Health secretary warns against misuse of weight loss injections

Wes Streeting has cautioned against using weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy solely for achieving an “Instagram perfect body” amidst rising demand. Speaking on Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge, the health secretary described his stance on these treatments as “nuanced.” While acknowledging their “game-changing” potential in combating obesity, he warned against their misuse.

Obesity costs the NHS approximately £6.5 billion annually and is the second leading preventable cause of cancer. Studies indicate that people lose around 15% of their body weight within months of starting treatment with Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide, also known as Ozempic. The drug mimics a natural hormone, making individuals feel fuller more quickly and for longer periods.

However, an investigation by science correspondent Thomas Moore revealed that thousands who could benefit from the drug are being denied access due to a slower than expected rollout within the health service.

Me: Do you think there’s too much regulation in the NHS?

Wes Streeting: “I do & I also think there’s far too much regulation in the economy… where regulation is standing in the way of success we will simplify it & where it’s unnecessary, get rid of it”

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— Sophy Ridge (@SophyRidgeSky) October 14, 2024

The surge in demand has also led to an increase in fake weight loss injection sales online. Additionally, a study has linked weight loss jabs like Ozempic and Wegovy to a rare condition causing blindness. A senior NHS doctor has warned that using these drugs to achieve a “beach body” could lead to “dangerous consequences.”

Streeting expressed concerns about these reports, stating, “I think some of these drugs can be game-changing in tackling obesity, especially for those who find diet and exercise ineffective.” He stressed the importance of not using these drugs as an excuse to neglect diet, nutrition, and exercise or as cosmetic enhancements for social media.

He also highlighted the potential risks of widespread use, including an increase in eating disorders and body dysmorphia. He emphasised that these drugs should complement diet and exercise rather than replace them, noting that they come at a cost to the NHS. “The NHS is there for us and free at the point of use, but that doesn’t mean it should be abused,” he added.

In the same interview, Streeting asserted that people have “moved on from Brexit” despite a green paper indicating that leaving the EU reduced investment by 11%. The government’s New Industrial Strategy, introduced by the chancellor, aims to forge closer ties with Brussels for smoother trade and better business.

Asked about the possibility of rejoining the single market or customs union, Streeting responded, “People have moved on, the country has moved on, the EU has moved on.” He noted that both sides have no desire to revisit past arguments. “The Remain camp, which I supported, warned about Brexit’s economic consequences, and those have materialised. We must deal with that reality.”

Streeting suggested the optimal approach is to work closely with the European Union while also engaging with other markets. Commenting on regulation, a key topic at an investment summit led by Sir Keir Starmer, Streeting argued that the debate should focus on effectiveness rather than political ideologies. “There’s too much regulation in the NHS and certain aspects of the economy. Simplicity can often be more effective, and this shouldn’t be a right-left issue but a matter of right or wrong.”