How do weight loss jabs affect sick days according to the Oviva study?

The Oviva study found that patients using weight loss jabs had their average sick days cut by half, from 2.41 to 1.18 per month.

What is the economic impact of obesity in the UK?

Obesity is estimated to cost the UK economy around £31 billion per year in lost productivity.

Are weight loss jabs like Wegovy widely available on the NHS?

While millions are eligible, the NHS has introduced tight rationing, meaning very few people obtain free prescriptions, with record numbers buying them privately.

Home / Health / Weight Loss Jabs Slash Sick Days by 50%

Weight Loss Jabs Slash Sick Days by 50%

3 Dec, 2025

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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.

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