PMI and Weight Loss Jabs: Why getting it right is so important
With Britain battling an obesity crisis amid a rise in preventable diseases such as diabetes, Vitality’s Dr Katie Tryon weighs up the pros and cons of weight loss jabs and the importance of holistic care
Today, more than two-thirds of Brits aged 35 and over are either overweight or obese. We outweigh most of Europe – placing third on the list – for adults living with obesity[1].
Being overweight increases our risk of many health problems, from type 2 diabetes and heart disease to fertility issues and some types of cancers[2] – placing added pressure on both public and private healthcare providers.
The leading cause of this obesity ‘epidemic’ is unhealthy lifestyles. Results from Vitality’s Britain’s Healthiest Workplace data shows more than one third of people at work (37%) do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines, while 56% have unhealthy diets. Consequently, 23% of UK employees are deemed obese – a 51% increase over the course of a decade[3].
However, with the emergence of weight loss medication in recent years, we may have found a solution to the UK’s obesity problem. But is it too good to be true?
An estimated 500,000 Britons are already using them[4], with one product claiming to help people lose up to 22.5% of their bodyweight in the first 16 months[5].
Some see them as a miracle solution, but – as with any medication – they come with some risks and they’re certainly not for everyone. There are potential side effects, and their misuse can be highly dangerous.
No silver bullet
Weight loss jabs work by mimicking natural hormones in the body that regulate appetite and metabolism, helping to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness.
Much of the focus on weight loss jabs is how quickly they can help people lose weight.
However, they are no silver bullet when it comes to weight management. Opting for them as a quick fix isn’t going to help the long-term health of those who use them. Their use needs to be fully embedded into a healthy lifestyle that’s sustainable.
A concern for some is ‘can I come off the medications?’. But increasing evidence shows that unless significant lifestyle changes are made during treatment, it can lead to cycles of yo-yo dieting and hinder any real progress being made.
That’s why we recommend that those considering treatment truly understand how to get the best results from them during the two years they are prescribed for, to ensure long-term sustainable weight loss . It’s also important that coming off weight loss medication is always done under clinical guidance.
Due to a supressed appetite, there is also increased exposure to developing nutritional deficiencies, and if appropriate physical activity is not undertaken there is a risk of muscle loss. Both should be monitored with professional supervision.
Holistic care is key
All of this makes a holistic approach to weight loss jabs even more important.
Their long-term success requires a responsible and informed decision around the pros and cons for that individual, alongside the right support, as part of a healthy lifestyle. Which is why offering them through private medical insurance can be especially effective.
Being at the forefront of health improvement and prevention in the UK, Vitality is always laser focused on championing the latest medical improvements, providing we are confident it is safe to do so.
Over the last two years, with the help of our partner Second Nature, we have seen incredible results on our non-medicated weight loss pathway available to eligible members* through the Vitality Programme. Around 50% of members achieved their weight loss goals through one-to-one coaching and holistic method s and 43% even reversed type-2 diabetes, our recent report shows[6].
Due to its success, we have expanded the programme to allow eligible members to get access to clinician-led weight-loss support**. This too includes support from clinicians and pharmacists – this helps ensure medication usage is monitored alongside any potential side effects.
Looking ahead
As the health insurance landscape continues to shift in the UK and with no sign of a dramatic slowdown in demand for PMI, we will only see products continue evolve to meet people’s changing health needs.
In recent years consumer attitudes and perceptions around private healthcare have also changed considerably, with people now expecting to use their cover and use it more frequently.
Medicated weight loss pathways will clearly appeal to more potential PMI customers, whilst at the same time also offering one of a number of solutions for tackling the growing issues we face from preventable diseases.
With new forms of weight loss medication being developed (including oral solutions, such as pills), we expect them to only become more accessible. With this comes greater responsibility to ensure they are controlled and supported by healthcare professionals to ensure their safety.
If done right, however – as part of a sustainable approach to a healthy lifestyle – we believe they can play a valuable role in lowering obesity rates in the UK. Through this, we can help deliver lasting social benefits by reducing the healthcare burden. And ultimately build towards a healthier, happier society. Which is good for everyone.
1. researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN03336/SN03336.pdf
2. Health Risks of Overweight & Obesity - NIDDK
3. 10 years of Britain's Healthiest Workplace: The changing face of the UK at work, 2025
4. How easy is it to get weight loss drugs? | UK News | Sky News
5. Mounjaro KiwkPen 10mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 15484
6. VitalityHealth Claims Insights Report, 2024
* Available to members with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30-plus or with a BMI of 25 or more and type-2 diabetes
** Only available to members with a BMI of 35 or above, coupled with a weight-related condition. It also requires engagement in our weight management support programme
VitalityHealth Claims Insights Report 2025
In our 2025 VitalityHealth Claims Insights Report, we consider how consumer needs are changing, and how insurers - and advisers - are adapting to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients, within a fast-changing environment.
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