When it comes to managing your budget, it’s easy to overlook the hidden costs associated with unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits. And the costs can add up quickly!
For example, if you have takeaways twice a week, go out once a week, indulge in unhealthy snacks, and buy coffee daily, you could be spending over £500 a month!
Here’s a quick breakdown of some common expenses:
Over the course of a 4-week month this could look like this:
To counteract this, the average monthly cost of a typical weight loss injection such as Mounjaro, ranges from £139 to £219. This is significantly cheaper than the current average spend on unhealthy food.
So then let’s look at...
How being on weight loss injections could save you money
When you start using weight loss injections, they help curb your cravings, help you manage your appetite and drive you to make healthier choices and habits. This could all lead to significant savings for you. Here’s how:
1. Reducing number of takeaways and eating out
As weight loss injections help control your cravings, it makes it easier to stick to home-cooked meals which are significantly cheaper than ordering takeaways or eating out. By cutting out just two takeaway meals a week, you can save up to £320 a month.
2. Cutting down on unhealthy snacks
With less cravings you’re less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks throughout the day. This can save you around £30 a week or £120 a month.
3. Fewer days/nights outs
As you become more focused on your health and wellbeing, you might find yourself opting for healthier, more cost-effective activities or just not as interested in the same social activities. Reducing outings from four to two a month could save you around £160 a month.
4. Making your own coffee
Instead of buying coffee every day, reduce your consumption or consider making it at home. This small change could save you around £128 a month.
Long-term financial and health benefits
Whilst weight loss injections come with a cost, the money saved from reducing some of these unhealthy habits can help offset this expense.
Aside from the immediate savings, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight long-term can reduce any other related medical expenses to being unhealthy, and help you long-term with financial planning.
Resources
How much do you spend on a night out? - BBC
Britons spending £641 a year on takeaways - This is Money
People spending over £1,000 a year on snacks - Glasgow Standard
Should I worry about eating too many takeaways - The Guardian
Diet Truth or Myth: Eating at night causes weight gain - WebMD
UK Consumer Snacking Market Report 2022 - Mintel
Two thirds of UK adults are struggling to meet important dietary advice - Nestle
Britons cut back on dining out and buying clothes - The Guardian
Alcohol and weight loss: What to know - Medical News Today
UK Covid takeaway habits - The Guardian