Weight-loss jabs could ‘overwhelm already stretched’ services, NHS chief warns

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} New weight-loss jabs for unemployed people to help them return to work could overwhelm “already stretched” NHS services, its chief executive has warned. “Cost-effective weight loss drugs will be a game-changer, alongside earlier prevention strategies – but without transforming pathways they could overwhelm already-stretched services. “Thanks to this partnership, we now have an important chance to gain a better understanding of the benefits of weight management interventions for patients, and how best to deliver them over the next few years.” NHS boss Amanda Pritchard said that the riots have left many NHS staff feeling ‘afraid and unwelcome’ The new partnership includes funding for a study by Health Innovation Manchester and pharmaceutical firm Lilly, to examine whether being put on the drugs will reduce worklessness and the impact on NHS service use, and will take place in Greater Manchester. “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.” Wes Streeting welcomed a new study which will examine whether anti-obesity drugs could bring more people back to the workplace However, when questioned on Sky News on Tuesday: “Mr Streeting said: "My view on this is pretty nuanced, actually.