‘Miracle’ fat loss jabs have devastating hidden side effect - fresh warning issued

"A lot of the weight lost, which is significant in some, is bone and muscle. That creates other health problems," Johnston explained.

She also highlighted concerns about weight regain after discontinuing the medication, noting that it is only recommended for two years of use.

The government's plan to offer weight loss drugs like Ozempic to unemployed obese individuals has been unveiled by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The initiative aims to help people return to work and reduce NHS costs.

Streeting wrote in the Telegraph: "Our widening waistbands are also placing significant burden on our health service, costing the NHS £11 billion a year – even more than smoking."

A £279 million investment from pharmaceutical company Lilly will support real-world trials to assess the impact of these drugs on worklessness.

The study, to be conducted in Greater Manchester, will examine whether the medications can reduce unemployment and NHS service use.

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Streeting emphasised the potential economic benefits of weight loss drugs, stating that obesity-related illness causes people to take an extra four sick days per year on average.

He argued these medications could be "lifechanging" for individuals and ease pressure on the NHS.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed this sentiment, telling the BBC: "This drug will be very helpful to people who want to lose weight, need to lose weight, very important for the economy so people can get back into work."

However, Streeting stressed that individuals must still take responsibility for "healthy living", as the NHS cannot always "pick up the tab for unhealthy lifestyles".

Despite the enthusiasm for weight loss drugs, experts caution against viewing them as a quick fix for obesity and unemployment.

The NHS has tightly restricted their use, with Wegovy only available for severely obese people with other health conditions under specialist supervision.

Concerns have been raised about potential shortages and the NHS's capacity to oversee structured programmes alongside the treatment.

Nick Triggle of the BBC points out that the role of obesity in rising unemployment is complex, with mental health and musculoskeletal conditions being primary factors.

Experts stress that tackling obesity may be only one part of the solution to helping people return to work.