The UK government says it will begin a trial of weight loss injections aimed at helping unemployed individuals with obesity return to work
U.K Health Secretary Wes Streeting who announced this on Tuesday, pointed out that obesity, which affects millions across the UK, is contributing to an increase in sick days and placing a significant strain on the National Health Service (NHS). "Our growing waistlines are costing the NHS £11 billion a year, surpassing even the costs associated with smoking," he wrote in an article for The Telegraph.
The initiative is part of a broader $365 million investment by American pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, announced at an international investment summit on Monday. As part of the investment, Eli Lilly will conduct a five-year trial of its weight loss drug, Mounjaro, on up to 3,000 individuals, including those who are both obese and unemployed.
According to a study in July, patients using Mounjaro experienced more significant weight loss than those using rival treatments such as Ozempic and Wegovy, developed by Danish firm Novo Nordisk.
"The potential long-term benefits of these drugs could transform our approach to tackling obesity," said Streeting. Since Labour came to power in July, he has introduced several health measures aimed at reducing "unhealthy lifestyles," including a ban on junk food advertising targeting children.
According to government data, more than 25% of UK adults were classified as obese by 2023, an increase from 22.6% in 2015-2016. A 2022 World Health Organization report also found that the UK's obesity rate is higher than that of any EU nation except Malta.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the economic importance of weight loss treatments, noting that they could help people return to work. "These drugs are crucial for the NHS, too. While more funding is necessary, we must think differently to address these challenges," Starmer said.
The UK's public health advisory body has recommended a phased rollout of Mounjaro through the NHS, with initial plans to make the drug available to 250,000 people over the next three years.
