A major UK health insurer has become the first in the country to provide customers with discounted weight loss treatments for up to a year as part of its health cover.
The company, which ranks as the UK’s third-largest private health insurer with 1.9 million members, announced that it will offer discounts of up to 20% on medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. These weight-loss drugs, though highly effective, are often costly. Eligibility for the scheme will be based on body mass index (BMI) and weight-related health conditions.
Members can apply for the programme by completing a health profile through the insurer’s app. Those with a BMI of 35 or higher will have access to a structured medication pathway, which includes consultations with a dietitian and reduced-cost anti-obesity medications for up to 12 months, depending on their health risks.
The weight-loss medication market is rapidly expanding, driven by a new class of drugs known as GLP-1s, which mimic gut hormones to suppress appetite. These injections, administered once a week, have proven highly effective in supporting weight loss and have been linked to additional health benefits, such as lowering the risk of heart attacks and kidney disease.
However, the cost of these treatments remains a key concern. Wegovy, developed by a Danish pharmaceutical company, is priced at £139 per month in the UK for a starter dose, rising to £269 for higher doses. Approved for NHS use in 2023, the drug has demonstrated an average weight reduction of 15% over a year. Similarly, Mounjaro, produced by a US-based manufacturer and approved for NHS use last year, has been shown to help users lose around 20% of their body weight in clinical trials, with an estimated maximum annual cost of £1,435.
The introduction of these medications aligns with the insurer’s existing weight loss programme, which incentivizes members to adopt healthier lifestyles through diet and exercise. Nearly half of participants (48%) in the programme have successfully achieved around 5% weight loss, benefiting from reduced insurance excess and additional rewards.
Obesity is estimated to cost the NHS approximately £6.5 billion annually, contributing to serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
In contrast, weight-loss drug coverage remains limited in other countries. A recent survey in the US found that fewer than one in five large companies included these medications in their health insurance plans.
A senior executive from the insurer emphasized the growing impact of obesity on workplace health, stating: “While some risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, are declining, obesity, mental health challenges, and musculoskeletal issues are on the rise.
Stay tuned to London Pulse News for updates on the impact of weight loss treatment coverage on UK healthcare policies.
