Research into new obesity treatments and technologies received a boost over the weekend with the Government announcement of a £20m cash injection.
Obesity costs the NHS £6bn annually and this is set to rise to over £9.7bn each year by 2050.
The new fund aims to support the development of new medicines and digital technologies, such as apps and online portals to encourage lifestyle changes, that can help tackle obesity.
These new developments in the treatment of obesity could help patients shed 20% of their weight, which in turn will allow the NHS to allocate funds elsewhere.
Health and social care secretary Steve Barclay said: ‘Having a fit and healthy population is essential to reducing pressure on the NHS and supporting the economy with obesity, currently estimated to cost the NHS nearly £10 billion per year by 2050.
‘We are fast-tracking the most promising treatments and technologies to NHS patients to help them achieve a healthy weight, save the NHS billions of pounds and increase life expectancy.
‘We are determined to harness the full potential of innovative medical breakthroughs to level up the health of the nation.’
An open competition will be run in early 2023 to identify sites to deliver this research.
