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.”

China began new military drills off the coast of Taiwan on Monday, labeling them as “punishment” for a speech by Taiwan’s President William Lai, in which he vowed to “resist annexation” and protect Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lai’s remarks, made during a speech on Taiwan’s National Day, have drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which views the self-governing island as part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to reclaim it by force if necessary.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported detecting 34 Chinese naval vessels and 125 aircraft in formations around the island on Monday. Chinese state media released maps indicating that military forces were stationed around the entire island. The drills, which were concluded later in the day, simulated attacks on Taiwan by land, sea, and air, according to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, stated that the exercises were aimed at testing the joint operational capabilities of China’s military forces. Despite the large-scale drills, Taiwan’s airports and ports continued to function normally, with the Taiwanese government focusing on avoiding direct conflict.

Escalation of Military Tensions

China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the drills included simulations of military assaults and port blockades, reiterating its stance that Taiwanese independence is “incompatible” with peace in the region. The drills were officially named “Joint Sword 2024-B” and were widely anticipated following a similar exercise, “Joint Sword 2024-A,” conducted in May.

These drills mark the latest in a series of military exercises China has held near Taiwan since 2022. Beijing has frequently sent fighter jets into Taiwanese airspace and conducted naval patrols near the island in an effort to assert its claim over Taiwan. While China views Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as advocates for Taiwanese independence, it has described Lai’s recent remarks as escalating tensions with “sinister intentions.”

The United States, a key ally of Taiwan, condemned China’s drills, calling them an overreaction to Lai’s routine speech. Washington urged Beijing to refrain from actions that could further destabilize the region and disrupt peace.

Historical Context of China-Taiwan Tensions

China’s military intimidation of Taiwan dates back to 1996, following Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. At that time, China declared multiple areas around the island as off-limits and fired ballistic missiles into the sea surrounding Taiwan. In response, then U.S. President Bill Clinton discreetly deployed U.S. Navy forces to the Taiwan Strait to demonstrate U.S. support for Taiwan’s security.

The situation between China and Taiwan saw a period of relative calm between 2008 and 2016, but tensions reignited when DPP leader Tsai Ing-wen was elected president of Taiwan. Beijing, which views the DPP as a pro-independence party, cut off direct communication with Taiwan’s government, a standoff that persists to this day.

A significant flare-up occurred in August 2022 when then U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, marking the highest-level visit by a U.S. official in 25 years. Beijing viewed Pelosi’s visit as a provocation, responding with large-scale military exercises and launching ballistic missiles over the island for the first time.

The latest drills, though not a new occurrence, reflect the continuously strained relations between China and Taiwan, with both sides seemingly locked in a tense stalemate over the island’s future.