The UK government is considering extending the availability of weight-loss injections to unemployed individuals living with obesity, a move that could have significant economic and health benefits, according to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Currently, the NHS prescribes some weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, to treat obesity and diabetes. Starmer said the drugs could be “very helpful” for those struggling with weight loss, adding, “We need more money for the NHS, but we’ve also got to think differently.”
Streeting described the drugs as potentially “life-changing” and highlighted the burden obesity places on the NHS, which costs £11 billion annually. He also noted that the medication could improve economic productivity by reducing the number of sick days related to obesity.
At an international investment summit, the government announced a £279 million investment from pharmaceutical giant Lilly, which will fund a five-year study in Greater Manchester. The research aims to assess whether the weight-loss drug Mounjaro can reduce unemployment and ease pressure on NHS services.
While these injections may offer significant benefits, health experts caution that they are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and should only be used under medical supervision.
[Image created via MidJourney]