UK health miner proposes ‘life-changing’ weight loss jabs for unemployed to get them back to work | Trending
In a bold move to address rising obesity rates and their impact on the National Health Service (NHS), United Kingdom’s Health Miner Wes Streeting has proposed that weight loss jabs be offered to unemployed individuals. This suggestion, outlined in his column for the Telegraph, aims to ass people in returning to work while alleviating financial pressures on the NHS. UK Health Miner Wes Streeting proposed weight loss jabs for unemployed to boost employment and reduce NHS costs.(PA Media) (Also read: Chinese woman’s 20 kg weight gain due to work stress sparks debate on ‘overwork obesity’) The burden of obesity on the NHSStreeting highlighted the significant burden that “widening wabands” are placing on the NHS, revealing that obesity-related issues cost the health service approximately £11 billion annually, surpassing the expenses incurred from smoking. In his piece, he noted, “Illness caused obesity causes people to take an extra four sick days a year on average, while many others are forced out of work altogether.” The Health Miner’s comments coincided with the Government’s announcement of a £279 million investment from pharmaceutical giant Lilly, made on the same day Prime Miner Rishi Sunak hosted an international investment summit. This funding is expected to facilitate real-world trials evaluating the impact of weight loss jabs on worklessness. Trial studies in Greater ManchesterThe upcoming trials, conducted Health Innovation Manchester and Lilly, aim to assess whether adminering these medications can effectively reduce worklessness and influence NHS service utilisation. These studies will be centred in Greater Manchester, marking a significant step in understanding the intersection between health and employment. (Also read: Delhi Police sub-inspector, who has PCOD, sheds 15 kg in less than three months after delivery) Streeting stated, “The reforms this Government will put in place will open the NHS up to work much more closely with life sciences, to develop new, more effective treatments, and put NHS patients at the front of the queue.” Life-changing potential of weight loss jabsThe Miner emphasised the monumental long-term benefits these drugs could bring in tackling obesity. “For many people, these weight-loss jabs will be life-changing, help them get back to work, and ease the demands on our NHS,” he added. Nevertheless, Streeting reiterated the need for personal accountability, insing that individuals must take “healthy living more seriously.” He cautioned against an over-reliance on the NHS, stating, “The NHS can’t be expected to always pick up the tab for unhealthy lifestyles.” (With inputs from PA Media)