How Much Does One Month of Wegovy Cost in 2025?

Wegovy doesn’t come cheap. If you’re considering it for weight loss, you need to know what you’re signing up for-not just the health impact, but the financial one too. In 2025, a single month of Wegovy costs between $1,300 and $1,600 out of pocket in Australia. That’s before tax, before any subsidies, before you even step into a clinic. No magic. No shortcuts. Just a weekly injection that can help you lose up to 15% of your body weight over a year-if you stick with it.

Why Wegovy Costs So Much

Wegovy isn’t a pill you can pick up at a corner store. It’s a branded prescription medication made by Novo Nordisk, and it’s protected by patents. That means no generic versions are available yet. The active ingredient, semaglutide, is expensive to produce. It’s not just the chemical-it’s the delivery system, the precision dosing, the clinical trials, and the ongoing research that keep the price high.

Compare it to Ozempic, which uses the same ingredient but is approved for type 2 diabetes. Even though they’re chemically identical, Ozempic is often cheaper because it’s covered under Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for diabetic patients. Wegovy, however, isn’t on the PBS for weight loss. That’s why you pay full price.

What You Actually Get for the Price

When you pay $1,500 for a month of Wegovy, you’re not just buying a pen. You’re getting:

• A pre-filled, single-dose injection pen with a hidden needle
• Four weekly doses (one per week) in a pack
• Dosing instructions and a step-up schedule to reduce side effects
• Access to a support program from Novo Nordisk (online tools, nutrition tips, reminders)

But here’s the catch: most weight loss clinics don’t just hand you the pen and say goodbye. They bundle it with consultations, blood tests, progress tracking, and sometimes even dietitian sessions. That’s why some clinics charge $1,800-$2,200 a month. You’re paying for the service, not just the drug.

Can You Get Wegovy Cheaper?

Yes-but not easily. Here are your real options:

• Private health insurance: Most Australian health funds don’t cover Wegovy for weight loss. A few top-tier extras policies might offer a small rebate (around $100-$200 per month), but you’ll still pay over $1,000 out of pocket.
• Pharmaceutical assistance programs: Novo Nordisk has a patient support program called Wegovy Access Program. It’s not a discount card-it’s a needs-based subsidy. You need to prove low income, have a GP referral, and meet BMI criteria (usually 30+). Even then, the maximum savings are capped at $300 per month.
• Buying from overseas pharmacies: Some people order Wegovy from Canada or the UK through online pharmacies. Prices there can be as low as $700-$900 per month. But here’s the risk: Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) bans importing prescription medications without approval. If customs catches it, they’ll seize it. And if you get sick from a counterfeit pen? No legal recourse.

Wegovy vs. Other Weight Loss Injections

Wegovy isn’t the only game in town. Here’s how it stacks up against other options:

Saxenda is cheaper than Wegovy and on the PBS for obesity-but it’s less effective. Ozempic works almost as well as Wegovy and costs a fraction if you’re diabetic. But if you don’t have diabetes, you can’t legally get it on PBS for weight loss. That’s why many people end up paying full price for Wegovy: it’s the most effective option available without a prescription loophole.

Who Should Even Consider It?

Wegovy isn’t for everyone. It’s approved for people with:

• A BMI of 30 or higher (obese)
• A BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition (like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or prediabetes)

It’s also not a quick fix. You need to combine it with lifestyle changes-diet, movement, sleep. Otherwise, you’ll gain the weight back once you stop. And side effects? Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and fatigue are common in the first 8 weeks. About 1 in 5 people stop because they can’t tolerate it.

If you’re not ready to make long-term changes, Wegovy will waste your money. If you’re looking for a miracle, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re serious about losing weight and have tried everything else? It’s one of the most powerful tools available today.

What Happens After You Stop?

Here’s the truth most clinics won’t tell you: Wegovy doesn’t cure obesity-it manages it. In clinical trials, people who stopped taking Wegovy regained 60-70% of their lost weight within a year. That’s not failure. That’s biology. Your body fights to return to its old weight. That’s why some people stay on it for years.

If you’re thinking about stopping, talk to your doctor first. Don’t just quit cold. Tapering down slowly reduces rebound hunger and nausea. And consider switching to Saxenda or another maintenance option if cost is the issue.

Is It Worth It?

Let’s say you lose 15 kg on Wegovy. That’s 150,000 calories burned. That’s 300 hours of walking. That’s 12 months of strict dieting with no guarantee.

Now, think about the health savings: lower blood pressure, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, less joint pain, better sleep. Those aren’t just numbers-they’re years of life, energy, and freedom.

If you can afford it, Wegovy can be life-changing. If you can’t, don’t feel guilty. There are other paths-Saxenda on PBS, GLP-1 alternatives, structured weight loss programs. Wegovy isn’t the only way. But if you’re looking for the strongest tool available right now, and you’re ready to pay for it? It’s the most effective option on the market.