Iain Duncan Smith, former Conservative Party leader, has called on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to stop providing cash benefits that could be used for weight-loss injections, commonly known as “fat jabs.” He argues the current benefits system should not reward inactivity but instead prioritize support for recovery and independence.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Duncan Smith emphasized the transformative potential of new weight-loss medications like GLP-1 treatments, including Mounjaro and Wegovy. He stated, “Britain cannot afford a benefits system that pays people to stay still." He urged the government to focus cash support on individuals facing the most significant and ongoing extra costs.
“Where a condition is treatable or capable of improvement, proper help should be the first offer—support that enables individuals to recover, live independently, and return to work when possible,” he said. Duncan Smith highlighted the need for mental health services, employment support for those with ADHD or autism, and an honest approach to tackling obesity.
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Current data from the DWP reveals that nearly 5,000 people receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with obesity as their primary disabling condition. Duncan Smith questioned why the state should default to long-term disability payments when effective treatments can improve health, independence, and employability.
Dr. Crystal Wyllie of ZAVA supports this view, noting the strong correlation between unemployment and rising obesity rates in the UK. She cited a Gallup poll showing obesity rates increase up to 32.7% after one year of unemployment. Dr. Wyllie advocates for systemic change, including policy reforms, healthcare initiatives, and food regulation. She welcomed recent measures like the ban on multibuy deals for unhealthy foods, which are projected to result in significant health benefits and NHS cost savings over 25 years.
Responding to the criticism, a Government spokesperson stated: “Personal Independence Payments are awarded based on how a condition impacts a person’s daily life, not solely the condition itself. We are committed to addressing the obesity crisis through our 10 Year Health Plan, focusing on prevention rather than sickness. We have also launched the Timms Review, developed with disabled people and their representatives, to ensure PIP remains fair and fit for the future.”