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Fears that weight-loss jabs could impact Norfolk council-run leisure centres

Fears that weight-loss jabs could impact Norfolk council-run leisure centres

ITV Newsa day ago
Concerns have been raised about the impact of weight loss jabs on publicly-funded leisure centres.
The issue was addressed at a meeting of South Norfolk Council's scrutiny committee, where councillors questioned whether there would be a drop-off in the use of its facilities, as the use of the drugs becomes more widespread.
It is estimated that more than a million people are taking weight loss jabs in the country.
Speaking at the meeting this week, Conservative councillor Kathryn Cross questioned whether the drugs could pose a 'risk' to the future growth of leisure centres in the area.
Ms Cross said: 'I wonder if weight loss jabs will result in a smaller number of people using the gyms because they think they don't need to?
'Will there be a change in the mindset of people who would previously have used the gym?'
South Norfolk Council runs facilities in Wymondham, Long Stratton, Diss, and Framingham Earl.
Despite the number of people using these facilities being at an all-time high, councillors sought to identify the potential areas that could pose a threat to the service.
Council officers stressed though that people using weight loss jabs still need to exercise.
Currently, people with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, or 30 but with a linked health condition, can be prescribed jabs on the NHS through specialist weight-management services.
Other people are paying hundreds of pounds a month to get the jabs privately.
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