Wegovy arrives in New Zealand

The story so far

The weight loss drug Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, was due to become available on prescription in New Zealand from a Tuesday in late June 2025.^{26 Jun 2025; 1 Jul 2025} Pharmac does not fund it, and reported costs ranged from about $500 to up to $600 a month.^{26 Jun 2025; 1 Jul 2025} It is approved for weight loss and maintenance alongside diet and exercise, and its dose is higher than Ozempic's.^{26 Jun 2025; 1 Jul 2025} Ozempic and Wegovy, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes and other conditions, prompted debate over their use for weight loss and risks such as vision loss.^{6 Jul 2025} A Waikato bariatric surgeon warned that Wegovy should not be relied on as a standalone cure, and said lasting results need nutrition, exercise and psychology.^{13 Jul 2025}

Latest

A Wellington man described the drug as life-changing following its Medsafe approval.^{13 Jul 2025} The surgeon's warning about relying on the medication alone is the most recent expert comment in the coverage.^{13 Jul 2025}

Key moments

1. 26 Jun 2025Wegovy announced as available on prescription from Tuesday, unfunded by Pharmac.
2. 1 Jul 2025Wegovy goes on sale in pharmacies, at about $500 a month.
3. 6 Jul 2025Ozempic and Wegovy prompt debate over weight loss use and vision loss risks.
4. 13 Jul 2025Waikato bariatric surgeon says Wegovy is not a standalone cure.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.