Weight loss medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy have become increasingly popular, helping many people achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health. As their use continues to grow, a common question we hear is:
Will taking a weight loss jab affect my life insurance application?
The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is no.
Does Taking Mounjaro Affect Life Insurance?
Simply taking a prescribed weight loss medication such as Mounjaro does not automatically affect your ability to obtain life insurance.
Insurers are generally more interested in your overall health, medical history, height and weight, and any underlying conditions than the fact that you are using a weight loss medication.
In many cases, applicants taking Mounjaro can still obtain standard life insurance terms.
Why Weight Loss History Matters
While taking Mounjaro itself is not usually an issue, insurers will pay close attention to recent weight loss.
If you have lost a significant amount of weight within the previous 12 months, some insurers may adjust their assessment of your Body Mass Index (BMI). This is because research shows that rapid weight loss can sometimes be difficult to maintain long term.
As a result, many insurers will add back a proportion of the weight you’ve recently lost when calculating your risk. A common approach is to add back around 50% of the weight lost during the previous year, reflecting the possibility that some weight may be regained over time.
For example:
- Current weight: 90kg
- Weight lost in the last 12 months: 20kg
- Insurer’s adjusted assessment: 100kg (adding back 10kg)
This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay more, but it can influence how an insurer assesses your application.
The Importance of a Legitimate Prescription
If you are using weight loss medication, insurers will expect it to have been obtained through legitimate healthcare channels.
Ideally, medications such as Mounjaro should be prescribed and supplied through a qualified healthcare professional, GP, or registered pharmacist.
Obtaining medications from unregulated online sources can raise concerns about safety, quality, and medical supervision. In some circumstances, insurers may ask additional questions about the medication’s origin and how it is being monitored.
What Should You Tell Your Insurer?
When applying for life insurance, it’s important to disclose:
- Any prescribed medications you are taking.
- Recent weight loss or gain.
- Any underlying health conditions.
- Any ongoing medical treatment or monitoring.
Providing accurate information helps ensure your policy is underwritten correctly and avoids potential issues later on.
The Bottom Line
Taking Mounjaro or other prescribed weight loss jabs does not usually have a negative impact on life insurance applications.
However, insurers may consider significant recent weight loss when assessing your application and may adjust their calculations to reflect the possibility of future weight regain. It’s also important that any medication is obtained through a legitimate healthcare provider or registered pharmacist.
If you’re considering life insurance and are currently using a weight loss medication, speaking to a specialist protection adviser can help you find the most suitable insurer and ensure your application is presented accurately from the outset.
Please note: Underwriting criteria vary between insurers and individual circumstances will always be considered on a case-by-case basis.
