Private Weight Loss Jabs Driving Users Into Debt, New Research Shows
A concerning new survey has revealed the significant financial strain that private weight loss injections are placing on users across the United Kingdom. The research, commissioned by banking application thinkmoney, indicates that nearly two-fifths of individuals using these treatments are accumulating debt to afford them.
Mounting Financial Pressure
The study, conducted by Savanta in January among 1,040 UK residents using weight loss jabs, found that 39% of respondents reported that the additional cost of the injections had pushed them into debt. The average debt accumulated stood at £1,616, with many turning to credit cards and overdrafts to manage the monthly expense of approximately £210.
Beyond borrowing, the financial impact is depleting personal savings. Nearly half (49%) of those surveyed admitted to using their savings to pay for the treatments, while 17% have dipped into money specifically set aside for emergencies. Alarmingly, 8% stated they would miss a scheduled payment to afford an injection, and 6% have already missed or delayed a payment to receive treatment.
Regional Debt Breakdown
The survey provided a detailed regional analysis of debt levels among weight loss injection users, highlighting particular areas of financial stress:
- North East: 50.0% in debt, average £1,396.19
- East of England: 42.2% in debt, average £2,463.41
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 42.3% in debt, average £1,901.07
- Wales: 44.9% in debt, average £1,466.05
- East Midlands: 45.8% in debt, average £1,365.47
- Scotland: 39.5% in debt, average £1,799.06
- West Midlands: 38.3% in debt, average £1,326.34
- London: 37.6% in debt, average £1,386.74
- South West: 36.9% in debt, average £1,758.79
- South East: 36.8% in debt, average £1,501.95
- North West: 33.1% in debt, average £1,861.74
Note: Northern Ireland was not included in the regional breakdown due to a low sample size.
Risk of Treatment Discontinuation
The financial burden is so severe that 21% of users said they would have to stop using the injections if their costs increased further. This prospect raises significant concerns about the physical and emotional consequences of discontinuing treatment.
Vix Leyton, a consumer expert at thinkmoney, commented on the findings, stating: "For people who have spent years trying every diet and programme going, the fear of regaining weight is a real spectre." She emphasised the importance of financial planning, adding: "If people are forced to stop because they can no longer afford it, there can be physical and emotional consequences. That makes it even more important that anyone starting these jabs thinks about whether they can afford the journey, not just the first few months."
The survey underscores a growing issue where the pursuit of health improvements through private medical treatments is creating substantial financial vulnerability for many individuals across the nation.
