Are Weight Loss Injections Worth the Cost? A Guide for UK Patients

In recent years, weight loss injections have gained huge popularity among people looking for medical help to shed excess weight. 

With celebrity endorsements, NHS trials, and widespread discussion on social media, they’re often seen as a “miracle” solution. 

But what exactly are these injections, and how much do they really cost?

What Are Weight Loss Injections?

Weight loss injections are prescription medications delivered via injection (usually into the abdomen or thigh) that help reduce appetite, regulate blood sugar, or slow digestion. The most commonly used are:

Saxenda (liraglutide) – a daily injection

Wegovy (semaglutide) – a weekly injection

Ozempic (semaglutide) – primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but used off-label for weight loss

These medications are part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite.

Who Can Get Them?

They’re not suitable for everyone. In the UK, weight loss injections are typically prescribed to:

People with a BMI over 30, or

Those with a BMI over 27 who also have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Some NHS patients may qualify through specialist weight management services, though availability is limited and subject to strict criteria.

How Effective Are They?

Clinical trials have shown that these injections can help people lose up to 15% of their body weight over several months, especially when combined with diet, exercise, and behavioural support.

How Much Do They Cost in the UK?

Here’s a rough guide to current private prices as of mid-2025:

Saxenda

Pack of 5 pens: £60–£75 per pen

Monthly cost: £240–£375

Requires daily injection

Wegovy

Weekly injection

Monthly cost: £195–£300 depending on dose

Currently available privately in the UK and increasingly prescribed on the NHS for eligible patients

Ozempic (off-label use)

Weekly injection

Monthly cost: £150–£250

In short supply due to high demand

Are There Any Side Effects?

Yes. Common side effects include:

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhoea or constipation

Headaches

Low appetite

Serious side effects are rare but include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, or thyroid tumours (in animal studies).

Are They Right for You?

Weight loss injections can be a powerful tool, but they’re not a quick fix. They work best when part of a comprehensive lifestyle change, supported by dietitians, GPs, or weight management coaches.

Before starting any injection, speak with your GP, pharmacist, or private weight loss clinic. Never purchase these medications from unregulated online vendors – there have been counterfeit and dangerous versions reported in the UK.

Interested in Starting?

Some of the UK’s most well-known providers include:

Superdrug Online Doctor

Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor

The Slimming Clinic

NHS Tier 3 Weight Management Services (eligibility applies)

If you’re thinking about using weight loss injections, weigh up the costs, benefits, and risks. They can be an excellent support for the right candidate – but make sure you’re doing it safely and sustainably.

Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Injections

Weight loss injections like Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have gained popularity in the UK for aiding weight management and treating type 2 diabetes. 

These medications function by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and digestion, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.

How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?

These drugs are primarily GLP-1 receptor agonists, which imitate the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone. This hormone stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses appetite by signaling satiety to the brain, and slows gastric emptying, prolonging the feeling of fullness. 

Tirzepatide, found in Mounjaro, also targets GIP receptors, enhancing its appetite-suppressing effects .

Are They Safe?

Clinical trials have demonstrated that these injections can lead to significant weight loss—up to 20% of body weight in some cases—and may reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and complications from type 2 diabetes. But they aren't without risks.

Common side effects include nausea,vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and heartburn.

Serious Risks include pancreatitis gallbladder disease, kidney problems, gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) and animal studies indicated that thyroid tumours could be a risk.

Some users have reported mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety, though evidence on this is still emerging.

Are There Long-Term Side Effects?

Long-term data is still being collected, but some users have reported persistent side effects even after discontinuing the medication. These include ongoing gastrointestinal issues, hair loss and dizziness. The potential for long-term complications such as thyroid tumours and gallbladder disease necessitates careful monitoring.

Final Thoughts

Weight loss injections offer a promising option for individuals struggling with obesity and related health issues. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution and come with potential risks. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if these medications are appropriate for your situation and to ensure proper monitoring during treatment.

For further information on the benefits and risks of weight loss injections, you can refer to the British Heart Foundation's overview here https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-the-headlines/weight-loss-injections