A significant proportion of individuals using private weight-loss injections are facing financial strain, with around two-fifths reporting that the expense has pushed them into debt, according to a recent survey.
The Financial Burden of Weight-Loss Treatments
The study, which polled 1,040 people, found that 39 per cent of users are in the red due to the costs associated with these jabs. On average, those in debt owe £1,616, highlighting the substantial financial commitment required for ongoing treatment.
How Users Are Covering the Costs
To manage the monthly average spend of £210 on the injections, many are resorting to various financial strategies. A notable 49 per cent of respondents admitted using their savings to pay for the jabs, while 17 per cent have dipped into emergency funds set aside for unforeseen circumstances.
Furthermore, some users are turning to credit cards and overdrafts to help cover the expenses, exacerbating their debt situations. The survey revealed that 8 per cent of users would miss a scheduled payment to afford a jab, and 6 per cent have already missed or delayed a payment due to the financial pressure.
Regional Variations in Debt Levels
The debt burden varies across different regions of the UK, as detailed in the survey data:
- Scotland: Average debt of £1,799.06, with 39.5% of users in debt.
- North West: Average debt of £1,861.74, with 33.1% in debt.
- North East: Average debt of £1,396.19, with 50.0% in debt.
- Yorkshire and the Humber: Average debt of £1,901.07, with 42.3% in debt.
- Wales: Average debt of £1,466.05, with 44.9% in debt.
- West Midlands: Average debt of £1,326.34, with 38.3% in debt.
- East Midlands: Average debt of £1,365.47, with 45.8% in debt.
- South West: Average debt of £1,758.79, with 36.9% in debt.
- South East: Average debt of £1,501.95, with 36.8% in debt.
- East of England: Average debt of £2,463.41, with 42.2% in debt.
- London: Average debt of £1,386.74, with 37.6% in debt.
Potential Consequences of Rising Costs
Around 21 per cent of users indicated that if the costs were to increase, they would have to discontinue using the injections. This raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of such treatments for many individuals.
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 added: '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 the broader issue of affordability in private healthcare, particularly for weight-loss treatments, and highlights the need for careful financial planning among users to avoid debt and ensure continuity of care.
