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Weight loss drugs will be prescribed along with exercise (PA)

A £40m NHS pilot scheme in which obese people will be offered weight-loss jabs has been announced by the government in the hope of getting them back into work and reducing waiting lists.

Rishi Sunak has hailed Wegovy and similar medicines as a “game-changer” as they help patients lose up to 15 per cent of their body weight when prescribed alongside diet, physical activity and behavioural support. The newest drugs will be made available to between 5,000 and 10,000 people and their use will be extended much more widely if evidence shows they work.

Why is the government doing this?