Weight-loss jabs are pushing Brits into £1,616 of debt – what to do if you’re struggling

A new thinkmoney report has revealed people using private weight-loss injections are slipping into serious financial trouble with an average of £1,616 of debt linked to paying for jabs.

The survey asked around 1,000 people currently using weight‑loss injections and found nearly two in five (39%) are now turning to credit to fund their treatment. Half (50%) are putting the cost straight onto a credit card, while others are burning through savings (49%), dipping into their overdraft (25%) or even raiding emergency funds (17%).

Some are making tough choices: 8% said they would miss a scheduled bill to pay for a jab, and 6% admitted they’ve already delayed a payment to keep their treatment going.

With high, unpredictable monthly costs, weight loss jabs are putting financial strains on users across the UK.

People are spending £210 a month on weight loss jabs

On average, users are spending £210 a month and many feel backed into a corner. Around 23% say they’re stuck in a financial cycle they can’t escape, and one in five (21%) fear that if the price rises any further, they’ll have no choice but to stop altogether.

Vix Leyton, our resident consumer expert here at thinkmoney, said: “For people who’ve spent years trying every diet and programme going, the fear of regaining weight is very real.

“And when that fear starts to outweigh the risk of slipping into debt, it’s a sign that money worries are being pushed aside.

“If someone suddenly has to stop treatment because they can’t afford it, it can have physical and emotional consequences. That’s why it’s so important to think about whether you can afford the journey, not just the first few months.”

How to make the cost of weight-loss jabs sustainable

It’s worth putting a plan in place before you opt for weight loss jabs. Here are a few ways you can make your weight loss journey more sustainable.

Speak to your GP first (even if you’re buying privately)

Our research found that 15% of people haven’t told their doctor they’re on weight loss jabs. But having that discussion is so important for several reasons.

A GP can help you understand:

• whether a weight‑loss jab is medically right for you
• if the NHS might offer it for free in your situation
• what other options could work better, safer or cheaper

Can you get the weight loss jabs for free on the NHS?

There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to get jabs on the NHS for free, but you could be offered a free prescription if you have health problems due to your weight and your BMI is high (typically a BMI of at least 30 is required, but often higher).

Even if the NHS wouldn’t prescribe them, chatting with your GP is worth it. Your doctor can help you put a plan in place if you ever need to come off the medication because it’s too expensive or your body isn’t coping well with it.

Have a plan in place to afford the treatment long-term

The biggest issue in the report wasn’t the cost itself. It was that people hadn’t budgeted for the long haul.

These jabs often work best over many months, sometimes longer. Stopping any medication suddenly is generally not advised; that’s another reason to loop your doctor in.

Here are a few ways to make the cost more manageable:

• Save up at least two to three months of costs first – this gives you a buffer if work slows down or providers put their prices up; it means you can keep your treatment going when life happens.
• Have a “jab budget” savings pot - put the monthly cost into a separate account so it’s ring‑fenced and you can clearly see whether you have enough to keep going.
• Watch out for price creep – private providers can change prices at any time; set yourself a clear limit so you know when the treatment is no longer financially safe.
• Speak to the provider if it’s unaffordable – some offer cheaper doses or ways to taper off the medication safely.
• Switch to a lower cost option – many people switched from Mounjaro to Wegovy when the prices went up recently; always speak to your doctor before changing medication, but this can be one way to stay on weight loss jabs without going into debt.
• Have an exit plan in place – if all options get too expensive, you need a way to come off the medication safely without reversing the effects.

If you’re finding you’re deep in your overdraft or reaching for your credit card, that’s a pretty good sign things have gone too far.

What to do if you’re struggling with weight-loss jab debt

Here are a few ways to start tackling weight-loss jab debt.

• Tell your provider you’re struggling – some offer lower‑cost options or a slower dose schedule.
• Get honest about the numbers – if you’re borrowing to cover basics despite switching to lower cost options, the treatment isn’t affordable.
• Speak to your GP about tapering off safely – don’t stop suddenly; they can help you reduce your dose and offer weight loss help on the NHS.
• Contact your creditors early – explain you’re struggling and ask for a payment plan.
• Get free debt advice – places like Money Wellness and Citizens Advice can help you sort things before they spiral.

Key takeaways

• People on weight‑loss jabs are taking on an average of £1,616 of debt, with many relying on credit cards, overdrafts or emergency savings to keep going.
• Users spend £210 a month on average, and many say they feel financially trapped or worried they won’t be able to afford treatment if prices rise.
• Speak to your GP first if you want to go on weight loss jabs; they can check if they’re right for you and tell you if you’re eligible for NHS support.
• Plan for the long term; save 2–3 months of costs upfront, set a clear price limit, keep a separate “jab budget” pot, and watch for price increases.
• If the cost becomes a struggle, talk to your provider about cheaper doses, switch options with your GP’s guidance, and have an exit plan in case you need to taper off safely.
• If you’re in debt, speak to creditors early, ask for payment plans, and get advice from organisations like MoneyWellness.
• If you’re borrowing to cover essentials, that’s the clearest sign the treatment is no longer affordable and it’s time to reassess with your doctor.