Vitality has become the first health insurer in the UK to offer its customers discounted weight loss treatments for up to a year through its health cover. The third-largest health insurer in the UK, behind Bupa and Axa, announced it would provide up to 20% off popular but expensive anti-obesity medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, to members based on their body mass index (BMI) and related health conditions.
With 1.9 million members, Vitality allows customers to apply for this benefit through its app by completing their health profile. Members with a BMI of 35 or above can apply for the new medication pathway, which includes coaching from a dietitian and discounts on anti-obesity medications for up to 12 months, tailored to their health risks.
The growing market for anti-obesity drugs is driven by the rise of GLP-1 medications, which mimic a gut hormone to suppress appetite. These weekly injections have been proven effective in helping users lose weight, with additional health benefits like reducing the risks of heart attacks and kidney disease.
However, these medications come at a steep price. Wegovy, made by Denmark’s Novo Nordisk, costs £139 per month for a lower dose, rising to £269 for higher doses. Approved by the NHS in 2023, it can result in up to a 15% reduction in body weight after one year. Mounjaro, produced by US-based Eli Lilly, costs the same starting price of £139 per month and showed a 20% weight loss in clinical trials. Its annual cost can reach £1,435 at the highest dose.
This new offering complements Vitality’s existing weight loss program, which uses rewards to encourage healthier living through improved diet and exercise. Nearly half (48%) of members who enrolled in the program reached their weight loss targets of around 5%, which also leads to lower insurance excesses and other rewards.
Obesity is a significant strain on the NHS, costing an estimated £6.5 billion annually. It contributes to several health issues, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In the US, fewer than 20% of large companies include coverage for weight loss drugs in their insurance plans, according to a survey in Health Affairs.
Dr. Katie Tryon, chief commercial director at Vitality, part of South Africa’s Discovery Limited, highlighted the increasing challenges posed by obesity. “While some risk factors are reducing, like smoking and alcohol use, the number of people living with obesity, as well as mental health and musculoskeletal issues, are on the rise,” she said.
