In response to a written question submitted on 30 January 2025 by Mark Francois (Conservative – Rayleigh and Wickford), Parliamentary Under-Secretary Al Carns (Minister for Veterans) confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has spent £49,900 on the drug semaglutide since 1 January 2024.
In his written answer, Carns stated:
“The Ministry of Defence has spent £49,900 on the drug semaglutide since the 1 January 2024.”
Semaglutide is a medication used in the treatment of type two diabetes, prescribed to military patients who require effective management of their condition.
While the expenditure on semaglutide highlights the MOD’s commitment to supporting the health needs of its personnel, the broader picture of medical deployability in the UK Regular Forces indicates that obesity is not a major issue among British troops.
Recent assessments show that the vast majority of service personnel are classified as medically fully deployable, with only a small proportion requiring additional medical support.
This robust health profile underscores that while targeted treatment is necessary for individuals with diabetes—a condition that can be linked to obesity—the overall operational readiness of the British armed forces remains strong.
Most troops are fit for deployment, and the use of medications like semaglutide appears to be part of a strategy that ensures those affected by chronic conditions receive appropriate treatment without undermining the military’s ability to maintain a high level of deployability.
