Written question asked by Baroness Stedman-Scott (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Employment: Obesity

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to assess the impact of obesity treatment on economic inactivity and workforce participation.

Answer: The Government recognises that obesity is associated with significant labour market challenges, including reduced workforce participation and increased sickness absence. The Government remains committed to monitoring emerging evidence to better understand the full range of health and economic benefits associated with obesity treatments. Indeed, the evidence base for the impact of health interventions on employment outcomes is rapidly growing, with very robust evidence on the impact of bariatric surgery and Talking Therapies.

Secondary information