London, UK – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed strong support for proposals to administer weight loss injections to unemployed individuals living with obesity, stating that such measures could have significant benefits for both public health and the economy. In an interview with the BBC, Starmer emphasized the need for additional funding for the National Health Service (NHS) and the importance of innovative approaches to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.
His remarks follow comments from Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who highlighted that these injections could help individuals transition back into the workforce. Currently, some weight loss medications are already prescribed through the NHS for obesity and diabetes management.
Starmer described the proposed injections as “very helpful” for individuals looking to lose weight, reinforcing that “the drug is very important for our NHS.” He stressed the necessity of thinking outside the box regarding funding and healthcare delivery to meet the challenges posed by rising obesity rates.
Addressing the Obesity Crisis
In an opinion piece for the Telegraph, Streeting noted that the increasing prevalence of obesity is placing a considerable burden on the NHS, with obesity-related illnesses costing the healthcare system around £11 billion annually. The NHS’s latest Health Survey for England indicated that, in 2022, 29% of adults were classified as obese, while 64% were considered overweight. Additionally, the NHS spends approximately £10 billion each year—9% of its total budget—on diabetes care, a condition closely linked to obesity.
Streeting announced a five-year trial of the weight loss drug Mounjaro in Greater Manchester, which aims to assess whether the medication can reduce unemployment and healthcare utilization. The trial is supported by a £279 million investment from Lilly, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company.
NHS officials anticipate that the rollout of Mounjaro across England will be phased due to expected high demand, with nearly 250,000 individuals projected to receive the injections over the next three years.
Potential Economic Benefits
Streeting also emphasized that these weight loss injections could positively impact the economy by reducing the number of sick days attributed to obesity. He noted that illnesses related to obesity typically result in an average of four additional sick days per year, with some individuals being forced out of work altogether.
However, he cautioned that individuals must take personal responsibility for their health, stating, “The NHS can’t be expected to always pick up the tab for unhealthy lifestyles.” He pointed out that the nation is facing an increase in food consumption, poor dietary choices, and reduced physical activity, all contributing to a less healthy population.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the optimistic outlook from government officials, some health experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of the proposed plan. Dr. Dolly van Tulleken, an obesity policy specialist, criticized the idea, stating that the eligible population could be “in the millions” while specialized weight management services can only accommodate around 49,000 individuals annually. She argued that the plan appears to focus on individuals’ economic value rather than their health needs.
Former health minister Lord Bethell emphasized the necessity for the NHS to shift towards preventative measures rather than solely addressing obesity as a medical issue. Meanwhile, Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, hailed the drugs as potential “game-changers” for public health, citing their ability to reduce the risk of severe health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
David A. Ricks, Chairman and CEO of Lilly, welcomed the partnership with the UK government, stating, “We are committed to tackling and preventing disease and advancing innovative care delivery models.”
