Weight-Loss Injections in New Zealand
A plain-English guide to GLP-1 weight-loss medicines — what they are, indicative costs, eligibility, and how to access them through a registered prescriber.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Important: Weight-loss injections are prescription-only medicines. They are not suitable for everyone and carry side effects. This page is general information, not medical advice. Always speak to a registered prescriber (your GP or a weight-management clinic) before starting any medicine. Pricing shown is indicative — confirm the current price and funding with your prescriber and pharmacy.
What are weight-loss injections?
Most weight-loss injections used in New Zealand are GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic a natural gut hormone that helps regulate appetite and slows how quickly the stomach empties, which can help some people feel fuller for longer. They are used alongside diet and lifestyle changes under medical supervision — not on their own.
The main options available privately in New Zealand are semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and liraglutide (Saxenda).
Compare the options
| Brand | Active ingredient | Dosing | Indicative cost / month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Weekly injection | $450 - $700 |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weekly injection | $450 - $700 |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Weekly injection | $500 - $800 |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Daily injection | $400 - $550 |
Indicative private pricing — not Pharmac-funded for weight loss. Confirm current pricing with your pharmacy.
Who might be eligible?
Eligibility is always decided by a prescriber based on your individual health. International guidelines commonly consider GLP-1 medicines for adults with a BMI of 30 or over, or 27 or over with a weight-related health condition. A consultation will confirm whether a medicine is appropriate for you.
What it costs in New Zealand
- Initial consultation$80 - $250
- Ongoing programme / review (monthly)$50 - $150
- Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) — monthly$450 - $700
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — monthly$500 - $800
How to access them in NZ
- Book a consultation with your GP or a weight-management clinic.
- Your prescriber assesses your health and whether a medicine is appropriate.
- If prescribed, the medicine is dispensed by a pharmacy (paid privately).
- Ongoing reviews monitor your progress, dose and any side effects.
Considering surgery instead?
Bariatric surgery is a one-off procedure for eligible patients. Compare the pathways in our weight-loss surgery guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are weight-loss injections available in New Zealand?
Yes. GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and liraglutide (Saxenda) are prescription-only medicines in New Zealand. A registered prescriber must assess whether one is appropriate for you before it can be prescribed and dispensed at a pharmacy.
Are weight-loss injections funded by Pharmac?
No. As of 2026 these medicines are not funded by Pharmac for weight loss, so weight-management use is paid privately. Semaglutide (Ozempic) is funded only for specific type 2 diabetes criteria. Always confirm the current price and funding status with your prescriber and pharmacy.
How much do weight-loss injections cost in NZ?
Costs typically have two parts: a consultation ($80 - $250 initial, with ongoing review fees of $50 - $150 per month at some clinics) plus the medication itself. Indicative private medication costs are around $450 - $700 per month for semaglutide and $500 - $800 for tirzepatide. Medication pricing is indicative only and varies by pharmacy and supply.
Who can be prescribed weight-loss injections?
Eligibility is decided by your prescriber based on your individual health. International guidelines commonly consider GLP-1 medicines for adults with a BMI of 30 or over, or 27 or over with a weight-related health condition, alongside diet and lifestyle changes. This is general information, not medical advice — only a qualified prescriber can decide what is appropriate for you.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects of GLP-1 medicines include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and reduced appetite, which often ease over time. There are also less common but more serious risks. Your prescriber will discuss the benefits and risks for your situation and monitor you while you are on treatment.
Injections or weight-loss surgery — which is right for me?
They suit different situations. Injections are non-surgical and reversible but are an ongoing cost and are stopped under medical guidance. Bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve or bypass) is a one-off procedure with a larger up-front cost. A consultation can help you weigh up which pathway fits your health and goals. See our weight-loss surgery guide to compare.