Obesity: Unemployed could get weight loss jabs to return to work

The prime minister informed the BBC that suggestions to provide weight loss injections to unemployed individuals struggling with obesity could play a significant role in improving both our economy and public health.

Sir Keir Starmer recognized that additional funding is necessary for the NHS and emphasized that the government must adopt a new approach to alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.

His remarks followed Health Secretary Wes Streeting's statement, which suggested that the vaccinations could assist individuals in returning to the workforce.

The NHS has already authorized certain injections for treating obesity as well as for individuals with diabetes.

Sir Keir mentioned to the BBC that the vaccines would be "extremely beneficial" for those looking to shed some pounds.

"This medication plays a crucial role in our NHS. While it's true that we need increased funding for the NHS, we also need to approach things from a different perspective."

Streeting proposed that the medications could have a transformative impact on people's lives.

In a commentary for the Telegraph, the health secretary stated, "Increasing waist sizes are putting considerable pressure on our healthcare system."

The lasting advantages of these medications could be groundbreaking in how we address obesity.

According to the most recent Health Survey for England conducted by the NHS, in 2022, 29% of adults in England were classified as obese, while 64% were considered overweight.

According to Streeting, diseases linked to obesity amount to an annual expense of £11 billion for the NHS.

Obesity has been associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes, and the NHS allocates approximately £10 billion annually—about 9% of its total budget—to provide care for individuals with diabetes.

He made his statement just as the government revealed a five-year experiment in Greater Manchester involving the weight loss medication Mounjaro.

Lilly, the largest pharmaceutical company globally and the creator of Mounjaro, is putting £279 million into a study. This research aims to determine whether the drug can help decrease unemployment and lower the use of NHS services.

NHS officials have proposed that the distribution of the medication throughout England should be done in phases, as they expect a significant demand for it.

Officials have announced that around 250,000 individuals are anticipated to get the Mounjaro vaccine in the upcoming three years.

The health secretary mentioned that the weight-loss injections might also have positive effects on the economy by decreasing the amount of time people take off work due to obesity-related health issues.

"Obesity-related health issues lead individuals to take an additional average of four sick days each year, and many others are unable to continue working at all," he stated.

Nonetheless, people must take greater responsibility for prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, since the NHS shouldn't be relied upon to cover the costs associated with unhealthy habits, he stated.

As a nation, we're consuming more food, making poorer dietary choices, and being less active. The personal consequences are evident: a decline in health and a reduced lifespan.

Dr. Dolly van Tulleken, an expert in obesity policy, described the proposal as impractical. She pointed out that the number of people who would qualify for this program is in the millions, while specialized weight management services can only accommodate 49,000 individuals each year.

She mentioned that the concept of encouraging unemployed individuals who are obese through incentives wasn't a fresh idea and had been received poorly in the past.

In an interview with the Today program, she mentioned that the proposals focus on individuals based on "their possible economic worth" instead of considering their needs.

The NHS has already approved certain weight loss medications. One type of prescription drug designed to reduce appetite is available under the brand names Wegovy, which is meant for managing obesity, and Ozempic, which is used to treat diabetes.

It is administered as an injection and imitates the hormone GLP-1, helping individuals feel satisfied and reducing their appetite.

In the past, specialists have cautioned that the medication is not a shortcut or a substitute for maintaining a healthy diet and exercising. It should only be used with medical oversight.

Former health minister Lord Bethell emphasized that the NHS needs to take clear actions to focus on prevention, rather than just treating the obesity epidemic as a medical issue.

Amanda Pritchard, the CEO of the NHS, stated that these medications could significantly transform public health and potentially lower the chances of developing diabetes, experiencing heart attacks, and having strokes.

David A. Ricks, who is the chairman and CEO of Lilly, expressed, “We are excited about the chance to collaborate with the UK Government in addressing and preventing diseases, as well as speeding up innovation to improve healthcare delivery.”