New weight-loss jabs could help boost the economy in Britain by getting people “back into work,” the Prime Minister has said. Sir Keir Starmer stated that the anti-obesity medication could also help ease pressure on the NHS.
This discussion follows Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s suggestion that weight-loss jabs could be provided to unemployed individuals as a means to facilitate their return to work. The Prime Minister highlighted the potential benefits of these drugs for not just personal health but the broader economic landscape, stating, “I think these drugs could be very important for our economy and for health.” He emphasized their importance in controlling obesity, which in turn could reduce NHS strain.
In a recent article written for The Telegraph, Mr. Streeting noted the significant financial burden of obesity on the health service, costing the NHS £11 billion annually—more than that of smoking. He also pointed out that obesity-related illness leads to an average of four additional sick days per affected individual each year, which can impede their ability to work.
The rollout of real-world trials for weight-loss jabs is being planned, focusing on the anti-obesity treatment Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, over the next five years. Researchers will evaluate its effectiveness in weight loss, diabetes prevention, and overall health outcomes, including its impact on workforce participation and sick leave.
Experts claim that Mounjaro has demonstrated impressive results, showing participants losing on average 21% of their body weight in 36 weeks when combined with dietary and exercise support. NHS leaders anticipate that as many as a quarter-million individuals might benefit from this jab over the next three years.
However, the rollout will likely occur in phases, prioritizing those who will derive the greatest clinical benefit. A comprehensive support package including nutritional and fitness guidance is to accompany the jabs. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) is set to release further guidance on Mounjaro later this year.
The Health Secretary stressed the need for a societal shift, urging individuals to take personal responsibility for healthier living practices, noting that the costs associated with obesity—estimated at £6.5 billion annually for the NHS—cannot be solely managed by the health service. Recent data indicates that 29% of adults in England are classified as obese, contributing to a growing crisis that demands urgent solutions.
Source: Telegraph and Argus
