Weight loss injections are being prescribed to hundreds of British soldiers, sailors, and aircrew who have become overweight. In 2025, 240 military personnel were placed on Mounjaro and Wegovy jabs to help shed excess fat, more than trebling the 73 prescribed in 2024.
Breakdown by Service and Rank
Of those given the injections last year, 128 were in the army, 58 in the Royal Air Force, and 54 in the Royal Navy. A total of 46 were officers, while the remaining 194 were from lower ranks.
Fitness Test Failures and Discharges
Separate Ministry of Defence data reveals that hundreds of military personnel fail their annual fitness tests each year. The issue of being overweight leads to a small number of personnel being discharged annually for obesity, with some weighing over 26 stone (165 kg).
Additionally, a number of soldiers have waist measurements exceeding 55 inches, and a few have been given access to liposuction to address weight problems.
Official BMI Statistics
Official figures show that the Body Mass Index records of military personnel list more than 11,000 soldiers, 4,300 sailors, and 3,900 aircrew as obese. However, the military argues that BMI is not an accurate gauge, as many personnel have a higher proportion of muscle rather than fat.
Other Medications Prescribed
Medical records also show that nearly 6,000 service personnel were prescribed antidepressants last year, and 2,500 were given sleeping tablets. A further 872 personnel received Viagra or similar drugs, including 409 in the army, 239 in the navy, and 224 in the RAF.
Expert Comment
Philip Ingram, a former colonel in British Military Intelligence, said: “It is good to see the military using all the tools available in their medical box to get service personnel fit again. It is more cost effective to fix already trained and experienced personnel than remove them and try to replace with fresh blood. Service personnel will suffer the same medical conditions as their civilian counterparts, with some being even more prevalent because of the conditions many are forced to work in.”
MoD Response
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated: “Only a small proportion of the Armed Forces are affected by obesity and, when identified, world class lifestyle, dietary and medical support is provided. There are a wide range of initiatives available for personnel to improve fitness and lose weight. Weight loss drugs may be considered on a case-by-case basis, as part of a lifestyle and wellbeing programme. Safety remains paramount in the armed forces; comprehensive medical evidence is always required before any consideration is given to the introduction or expansion of use of medication for our personnel.”
