Navigating Weight Loss Injection Shortages & Price Increases

26 February, 2026  |  Holy Winter - Healthcare Writer

Navigating Weight Loss Injection Shortages & Price Increases

Popular weight loss support systems, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, mimic a natural hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control, allowing patients to be more comfortable consuming reduced calorie diets.

The key benefit of clinical weight loss treatments, particularly when paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle, is that they help slow digestion, reduce hunger, and promote feelings of fullness. GLP-1 receptor agonists act on the brain’s appetite centres, helping you to feel satisfied with less food and, ultimately, reduce the risks to health associated with a higher body mass index (BMI).

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) were originally developed for type 2 diabetes but are now widely used for weight loss due to their ability to reduce appetite and support long-term weight reduction. Their popularity has soared thanks to strong clinical results, growing awareness (thanks to high profile celebrities), and increased private access. However, this surge in demand has led to supply shortages (Mounjaro) and rising prices.

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro have seen recent price hikes in the private market and overall increased production costs. As a result, some patients may need to consider switching treatments or adjusting their plans so as to fit into their budget, as opposed to (dangerously) quitting cold turkey. It’s important to use GLP-1s under proper medical supervision and to avoid sourcing them from unregulated providers.

Mounjaro Price Hike

On 14 August 2025, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, announced a significant price increase of up to 170%, effective from 1 September 2025. This means the cost of some doses rose from around £122 to over £330 per month - a sharp rise that made Mounjaro much less affordable for many patients on private weight loss support plans.

As a result, many users began searching for more cost-effective alternatives to their weight loss protocol - leading to an increased uptake of Wegovy: private sales skyrocketing, with some pharmacies reporting a 2,000% uptick in demand.

Key Timeline

Date Event
Sept 2023 Wegovy launches in the UK (initially limited supply)
Late 2024 Private use of Wegovy gradually increases
14 Aug 2025 Eli Lily announces Mounjaro price increase of up to 170%
1 Sept 2025 New Mounjaro pricing takes effect
Aug–Sept 2025 Wegovy demand surges by over 2,000% in private UK market

Why Has Wegovy Seen an Increase in Popularity for Weight Loss?

  • Mounjaro recently became a much more expensive weight loss solution.
  • Because of this, many people have switched over to Wegovy, which is often more affordable and widely available as a weight loss support aid

Wegovy: Safe Switching & Ongoing Support for Patients

With growing interest in Wegovy for weight management, it’s important that patients feel supported - especially when continuing treatment or switching from another medication like Mounjaro. Here's how online pharmacies are helping:

Prioritising Ongoing Patients

Patients already receiving treatment are prioritised to avoid unnecessary gaps in care. If you are currently on a weight loss plan, continuity of your prescription and clinical review comes first — especially during times of high demand.

Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy

Online pharmacies are offering advice to patients on dosage switching to support a smooth and safe transition between Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide).

In most cases, you do not need to start from the lowest Wegovy dose — a suitable equivalent is advised based on your previous medication, unless there has been a longer gap in use. See our other articles on how to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy for more details.

Patient Guidance & Support

Clear advice ensures safety and success when using Wegovy for weight management. This includes:

  • Dosage timings and what to expect
  • Managing common side effects like nausea or fatigue
  • Guidance on diet and healthy habits that facilitate safe, sustainable weight loss
  • What to do if you miss a dose or have a gap in treatment

Quick Tips to Remember

  • More and more people want to transition to Wegovy for weight management as a result of Mounjaro price rises.
  • Demand for Wegovy is high, so pharmacies are working hard to ensure people get it safely.
  • Only trust pharmacies licensed to prescribe Wegovy (and other weight loss support systems) and always ensure to follow your doctor’s advice.
  • To maximise the health benefits when using weight loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, it is important to incorporate a healthy lifestyle, such as a leaner diet and increased metabolic output (exercise and activity). Incorporating such positive changes can contribute to a healthy weight as well as contributing to improved management/mitigation of health conditions associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure and inconsistent blood sugar levels.

iQ Doctor is a registered UK pharmacy that specialises in medical remedies for weight loss (including Wegovy and Mounjaro ), erectile dysfunction , hair loss support and much more. Whether you require over-the-counter relief, or prescription-only medication, the experts at iQ Doctor can assist. Please get in touch if you need any further advice.Starting treatment with iQ Doctor couldn’t be more straightforward, simply set up an appointment with a member of our specialist weight management service team of healthcare professionals and start today.

Also, be sure to keep in touch with iQ Doctor via our social media channels as well as keeping up to date with us by signing up to the mailing list.

This article does not constitute medical advice. Always make sure you make informed decisions in consultation with your healthcare professional.

References:

  1. Eli Lilly to hike UK price of Mounjaro weight-loss, diabetes medicines by 170%. (2025, August 14).Reuters
  2. “Limited” supply of weight loss drug semaglutide launched in UK. (2023, September 4).Pharmaceutical Journal.
  3. Our response to serious supply issues of drugs for people living with type 2 diabetes. (2025, August 28). Diabetes UK
  4. Mounjaro September 2025 price changes: your questions, answered. Boots Online Doctor
  5. Mounjaro maker pauses orders of weight loss drug to UK. (2025, August 28). The Guardian
  6. Wegovy, Mounjaro prices cut as British pharmacies vie for weight-loss patients. (2024, May 2). Reuters
  7. Semaglutide availability: what’s causing the Wegovy supply issues? (2024, November 26). Semapen

Reviewed By

Omar El-Gohary

Omar El-Gohary

The superintendent and lead pharmacist - registration number 2059792.

Omar is passionate about developing healthcare technology to empower our patients.

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