Weight-loss injections could reduce sick leave by half, according to new research involving NHS patients. The study, conducted by weight-loss app Oviva, examined 700 NHS patients using medications such as Wegovy and found that average monthly sick days dropped from 2.41 to 1.18 over six months.
The research also revealed a significant decline in frequent GP or health centre visits, from 24.8% to 9.3% of patients. The proportion of jab users with no NHS professional visits rose by 34%, while those with sick leave exceeding five days fell from 18.9% to 8.8%.
Sales of weight-loss jabs Mounjaro and Wegovy reached 2.5 million in July, seven times higher than the same period last year, according to figures seen by The Telegraph. Oviva's separate in-depth study of 414 patients found that those not in work often cited health barriers such as mobility problems, joint pain, and mental health conditions.
Martin Fidock, managing director of Oviva, said: “The UK is in the middle of a productivity crisis. Obesity drains £31bn a year in productivity and is one of the biggest preventable drivers of worklessness. Our NHS patients are treated through a combination of injections and online support, and have reduced sick days and GP appointments by half as a result.”
The NHS began rolling out Mounjaro earlier this year with tight eligibility restrictions, aiming to treat 240,000 people over three years. Health Secretary Wes Streeting previously warned that obesity is a leading cause of ill health, costing the NHS billions, but noted that weight-loss jabs could help curb the crisis.
