged against your first order,
• Comparing Providers: Whether you are looking at online providers or local ones, this can help you find the best deal.
• Lifestyle Savings: For weight loss injections to be effective, you need to make lifestyle adjustments. The injections help with reducing cravings, and you will find yourself spending less on unhealthy food options. This can help offset the costs of the medication.
• Savings Fund: You can build a savings fund, akin to an emergency fund. The contributions toward this fund can be used for bulk purchases in the future.
• Payment Plans: Some clinics may offer payment plans to help spread the treatment cost over a few months.
• Consulting your GP: They may have insight on local schemes, studies or support services that can help you with accessing the drug or reducing the cost.
• Stay Informed: Access to these drugs is expanding, and by staying informed with the NHS rollouts and keeping in touch with your GP can help with learning about new referral pathways or pilot schemes locally
Conclusion:
Weight loss injections are gaining popularity, to the point where there are constant rumours of shortages. The reality is that these drugs, depending on how you purchase them, can be extremely expensive. While the NHS route is significantly cheaper than a private purchase, other factors can come into play when you don’t have their assistance. These factors include where you buy them and how you buy them. In order for this drug not to create a cumulative expense, there are ways to mitigate the costs through savings and payment plans.
Related Content
