Weight-loss medication is already impacting protection

The new wave of weight reduction drugs is making a big impact on society and we need to consider what this means for protection.

2 online pharmacies, suggest around 500,000 people in the UK are already on the medication through private treatment – generally through courses of injections¹.

In terms of NHS treatment, roll-out is slower amid cost and capacity concerns, yet last year the government estimated that 35,000 patients had been treated.

Huge promise but some downsides

It’s expected that these treatments may bring reductions in the prevalence of illnesses where obesity is a significant factor including diabetes, heart attacks and strokes² with suggestions the drugs could curb the risk of obesity-related cancers³ and and dementia as well⁴.

There are some potential downsides though, including misuse by those who don’t need to lose weight, some gastric side-effects and in limited cases, potentially pancreatitis and gall bladder disorders⁵.

What’s clear is that more widespread use could have huge implications for protection insurance. But these treatments are actually already having a practical impact, and we wanted to share more about the impact on underwriting today to support advisers to have practical conversations with their clients about using these treatments.

We’ll look at our approach with examples later. But first we wanted to look at the drugs themselves.

A closer look at how the treatment works

Ozempic was approved in 2019 though UK doctors were advised to restrict use in 2023 to just diabetes treatment and not weight loss⁶.Wegovy was approved in 2023 and Mounjaro 2024⁷.

Broadly, the treatment works by replicating hormones produced naturally in the body when you eat, but the effect lasts longer, decreasing appetite and promoting the breakdown of fat.

Importantly, 84% of those treated will lose 10% of their bodyweight and 71% will lose 15% or more⁸. After 88 weeks, peoples’ average weight was 26% lower than their starting weight⁹. Ending treatment can see weight rise, though not necessarily above the starting weight¹⁰.

It’s clear from this growing trend that many advisers may have clients already accessing such treatments, so we want to go into more detail regarding our approach.

Guardian’s approach

At Guardian, we ask that customers disclose these treatments, and that’s covered by our existing application question set. The question is – “In the last 3 years have you taken or been prescribed treatment or medication lasting more than 1 month?”

We’re likely to offer cover to those taking the drugs on prescription. Although, those using unofficial sources to buy these treatments are likely to be declined due to the risk.

Also worth noting it’s not just a consideration for new customers. Those who are losing weight from taking the drugs who already have cover in place with us may be able to benefit. Customers who were paying a higher premium due to an increased BMI but later lose weight and maintain that weight for 12 months may be able to reduce their premiums without having to apply again through our Lifestyle Promise.

Some examples

All cases involving weight loss drugs will be referred for manual underwriting with potential follow up questions to understand how long someone has been taking the medication, the dosage, any complications and the source, as well as their weight before and after.

The source is important and, unfortunately, we see a risk of misrepresentation here. Prescription of the medication from a doctor, a GP or pharmacist is a valid source. Supply by a friend or as we often see, someone in the local gym or beauty salon isn’t, especially given the risk of side-effects and potential misuse. It’s important for customers to tell us about the medication they’re taking when they apply, so there’s no risk we won’t be able to pay any potential claim later.

These 3 real-life case studies from recent applications we’ve received may help you better understand our approach including concerns about non-conventional sources of supply.

As you can see, these treatments are already having an impact, often to the benefit of your client.

We also have the prospect of better targeted treatments, more peer-reviewed research, more data to analyse, an additional tool in the fight against obesity and perhaps more cost-effective cover in future.

However, we think it’s important to keep up a conversation with advisers about these medications, the current implications for protection and the prospect for more changes in future and in particular to help you understand your clients as well.

Richard’s article was published in FTAdviser on 7 July 2025.

Sources

1. reuters.com, Lilly’s Mounjaro more popular than Wegovy in UK’s private obesity drug market, 13 December 2023.
2. bhf.org.uk, Do weight loss injections reduce or increase your health risks? 12 February 2025.
3. jamanetwork.com, Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and 13 Obesity-Associated Cancers in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, 5 July 2024.
4. pulsetoday.com, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may cut risk of dementia and other conditions, 22 January 2025.
5. www.gov.uk, GLP-1 receptor agonists: reminder of the potential side effects and to be aware of the potential for misuse, 24 October 2024.
6. secondnature.io, Can you get Ozempic on the NHS?. 28 August 2024.
7. www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk, Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) access in Cheshire and Merseyside, 8 January 2025.
8. nejm.org, Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity, 4 June 2022.
9. jamanetwork.com, Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity, 11 December 2023.
10. bbc.co.uk/future, What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs? 21 May 2024.