Weight loss injections could boost health and economy, says Prime Minister
Proposals to provide weight loss injections to unemployed people living with obesity could have a significant impact on both the economy and public health, according to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Speaking to the BBC, Sir Keir highlighted the potential of the initiative to relieve pressure on the NHS while supporting individuals in their weight loss journey.
The idea, first proposed by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, suggests that expanding access to weight loss treatment could help people return to work. Some of these medications are already available on the NHS for obesity and diabetes management, with promising results.
Sir Keir acknowledged the growing demands on the NHS and emphasised the need for innovative approaches: "Yes, we need more money for the NHS, but we've also got to think differently," he said, describing the injections as a valuable tool for individuals seeking to lose weight.
Wes Streeting echoed these sentiments, calling the medications "life-changing" and addressing the broader impact of obesity on healthcare. In a recent opinion piece, he noted that obesity-related illnesses cost the NHS £11 billion annually, adding that these drugs could revolutionise how the country tackles the issue.
A trial for the weight-loss drug Mounjaro is already underway in Greater Manchester. Pharmaceutical company Lilly, which manufactures the drug, is investing £279 million in the five-year study. The trial aims to assess whether Mounjaro can reduce both work absenteeism and reliance on NHS services. The NHS is planning a phased rollout of the medication, with around 250,000 people expected to receive the jab in the next three years.
Streeting also pointed to the economic benefits, noting that obesity-related conditions lead to an average of four additional sick days per year. He stressed, however, that individuals must take personal responsibility for their health, warning that the NHS cannot always be relied upon to address unhealthy lifestyles.
While the government’s plans have drawn support, some experts are skeptical. Dr. Dolly van Tulleken, an obesity policy specialist, questioned the feasibility of the proposal, noting that the eligible population is vast, while specialist weight management services can only treat a limited number of people annually. She also expressed concerns about prioritising economic potential over individual health needs.
Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs, like Wegovy and Ozempic, suppress appetite and mimic hormones that make individuals feel fuller. Experts, however, caution that these treatments are not a substitute for healthy eating and exercise, and should only be used under medical supervision.
Despite the challenges, NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard remains optimistic, calling these medications a "game-changer" that could significantly reduce the risk of serious conditions like diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes.