The health insurer will offer drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro to members with a BMI of 35 or higher.
Health and life insurer Vitality has said that it will give members access to weight-loss medications through their Vitality health insurance cover.
The weight loss medication will be available to Vitality members who meet certain criteria later this year and will be provided in conjunction with lifestyle support and one-to-one coaching with a dietitian, through Vitality partner Second Nature.
Vitality will offer access to these medications, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, for members based on their BMI and weight related health conditions.
“Over the past year, the potential of weight-management medications has become more evident and while they are not a universal solution, they can be a useful tool in improving health,” said Katie Tryon, chief commercial director of VitalityHealth.
The costs of obesity
As of 2024, obesity alone was estimated to cost the NHS around £6.5 billion every year and is a major driver of poor health in the country. It can lead to multiple health complications such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and non-fatty liver disease – and have broader implications for an individual’s healthspan meaning that they are living longer, but in worse health.
In line with clinical guidelines, medication-assisted programmes have also been shown to be beneficial for those with a particularly high body mass index and coexisting conditions. For example, Wegovy, approved for use by the NHS in 2023, has been shown to achieve up to a 15% reduction in body weight after one year.
Eligible members will be able to access the programme by completing their Vitality Health Profile through the Vitality Member app. Based on their profile and eligibility, members will be recommended to participate in the Healthy Weight Signature Experience. If members have a BMI of 35 or higher, the member may be eligible for the medication-supported weight-loss programme. Members can then choose between the non-medicated route or the new medication-assisted pathway, with access to health coaching and discounted medications for up to 12 months based on their health risks.
