When we talk about tackling obesity, especially among the unemployed, the idea of giving them a “miracle” weight-loss drug like Ozempic can seem like a no-brainer. But before we go any further, let’s rewind and look at the bigger picture.
Last week, Wes Streeting and Sir Kier Starmer promoted the idea that unemployed obese people should be given weight loss drugs like Ozempic, which is made by Novo Nordisk. The Danish insulin manufacturer shot to fame when celebrities like Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey started promoting their use of it, helping the company bag $9.4 billion in the first three months of 2024. This has given companies like Lilly (the largest pharma company in the world) an interest in the semaglutide market with their release Mounjaro. In the same week Labour proudly announced this idea, Lilly signalled to make a £279million investment to the UK biotech industry and a study of obesity drugs.
There’s a misconception that weight loss is as simple as taking a drug and watching the kilos fall off. But the reasons people find themselves struggling with obesity are much deeper than just overeating or lack of movement. These behaviours often stem from an early age, influenced by a range of factors like family beliefs, education, trauma, and socio-economic conditions. These experiences create unintentional behaviours and complicated relationships with our most basic daily needs—food, rest, activity, and even reproduction.
So, to think that giving Ozempic to the unemployed is a solution to obesity is skimming way too far above the surface.
A lot of these people are living in environments that have led to chronic poor health. Chances are, they’re not just overweight, but also undernourished. Yes, it’s possible to be both at the same time. When you’re surviving on highly processed, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods, your body is deprived of the essential nutrients it needs to function properly. Add to that a lack of exercise, and you have people who are not just overweight, but also malnourished, untrained, and deconditioned.
What happens when you give Ozempic to people without retraining them?
Sure, there will be weight loss—appetite suppression is one of the drug’s primary effects—but what else gets lost along the way? Lean muscle mass. And that’s a problem because lean muscle is key to maintaining metabolic health and fighting off lifestyle diseases like type 2 diabetes. Without proper nutrition and exercise, these individuals could lose muscle at an alarming rate, leading to conditions like early-onset sarcopenia, a muscle-wasting disease that’s a major risk factor for falls, broken hips, and other debilitating injuries.
The issue here isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about health. You can’t throw a pill at someone and expect them to magically become healthier. What’s really needed is the right kind of proactive messaging around how to take easy, actionable steps toward fitness and better health. It’s about building a foundation of consistent, small wins.
Over time, these little victories build momentum, and momentum drives motivation. But here’s the thing—motivation is fleeting. It comes and goes. What really matters is using that momentum to develop discipline. Discipline is what keeps you going after the initial spark of motivation fades.
There’s a simple four-step process for creating lasting change:
First, you don’t know what you don’t know. Then, you learn what you didn’t know. After that, you act on what you’ve learned, and finally, you reach a point where what was once unfamiliar becomes just a part of what you do. This is what we need to focus on when addressing obesity in the unemployed, not just handing out prescriptions.
Another key issue with these so-called miracle drugs is that they get people to the “result” without the value. Sure, the weight comes off, but if you haven’t developed a new, positive relationship with your body and health, what have you really achieved?
In many cases, people stay stuck in the same old habits—just less of them. They don’t experience the gratification or sense of accomplishment that comes from doing something challenging and seeing it through. The real value lies in the process, in building something worth keeping and taking care of. Without that, the result often feels empty, and old behaviours tend to creep back in.
Now, I’m not saying drugs like Ozempic don’t have their place. Under the right circumstances, with the right education, support, and guidance, they can be a useful therapeutic tool. But given to the masses without the necessary educational processes, it’s likely to backfire. What you’ll end up with is not just thinner people but also a higher percentage of the population at risk of developing sarcopenia and other health issues. It’s bad news. We’ve all heard stories of people breaking hips and never fully recovering—that’s where this path leads if we don’t think bigger than a pill.
What’s the alternative to Ozempic like drugs?
It’s about creating real, sustainable change through actionable, supported steps. It’s about finding ways to help people make small, consistent improvements that build momentum. And it’s about using that momentum to cultivate the discipline needed to turn new habits into lasting behaviours.
Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t touch on how cannabis can play a role in this journey.
Used responsibly, with a mindful and conscious relationship, cannabis can be a useful tool, just like fitness. It’s not as simple as getting high and hoping for the best. Cannabis can help you tap into deeper awareness, especially when it comes to how your body responds to movement and nutrition. Much like with fitness, it takes time to understand how cannabis works for you.
Recent research highlights the interaction between cannabis and the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, energy balance, and metabolism. The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes. Activation of CB1 receptors in the brain has been linked to increased appetite and food intake, while CB2 receptors are more involved in regulating inflammation and immune response. Studies have shown that regular cannabis users tend to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and reduced risk of developing diabetes. This suggests that cannabinoids can modulate energy metabolism and body weight regulation through these interactions.
One interesting angle to consider is that cannabinoids like THC and CBD can modulate the release of hormones involved in hunger and satiety, such as ghrelin and leptin. This modulation can lead to improved energy metabolism and body weight regulation. Make sure you pair this with around 0.7-1g /lb of protein per day and you’ll more than likely notice positive results! Moreover, cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that may further support metabolic health, reducing the risk of obesity-related complications.
Unfortunately, cannabis prohibition still prevents many from accessing safe, legal cannabis. Fear of breaking the law or being stigmatized deters individuals from using cannabis, even though it has proven benefits for health and weight management.
Legalizing and regulating cannabis would not only increase access but also allow people to safely explore how it can aid in their overall well-being. As more research emerges, it’s clear that the continued prohibition only holds back potential therapeutic advances.
Ultimately, the solution to obesity isn’t a quick fix like Ozempic and the like. It’s about providing people with the tools and knowledge to create lasting change in their lives. This includes education around nutrition, movement, mental health, and how cannabis can be a supportive ally in that journey.
Let’s focus on real solutions—solutions that don’t just treat the symptom but address the root cause. This way, we can build healthier communities, one small, consistent win at a time.
The UK Cannabis Social Clubs are campaigning for sensible cannabis laws in the UK, providing safe access to cannabis products and social spaces. You can become a Supporter Member and get more involved in the movement, fundraising efforts and community events.
We are heading out on tour in 2025 to talk about our reform dreams and goal of legalising cannabis social clubs, and giving people the right to grow their own at home.