The availability of weight loss drugs on the NHS doesn’t mean people can give up healthy lifestyles, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned.

Experts believe drugs like Ozempic will play an important role in tackling the UK’s obesity crisis.

But Mr Sweeting told the Daily Telegraph it was in “everyone’s interest to play their part” and avoid overloading the health system.

“We don’t want to encourage a dependency culture where people think it’s OK not to bother eating healthily or exercising, because the NHS will pick up the tab and pay for their weight loss jab,” he said.

“People in this country have the right to expect top quality healthcare, but also a responsibility to look after their own health, so we’ve got to get the balance right.”

  • Vampire [any]
    ·
    8 days ago

    "Personal responsibility" has nothing to do with politics tho.

    I'm all for personal responsibility for myself or.anyone else. But politicians in the public forum should be governing public resources/systems.

    • wewbull@feddit.uk
      ·
      8 days ago

      If the nation is eating unhealthily look at food standards. Look at food costs. Work on policy that effects the quality of what they are able to afford to eat.

      Don't just finger wag.

    • ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ 帝@feddit.uk
      hexagon
      ·
      8 days ago

      But politicians in the public forum should be governing public resources/systems.

      That's it really - if the semaglutide injections cost £X but save £1.5X then buy it by the truckload.

      This doctor reckons everyone with a BMI over 30 who has tried an failed to lose weight and keep it off should get it. There may also be benefits fir anyone who has had a stroke.