Vitality has become the first health insurer in the UK to offer its members discounted weight-loss treatments, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, through private health cover. Eligible members can receive up to 20% off these medications for up to a year, depending on their body mass index (BMI) and weight-related health conditions.
Obesity is a growing concern in the UK, with significant health and economic implications. According to government estimates, obesity costs the NHS £6.5 billion annually, contributing to serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. As new GLP-1-based weight-loss drugs gain popularity, private insurers are beginning to incorporate them into their health plans.
Vitality’s weight-loss initiative and eligibility criteria
Vitality, the UK’s third-largest health insurer after Bupa and Axa, has introduced this programme as part of its broader strategy to encourage healthier lifestyles. According to the company, members can apply for the discount by completing a health profile through the Vitality app. Those with a BMI of 35 or higher and weight-related health risks will be eligible for the medication pathway.
In addition to discounted access to Wegovy and Mounjaro, eligible members will receive coaching from a dietitian and access to the programme for up to 12 months. These drugs, which belong to the GLP-1 class, mimic a gut hormone that suppresses appetite and have been shown to help users achieve significant weight loss.
The initiative builds on Vitality’s existing weight-loss programme, which uses reward-based incentives to encourage members to adopt healthier habits. According to the insurer, nearly 48% of enrolled members in the programme achieve a weight reduction of around 5%. This can lead to further benefits such as lower insurance excess fees and other rewards.
High demand and cost of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs
Weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have become increasingly popular, but their cost remains a barrier. Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk, costs between £139 and £269 per month in the UK, depending on the dosage. It was approved for NHS use in 2023 and has demonstrated up to 15% body weight reduction after a year.
Mounjaro, developed by Eli Lilly, was approved by the NHS in 2023 and has shown even greater weight-loss results in clinical trials, averaging 20% reduction in body weight. The medication costs £139 per month at online pharmacies, with a maximum annual cost of £1,435.
Despite growing demand, private health insurers have been slow to cover these medications. According to Health Affairs, fewer than 20% of large US companies currently include weight-loss drug coverage in their insurance plans.
Dr Katie Tryon, chief commercial director at Vitality, stated that while traditional health risks such as smoking and alcohol use are declining, obesity, mental health issues, and musculoskeletal conditions are on the rise. This initiative reflects a shift in the insurance industry’s approach to preventative healthcare.
