Sir, – The perspective Newton Emerson takes on the British government’s ambitions for anti-obesity drugs (glucagon-like peptide agonists) is remarkably nihilistic (“Britain’s anti-obesity jab plan is the stuff of sci-fi”, Opinion & Analysis, October 17th). He characterises the approach as to give drugs “to obese people so they can be taken off benefits and obliged to work”, surely showing the most extreme determination to see the metaphorical glass as partially empty.
Offering such expensive treatments to people unable to work due to obesity should improve their quality of life, prolong their independence and reduce the need to treat other complications of their condition. These might include sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and cancer. If they could go from costing the state money to treat such matters and become net contributors to it through working and paying taxes, this could only be good for them and for society. The individuals can expect to live longer and better lives. That anyone can seek to frame this negatively defies belief. It is exactly what a government should do. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
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Co Cork.