Britain to study use of weight loss drug to get people back to work
The UK government has announced plans to investigate the potential of Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, tirzepatide, to improve workforce participation and address long-term sickness rates that are hindering economic growth. Health Minister Wes Streeting emphasized the transformative potential of the drug, which is marketed as Mounjaro in Britain, following a £279 million ($365 million) investment from Eli Lilly during a summit hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Streeting highlighted the importance of this initiative in an article for the Telegraph, stating, “The long-term benefits of these drugs could be monumental in our approach to tackling obesity.” He expressed optimism that for many individuals, the medication could be life-changing, enabling them to return to work and alleviating pressure on the NHS.
The University of Manchester will spearhead a significant real-world study, examining the effects of tirzepatide on health-related quality of life and monitoring changes in employment status and sick days among participants. This study aligns with the NHS’s recently announced plan to provide the drug to nearly 250,000 people over the next three years.
While Streeting acknowledged the potential of tirzepatide as a tool for combating obesity, he stressed the necessity of complementary lifestyle changes. “Along with the rights to access these new drugs, there must remain a responsibility on us all to take healthy living more seriously,” he noted, cautioning against over-reliance on medical interventions amid an already strained healthcare system.
As Britain navigates rising long-term sickness rates, this study could mark a pivotal step toward improving public health and enhancing workforce participation, ultimately benefiting the economy.
