Accessibility of Obesity Treatment Injections Expands in Ireland

In a significant step towards enhancing the accessibility of obesity treatment in Ireland, Thérapie Clinics, renowned for its aesthetic services, has launched a medically supervised program called Thérapie Health, which offers Wegovy injections for weight management in a non-traditional medical setting. This initiative, announced in July 2025, aims to provide a legally compliant option for individuals battling obesity, a condition affecting approximately 60% of adults in Ireland, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE) (HSE, 2025).

The introduction of Wegovy at such clinics marks a pivotal shift in the approach to obesity treatments, moving these services into mainstream beauty clinics, which have traditionally focused on cosmetic enhancements. Dr. Francis Finucane, a Consultant Endocrinologist with the National Clinical Programme for Obesity, expressed support for this initiative, stating, "It appears to be a bona fide clinically supervised doctor service with carefully considered criteria" (Finucane, 2025). He noted that while the treatment is effective, the associated costs remain a barrier for many. Currently, the initiation fee for the program at Thérapie Health is €365, which includes the monthly medication cost of €220 and a follow-up appointment fee of €35.

The current obesity epidemic in Ireland is compounded by the high costs of obesity medications, which range from €120 to €475 per month, presenting significant financial barriers for those in need. Belinda Hogan, who has successfully lost over 80 pounds using Ozempic, highlighted the importance of having medical professionals involved in the administration of these medications. "It’s wealthcare as opposed to healthcare. It’s not fair," she remarked, emphasizing the necessity of medical oversight in the treatment process (Hogan, 2025).

Furthermore, Aisling O’Leary, who lost over 100 pounds with Ozempic, advocated for a holistic approach to obesity treatment, which should include regular check-ups and referrals to dieticians and counselors. O’Leary, a medical card holder, noted that the cost of these medications significantly impacts her budget as a pensioner, underscoring the pressing need for inclusion within Ireland’s drug payment schemes (O’Leary, 2025).

While the government has made commitments to include Wegovy in reimbursement schemes by late 2025, concerns persist regarding the potential misuse of these medications. Dr. Finucane warned about the rise of cosmetic applications of weight loss injections, stating, "There are unscrupulous actors out there using these drugs for cosmetics, gaining financially from vulnerable people who want to be skinny" (Finucane, 2025). This misuse not only undermines the medical intent behind these treatments but also contributes to the existing shortages.

As these obesity treatments gain traction in beauty clinics, the conversation surrounding their accessibility and responsible usage continues to evolve. The implications for public health are profound; effective treatment of obesity could lead to decreased incidences of related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers. The overall economic burden of untreated obesity is substantial, and improving access to medically supervised weight loss options presents a significant opportunity for public health interventions in Ireland.

In summary, while the expansion of obesity treatment injections into beauty clinics is a progressive move towards making these necessary medications more accessible, it raises important questions about cost, medical oversight, and the potential for misuse. As Ireland continues to grapple with a growing obesity crisis, the need for comprehensive, equitable healthcare solutions remains paramount.