Written by The Armstrong ClinicLast reviewed 30 July 202610 minute read
In summary
Clinical care and medication are two separate costs
Most advertised prices combine two different things:
- 1Clinical care. The assessment, the plan, the monthly reviews, the monitoring, and the clinician who is accountable for the decisions.
- 2The medicine itself. Dispensed by a pharmacy and priced by the manufacturer and the pharmacy.
These behave differently. Clinical fees are relatively stable, whereas medication pricing in this category has changed several times, sometimes substantially, and is outside any individual clinic’s control.
Where a service advertises a monthly price, it is worth checking which of the two that figure covers. It is often the medicine at the lowest starting dose, with clinical fees charged separately.
What clinical care costs
| Typical UK range | |
|---|---|
| Initial clinical assessment | £150 to £350 |
| Monthly clinical review | £50 to £150 |
| Blood tests, where needed | £75 to £200 |
| Dietitian or nutrition input | £55 to £150 per session |
| Contact between reviews | £0 to £75 |
The range is wide because clinical care means different things at different price points.
At the lower end, it can mean an online questionnaire reviewed without direct contact, followed by a monthly reorder.
At the higher end, it means a full assessment covering medical history, current medicines, measurements and previous attempts, followed by monthly appointments with a clinician who adjusts the plan according to how you respond.
Both are legitimate services, but they are not the same service.
What medication costs
Medication is charged separately by the dispensing pharmacy. In this category, expect approximately £120 to £300 per month depending on the medicine and the dose.
Three factors affect the figure:
Dose. These medicines are typically started at a low dose and increased in steps. Higher doses cost more, so your monthly cost usually rises over the first few months of a programme.
Manufacturer pricing. List prices in this category have been revised more than once in recent years, in some cases substantially. Neither your clinic nor your pharmacy controls this.
Pharmacy margin. Different pharmacies price differently. Some clinics have a preferred dispensing partner, and it is worth asking whether you can use another.
A useful question to ask is what you will pay at the starting dose and what you will pay at the maintenance dose you are likely to reach.
Costs patients often do not budget for
- Dose escalation, which usually increases the monthly cost over the first few months
- Blood tests, where these are needed before or during a programme
- The maintenance phase, which continues after the active programme
- Restarting, where a programme has no maintenance plan and weight is regained
- Nutrition or psychological support, where needed and not included
- Sharps disposal, where applicable
- Package commitments, paid in advance and often non-refundable
Comparing services on price
The lowest-cost route to weight management medication in the UK is an online form, a review without direct contact, and a monthly delivery. It is a legitimate service and it suits some patients.
It carries known limitations. Without a full history, an interaction or contraindication can be missed. Without monitoring, side effects that would prompt a dose adjustment may instead prompt a patient to stop. Without a maintenance plan, weight is commonly regained after the medication stops.
Where a service is less expensive because it has lower overheads, that is a genuine saving. Where it is less expensive because it includes less clinical care, that is a different service at a different price, and worth understanding before choosing.
Questions to ask before paying
- 1What does the advertised price include: clinical fees, medication, or both?
- 2Who will assess me, what are their qualifications, and can I verify their registration?
- 3Will I speak to a clinician, or complete a form?
- 4Will I see the same clinician at each review?
- 5What will I pay per month at the starting dose, and at the likely maintenance dose?
- 6What happens if I experience side effects, who do I contact, and is that included?
- 7What is the plan for when I stop, and is it included in the price?
- 8Am I committing to a package, and is it refundable?
- 9In what circumstances would you decline to treat me?
Is support available on the NHS?
NHS weight management support exists and, in some circumstances, includes medication, subject to eligibility criteria, local commissioning and availability. Access is usually through your GP, and waiting lists apply in many areas.
If you may be eligible, it is worth pursuing.
Private care is not a route around NHS eligibility criteria. It is an alternative for patients who want continuity, shorter waits, a choice of clinician and unhurried appointments.
Our prices
- Initial clinical assessment, 45 minutes
- To be confirmed
- Monthly clinical review
- To be confirmed
- Medication
- Charged separately by the dispensing pharmacy, depending on the medicine and dose
Included: a full assessment with a Registered Nurse and Independent Prescriber, a written plan, monthly review with the same clinician, contact between reviews, and maintenance planning from the start.
Charged separately and disclosed in advance: medication, and blood tests where needed.
A prescription is never guaranteed, there are no packages requiring advance payment, and prescribing does not continue where a patient is not attending reviews.
Common questions
How much does a private weight loss clinic cost in the UK?
Typically £150 to £350 for an initial clinical assessment and £50 to £150 per monthly review, with medication charged separately at around £120 to £300 a month. A realistic first-year total is £1,500 to £4,000.
Why has weight management medication become more expensive?
List prices in this category are set by manufacturers and have been revised more than once in recent years. Pharmacy margins and dose escalation also affect what you pay month to month.
Will my monthly cost increase?
Usually, at least initially. These medicines are typically started at a low dose and increased in steps, and higher doses cost more. It is worth budgeting for the maintenance dose rather than the starting dose.
Is there a cheaper alternative?
Less expensive services exist. The saving usually comes from reduced clinical involvement rather than greater efficiency. Whether that matters depends on your medical history and how straightforward your situation is.
Do I have to commit to a package?
Not at this clinic. Some services require an advance, often non-refundable, multi-month commitment. Ask about refundability before paying.
What happens to the cost when I reach my goal?
Costs usually reduce as review frequency reduces, although they do not drop to zero immediately. The maintenance phase should be planned from the start.
Can I claim on private health insurance?
Sometimes, depending on your policy and the reason for treatment. Many policies exclude weight management. Check with your insurer before starting and ask for a detailed receipt.
