The Cost of Ozempic | Financial and Personal

I have not taken weight loss medication.

Weight loss can be very difficult for a lot of people, especially those with very busy lifestyles or chronic struggles with obesity. That’s why drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have become such a popular choice for weight loss sufferers in today’s medical landscape, offering a clinically proven way to combat the impacts of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, it’s important to consider the cost of Ozempic (and comparable drugs), both financially and on a personal level. 

This article will explore Ozempic cost considerations, so you can feel more confident if considering it as a pathway to better weight-related health. 

How much does Ozempic cost in UK medical markets?

The financial cost of drugs like Ozempic varies massively depending on whether you access the medication through the NHS or privately. 

Ozempic on the NHS

Getting Ozempic or other weight loss injections on the NHS is possible, but not as common as it is for people who take a private route. To get Ozempic or Mounjaro on the NHS, you’d need a very high BMI or to be suffering clearly from weight-related health issues like type 2 diabetes. If you’re considered eligible, prescriptions are charged at £9.90 per item, whatever they might be in England and free across the rest of the UK.

Some criteria for getting Ozempic or similar drugs for weight loss (without type 2 diabetes) on the NHS include: 

• BMI of over 35 or 32.5 for certain ethnic groups
• A history of failed weight loss efforts
• Specialist referrals from your GP

It’s also worth noting that the relatively recent introduction of these drugs to the NHS means that they aren’t always readily available. 

Ozempic cost per month in the private market

For those who don’t meet NHS criteria or don’t have patience with the system, weight loss drugs are offered through online or private clinics, provided you have a legitimate prescription. 

Typical costs for monthly prescriptions generally sit around: 

• Ozempic for around £149 to 180+ per month 
• Wegovy for around £119 to £189 per month
• Mounjaro for around £119 to £200+ per month

It’s important to note that these drugs start with smaller doses, which are incrementally increased until a patient finds the right concentration. Higher doses mean higher costs. Also, most of the drugs are prescribed on an ongoing basis, rather than for a short period, so it needs to be accounted for as a regular budgetary element. 

The lifestyle cost of Ozempic

It’s important to note that there are other “costs” in terms of the way your life changes after taking weight loss drugs. 

• Adopting the “Ozempic diet”, meaning much lower calories and conscious choices
• Time commitment to meal prep, tracking food and cooking
• The mental effort of overcoming old habits
• Navigating food-based social events
• Fitting exercise into your regular schedule
• Remembering your injection schedule

These aren’t unmanageable costs to your life, but they need to be considered as a part of your weight loss journey. 

Medical costs and side effects of Ozempic

It’s worth noting that Ozempic and other drugs can massively benefit your life in terms of weight loss, blood sugar management, better sleep, improved mobility and much better mental health, among the reduction of risk in contracting weight-related conditions. In fact, the benefits are considered much more significant than the side effects; however, you should be mindful of issues you might experience. 

Common side effects from weight loss drugs include: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Heartburn
• Gas 
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Runny nose or sore throat
• Stomach flu symptoms
• Hadache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Low blood sugar

These can generally be managed with diligence and staying alert with doctors, who can alter treatment or recommend alternative drugs. Potential long-term side effects include thyroid cancer or kidney failure; however, these reactions require more study and aren’t common. 

Generally, the benefits of Ozempic are considered to significantly outweigh its potential costs. Keep these elements in mind, but don’t fear the medication and enter every prescription situation by talking to a medical professional and getting professional guidance.