Major Retailer to offer weight-loss jabs at a discounted price
Costco has announced a new partnership with Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk to offer its popular GLP-1 weight-loss injections, Ozempic and Wegovy, at a discounted price. Starting this month, these drugs, which are used for managing both type 2 diabetes and obesity, will be made available to Costco members at £499 across 600 pharmacies. The offer is exclusive to members paying out of pocket and mirrors Novo Nordisk’s own retail rate, similar to prices seen in major US chains like CVS and Walgreens.
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, have seen soaring demand globally, rising by over 300% since 2022. This surge is driven by social media trends, celebrity endorsements, and growing public awareness of medical weight management options. These drugs have become widely known for their clinical effectiveness in promoting substantial weight reduction when used alongside a healthy lifestyle plan.
Why the Costco Discount Matters
The £499 price point offers a considerable saving compared to many private clinics, but it still remains unaffordable for some patients. Wegovy is officially licensed in the UK for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight individuals with weight-related conditions. At the same time, Ozempic is approved for diabetes but is often prescribed off-label for weight loss. Access to these treatments on the NHS, however, is highly restricted due to ongoing supply shortages and narrow eligibility criteria, which have pushed many people to seek private options both within the UK and abroad.
UK-Based Alternatives Offering Bigger Savings
Among UK providers, SheMed Pharmacy stands out with a dramatically lower price, currently offering Wegovy from as little as £89 under a promotional package. Although this offer only applies to selected starter doses and requires eligibility checks through an online consultation, it marks one of the most affordable legitimate options available. In comparison:
- Costco offer: £499 (members only, no insurance)
- SheMed offer: £89 (selected Wegovy doses, eligibility required)
- Average UK private clinic price: £150–£299 per pen
Such stark price differences are prompting many patients to research multiple suppliers, carefully weighing cost savings against prescription safety, consultation quality, and delivery reliability.
The Growing Demand for GLP-1 Medications
Experts suggest a cultural shift in the way society approaches obesity management. Where lifestyle modification once dominated the conversation, medical treatments like semaglutide are now seen as evidence-based tools within structured weight-loss programmes. Clinical studies reveal that semaglutide can result in around 15% body weight reduction over 68 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.
However, medical professionals caution that these are not “quick fix” solutions. Without proper lifestyle adjustments and ongoing support, weight regain is standard after stopping treatment. Some patients may also experience side effects, including nausea, constipation, or, in rare cases, pancreatitis.
Balancing Access and Affordability
Costco’s entry into the weight-loss drug market highlights how major retail chains can help expand accessibility. Yet the high £499 price tag raises questions about why GLP-1 therapies remain expensive despite increased demand and production. Meanwhile, UK providers like SheMed are proving that more affordable, regulated access is possible. As the market evolves, competition between retailers, online pharmacies, and traditional clinics will likely redefine how these in-demand treatments are priced and supplied.
For UK patients, the challenge is finding an affordable, safe, and medically supervised pathway to weight loss, one that strikes the right balance between cost, convenience, and care quality.
