How much do weight-loss medications cost? A comparison of Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro

Anyone considering medical support for weight loss will sooner or later come across the question of how much weight-loss medications cost. Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro are effective treatments, but prices vary and reimbursement rules are not always clear. In this article, you’ll find an honest overview of the indicative cost of each treatment, what your health insurance covers and how Goodweigh handles pricing transparently, so you can make a well-informed choice.

How much does Ozempic cost per month?

Ozempic contains semaglutide and is registered in the Netherlands as a diabetes medication for people with type 2 diabetes. The medication is not reimbursed if used exclusively for weight loss, unless a diagnosis of diabetes has been made. Anyone wishing to use Ozempic outside the context of diabetes must pay the full cost themselves. As a guide, the cost is approximately 100 to 150 euros per pen, which corresponds to four weeks’ use. On top of this, there may be additional costs for medical supervision.

Want to know more about when the medicine is or isn’t reimbursed? Then read the explanation about Ozempic reimbursement by health insurance.

How much does Wegovy cost per month?

Wegovy is the form of semaglutide specifically registered for weight management. The dosage is higher than for Ozempic: 2.4 mg per week, administered subcutaneously. Wegovy is intended for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher in combination with weight-related conditions. Although Wegovy is in principle covered by the reimbursement scheme (Appendix 2 of the Health Insurance Regulations), in practice this does not apply to most people without a diagnosis of diabetes. The indicative out-of-pocket costs are between 200 and 300 euros per month, excluding medical supervision. Real-world research shows that actual affordability for patients depends heavily on the reimbursement system in their country.

How much does Saxenda cost per month?

Saxenda contains liraglutide and is injected daily, unlike the weekly injections of Ozempic and Wegovy. The drug is registered for weight management and formally also falls under the conditions of Annex 2 of the Health Insurance Regulations, but for people without specific medical indications, it is rarely reimbursed in practice, just like Wegovy. The indicative costs for personal use range between 150 and 250 euros per month, depending on the dosage. Saxenda is a proven effective drug, although comparative studies show that newer GLP-1 agonists achieve greater weight loss on average.

How much does Mounjaro cost per month?

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and acts as a dual agonist on both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This makes it pharmacologically different from semaglutide and liraglutide. Mounjaro is now also registered in the Netherlands for weight management, although its availability is even more limited than that of the other medicines. A comparative study shows that tirzepatide results in greater weight loss than semaglutide and liraglutide. The costs are indicatively comparable to or slightly higher than Wegovy. Reimbursement for weight management without a diabetes diagnosis does not currently apply in most cases.

Would you like to compare the effects and costs of all these medicines? Then take a look at Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda compared.

Is weight-loss medication reimbursed by health insurance?

In most cases, basic health insurance does not cover the costs of weight-loss medication. The exception is Ozempic for diagnosed type 2 diabetes: this medication falls under the Health Insurance Regulations (Appendix 2) and is reimbursed under strict conditions. Wegovy and Saxenda are also listed in Appendix 2, but the reimbursement criteria are set in such a way that people seeking medical weight-loss support without a diabetes diagnosis are, in practice, not eligible. Some supplementary insurance policies cover part of the costs, but this varies greatly depending on the policy and insurer.

Pharmacoeconomic research shows that the cost-effectiveness of weight-loss medication is difficult to model, precisely because reimbursement schemes and prices vary greatly by country and context. For people who want to know when they are eligible for weight-loss medication, it is important to understand in advance that medical selection criteria and reimbursement are two separate processes.

What is included in Goodweigh’s monthly fee?

Goodweigh operates on an all-inclusive fee that covers medication, doctor’s consultations, support and coaching. There are no hidden costs. You pay a fixed monthly fee, so you know exactly where you stand. Would you like to know what this entails in practice? Then take a look at what the Goodweigh programme costs for a full overview.

Is weight-loss medication worth the investment?

That is a question many people ask, and rightly so. Weight-loss medication is not a cheap solution, but the scientific evidence is strong. For example, large-scale real-world research shows that GLP-1-based therapies deliver consistent and clinically relevant weight loss in real-world populations. Weight loss of ten to fifteen per cent of body weight has demonstrably positive effects on blood pressure, blood sugar levels, joints and cardiovascular risk. Anyone who is overweight and has been struggling with it for years can, with the right medical support, finally take steps that they were unable to achieve on their own. That said, side effects are a real possibility: nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are common, particularly in the first few weeks of use. Good medical support helps to minimise these symptoms and stick to the programme.

An overview of all available weight-loss medications helps you understand which one suits your situation.

Fair prices and comprehensive support at Goodweigh

Transparency regarding costs is not a minor issue; it is a prerequisite for trust. Goodweigh gives you a clear picture of what you pay, what you get and what you can expect medically. The combination of proven medication, personal coaching and online doctor’s consultations makes the programme accessible to people who are serious about healthy weight loss. As with all medication, the same applies here: always discuss with a doctor which medication suits your situation. At Goodweigh, that support is part of the programme.

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