In a bid to tackle obesity and boost productivity, the UK is investing in a trial to study the impacts of tirzepatide on weight loss and work attendance.
UK Explores Weight-Loss Drugs to Boost Workforce
UK Explores Weight-Loss Drugs to Boost Workforce
UK government partners with Eli Lilly for a trial on how weight-loss drugs like tirzepatide could improve productivity.
On Monday, the UK government unveiled a significant partnership with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, launching a five-year trial of the weight-loss drug tirzepatide, known commercially as Mounjaro. This ambitious initiative will explore the drug's potential not just for weight loss and diabetes prevention, but also its effects on productivity in the workplace. Britain faces a significant obesity challenge, with about 25% of adults affected, burdening the National Health Service and impacting economic productivity due to health-related work issues.
The project, valued at £279 million ($365 million), will take place in Greater Manchester, targeting the dual goals of improving health outcomes and gathering data on employment impacts. Up to 3,000 participants may join the trial, hoping to establish a direct connection between improved weight and economic productivity. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the economic potential, noting the importance of such health interventions for getting people back to work and enhancing the nation's economic resilience.
The project, valued at £279 million ($365 million), will take place in Greater Manchester, targeting the dual goals of improving health outcomes and gathering data on employment impacts. Up to 3,000 participants may join the trial, hoping to establish a direct connection between improved weight and economic productivity. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the economic potential, noting the importance of such health interventions for getting people back to work and enhancing the nation's economic resilience.
