Government proposals could see overweight unemployed given weight-loss jabs to get them back to work. Health Secretary Wes Streeting says latest generation drugs such as tirzepatide or semaglutide may help the obese return to employment as well as ease the “widening waistbands” burden on the NHS. Streeting outlined the plan when announcing a £280m collaboration investment from Lilly, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company. The scheme will focus on developing new medicines and treatment delivery. Tirzepatide, made by Lilly, has been described as the King Kong of slimming jabs because it claims to be the most effective on the market. Writing in the Telegraph, Streeting said: “Our widening waistbands are placing a significant burden on our health service, costing the NHS £11bn a year – even more than smoking. And it’s holding back our economy. Illness caused by 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 secretary added that the injections should not be seen as an alternative to overhauling unhealthy lifestyles but that for many, “these weight-loss jabs will be life-changing, help get them back to work, and ease the demands on our NHS.” Excess weight is a risk factor in an array of chronic health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, several types of cancer and depression. Studies have shown that weight-loss jabs can cut the risk of death from heart attacks and strokes by one-fifth. According to the OECD, the UK is the tenth heaviest country in the 36-member group of wealthy nations, and the most obese in western Europe. But despite a generally enthusiastic response to the government’s plan, there are warnings that weight-loss jabs should remain primarily a decision between each individual and their doctor. Speaking on Radio 4’s Today, Dr Dolly van Tulleken, who specialises in obesity policy, said: “It’s crucial that people in the UK access healthcare based on their health needs rather than their potential economic value.”