Unemployed to be given weight-loss jab to help them back into work, government says
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In a trial program, unemployed individuals will receive weight-loss injections to help them re-enter the workforce.
The life sciences industry in the UK is set to benefit from a £279 million investment by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, aimed at creating new medications and improving treatment methods.
Amanda Pritchard, the Chief Executive of the NHS, hailed weight-loss medications as “transformative” tools that help individuals decrease their chances of developing serious health issues.
The initiatives involving Lily, which were revealed at the UK's International Investment Summit, will mark the initial testing of the vaccine's impact on joblessness, work efficiency, and dependence on the National Health Service.
According to the government, obesity ranks as the second leading preventable factor in cancer and significantly impacts overall health, hindering individuals from fully engaging in the workforce.
"The lasting advantages of these medications could be significant for our methods of addressing obesity. For a lot of individuals, these injections could transform their lives, enabling them to return to work and reducing pressure on our National Health Service," wrote health secretary Wes Streeting in The Telegraph.
The most recent Health Survey for England revealed that obesity rates have remained unchanged since 2019. In 2022, approximately 29% of adults in England were classified as obese, and around 64% were considered either overweight or dealing with obesity.
The NHS is currently spending over £11 billion annually on issues related to excess weight, surpassing the costs associated with smoking. Carrying excess weight is connected to serious health problems like diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes.
The government stated that supporting the UK life sciences sector in gaining a deeper understanding of obesity, as well as implementing initiatives to prevent it—like limiting junk food advertising—will reduce the strain on the NHS.
The latest study seeks to collect information on how the medication tirzepatide, marketed by Lily as Mounjaro, impacts patients.
Mounjaro is a weekly injection designed to assist with weight loss. It features tirzepatide, a substance that helps control blood sugar and energy levels, which in turn can help decrease hunger and curb cravings. At present, it is primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes in the UK.
At the beginning of this month, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence announced that it will start a consultation after receiving a request from NHS England regarding the potential use of Mounjaro as a weight loss treatment within the NHS.
According to The Telegraph, a new five-year study will recruit as many as 3,000 obese individuals to investigate if the medication enhances productivity and helps more people return to work.
Officials have announced that close to 250,000 individuals are anticipated to get the Mounjaro vaccine in the upcoming three years.
According to the latest plans, the initial recipients will be individuals suffering from severe obesity, characterized by a body mass index (BMI) of over 40. These individuals must also have at least three health issues related to their weight, such as heart disease, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated, “Despite the various difficulties impacting our nation's health, we have two significant strengths: access to some of the brightest scientific experts globally and a National Health Service full of untapped promise. If we can bring these two together, patients in this country can benefit from the groundbreaking advancements in medical science that are happening right now.”
“This announcement positions the UK as a frontrunner in the life sciences sector and moves us closer to providing transformative treatments for NHS patients. Collaborations like this are essential for creating a healthier community, boosting the economy, and ensuring the NHS is prepared for future challenges.”
Ms. Pritchard stated, “Obesity ranks among the most significant public health challenges we encounter today. We believe that weight loss medications will be transformative, especially when combined with proactive prevention measures. This combination will help a larger number of individuals shed extra pounds and lower their chances of developing serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.”
"We currently have a significant opportunity to learn more about the advantages of weight management programs for patients and the most effective ways to implement them in the coming years," she continued.
