As for why it’s not approved for weight loss in the UK, Dr Kayat added: “It works by helping to regulate your appetite and reduce cravings and hunger. But in the UK, it’s only supposed to be used for type 2 diabetes, and that’s in order to try and protect the resources for the type 2 diabetics.”

A study on the "real-world" effectiveness of weight loss drugs is set to measure the impact on the job prospects of people living with obesity in Greater Manchester. The five-year clinical trial was announced as part of a £279m plans by US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly to work with the UK government to address public health challenges like obesity.

Britain will study whether the use of Eli Lilly's weight loss drug can get people back into work and help tackle the high rate of long-term sickness that has become a major drag on the economy. Health minister Wes Streeting predicted the use of the drug - a competitor to Novo Nordisk's Ozempic - could help transform the health of the nation,

The UK plans to test US firm Eli Lilly' s weight loss jab Mounjaro to help the burden on the national healthcare system. Over a quarter of UK adults suffered from obesity in 2023 according to government data.

Britain is in the grip of a worklessness epidemic with a quarter of people of working-age – nearly 11 million people – currently not working. Kamal and Camilla discuss Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s latest drive to get people off benefits.