In recent years, weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have gained prominence as solutions for obesity, but their hidden costs are rarely discussed. I have experienced firsthand the financial strain and emotional rollercoaster associated with these drugs, revealing the complex reality behind their use.
Over the past two years, I have invested nearly £4,500 in weight-loss medications, a journey that has led me to an unexpected and disheartening outcome. Despite my considerable financial outlay, I currently weigh 22 stone and one pound—exactly the same as when I started.
My weight-loss journey began in March 2022, at 31 years old and 22 stone, when I opted to self-fund Ozempic, a drug also found in Wegovy. Unable to receive a prescription through my GP, I paid approximately £200 per month from private pharmacies. By February 2023, the drug had helped me shed over three stone, reducing my weight from 22 stone to 19 stone and my dress size from 26 to 18. This transformation was accompanied by improved energy levels, reduced asthma symptoms, and a significant boost in my overall happiness.
However, my optimism was short-lived. Upon discontinuing Ozempic, I hoped my lifestyle changes would sustain my weight loss. Despite exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and drinking ample water, my weight began to creep back up. The intense hunger that returned after months of suppression proved difficult to manage, and within a few months, I had regained over a stone. My weight continued to increase, ultimately bringing me back to my original weight.
This experience led me to conclude that ongoing use of GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, is necessary to maintain weight loss. Unfortunately, at £200 per month, the cost is prohibitive, creating a perpetual cycle of weight loss and gain. Research corroborates this cycle: a 2022 study indicated that participants regained an average of two-thirds of their lost weight within a year of stopping semaglutide.
The financial burden of these drugs is compounded by additional expenses. While my grocery bills increased due to a focus on healthier foods, I also took on extra work and even took out a bank loan to cover the cost of the medications. The financial strain, coupled with the emotional toll of regaining weight, left me feeling disheartened and financially strained.
In 2023, I attempted to return to Ozempic through the NHS, but was informed that the necessary funding was unavailable. Desperate, I paid out-of-pocket for Wegovy, only to find it ineffective. Despite increasing the dosage, I experienced side effects without significant weight loss.
Currently, I am using Mounjaro, another GLP-1 agonist, costing £219 per month. While initial results were promising, including some weight loss and visible changes in my physique, progress has stalled. To counteract this, I have adopted intermittent fasting and increased my gym workouts, but the effort required is daunting and unsustainable long-term.
The financial strain has led me to purchase a final Mounjaro pen from a discount website, hoping it is genuine. With my bank loan repaid and no further savings possible, my focus has shifted from enjoying life to managing the relentless cycle of weight loss and gain.
This experience underscores a troubling reality: the current system for weight-loss drugs is not designed to support long-term success. The high costs and inconsistent access mean that many, like me, find themselves trapped in a cycle of temporary success followed by inevitable setbacks. Until there are more sustainable solutions, the battle with weight and the financial burden will continue for many individuals.
