MOD's Spending on Weight Loss Drug Raises Concerns About Army Fitness and Preparedness

The Ministry of Defence's Spending on Weight Loss Drugs Raises Concerns

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has come under fire for spending nearly £50,000 on the drug semaglutide, which can be used for weight loss and to treat type-2 diabetes. This revelation comes amidst concerns raised by army physical training instructors about a perceived decline in physical training standards, potentially leaving the army "not fit to fight."

Responding to a parliamentary question, Minister for Veteran Affairs Al Carns confirmed the MOD's expenditure on semaglutide. However, it remains unclear how many patients received the drug for weight management or diabetes treatment. Shadow Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois questioned the use of the drug, particularly given the already strained Defence Budget and the high number of soldiers deemed unfit for deployment.

Diabetes is listed as a condition that may prevent individuals from joining the armed forces due to the potential for medical emergencies. However, those who develop the condition while serving are unlikely to be discharged. According to a 2016 Freedom of Information request, 616 personnel were diagnosed with diabetes.

The MOD claims that obesity rates among military personnel are low, with only 14 individuals medically discharged last year due to severe overweight. However, the high expenditure on semaglutide raises questions about the fitness levels of soldiers, especially considering their potential role in peacekeeping efforts.

Furthermore, recent changes to army fitness guidelines have lowered the bar for what constitutes "adequate" fitness. Soldiers now only need to run 2km in 10 minutes and 50 seconds to be considered fit, a time that wouldn't even place them in the top 50 of a junior park run. This has led some physical training instructors to express concerns that the army is not adequately prepared for combat.

The MOD maintains that the armed forces are a physically demanding occupation and that obesity rates are low. They also offer medical and dietary support to personnel experiencing weight issues. However, the high spending on semaglutide and the lowered fitness standards raise serious questions about the overall fitness and preparedness of the British army.