Home / Health / Weight Loss Jabs Slash Sick Days by 50%
Weight Loss Jabs Slash Sick Days by 50%
3 Dec
Summary
- Weight loss jabs reduced patient sick days by half.
- Productivity boost linked to these drugs confirmed.
- Millions of obese Britons eligible but face rationing.

Research involving 700 NHS patients indicates that weight loss injections, such as Wegovy, can halve the number of sick days taken by employees. After six months on the treatment, average sick leave fell from 2.41 to 1.18 days per month, with a notable decrease in prolonged absences.
This reduction in sick leave has significant implications for the UK's productivity crisis, with estimates suggesting obesity costs the economy £31 billion annually. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has highlighted the drugs' potential as a 'game-changer' for the economy, and pilot schemes are exploring their use to return people to work.
Despite millions of obese Britons being eligible for these life-changing medications on the NHS, access is severely restricted by rationing. Consequently, record numbers are opting to purchase the drugs privately, underscoring the need for wider rollout to eligible patients.




