Obesity treatments that could save the country billions could soon be offered to NHS patients, after ministers approved a £20 million research fund.
Obesity costs the NHS an estimated £6 billion a year - which is set to rise to nearly £10 billion by 2050.
The new fund will help develop new medicines and digital tools - which the government says will help patients shed up to 20% of their weight.
Clinical trials have shown the methods to be safe and lead to a significant reduction in weight, the Department for Health And Social care said.
Health 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.”
The department is set to run an open competition early next year to identify projects that will benefit from the fund.
