A mum has “slammed” the health secretary after he announced a nationwide rollout of free weight-loss jabs for the unemployed – saying it is “unfair” on hard-working Brits who still can’t afford it.
Jemma Murphy has hit back at Wes Streeting and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the controversial plans.
The 34-year-old content creator began taking Wegovy to lose weight in February 2024 to the tune of £189 per month.
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Sadly, she had to stop three weeks ago as she can no longer afford it – and says Labour’s rollout is not only “unfair” but “dangerous”.
“I think if they’re going to give this to those unemployed, then it should also be extended to anybody else struggling to lose weight,” Jemma, from Solihull, told Need To Know.
“I can’t afford it at the moment but I would still be taking it if I could.
“It’s coming across quite vain and dramatic.
“And I think it will make people unemployed believe that their worth is defined by how skinny they are.
“I also want to know: where is the help for hard-working people?”
Jemma has previously hit the headlines after revealing how she was left with 5.5lbs of excess skin following the birth of her three children, 11, nine and six.
“Miserable” with the appearance of her body, she splashed out £12,000 on a “mummy makeover” in May 2021.
But after falling ill earlier this year, she noticed her weight had increased.
Before starting Wegovy, she weighed 12st 6lbs, and was a UK dress size 12.
Now, she’s 11st 6lbs and wears a UK dress size 10.
In a bid to get back to her post-surgery body, she contacted her pharmacist about trying Wegovy.
Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, which is used to manage obesity and other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
She said: “I lost one stone in around seven months and I wanted to keep going with the jab, but it was just so expensive.
“I know a lot of people find the jabs to be a quick-win solution but I’m mum to three young children.
“Losing weight isn’t as easy as people think.
“I found it difficult to fit in exercise and meal planning alongside working and tending to the kids, so I thought this would be the best option.
“I wasn’t worried about anything else other than having to administer a needle myself.
“I thought the weight would fly off but it does require some effort alongside it, and it’s definitely not an easy way out.
“I’m so glad I have done it – but I wish I could’ve tried it for longer to see some better results.
“I feel upset that I’m not able to continue due to the cost.
“To then see the health secretary offer this for free to people who aren’t employed as a method to get them into work… it’s disgusting.”
While Labour appear in favour of the controversial rollout, Jemma urges the Prime Minister and his cabinet to consider the potential consequences.
And how they are leaving many Brits in need out of the equation altogether.
She added: “I don’t understand how a person looks will affect how well they get on in a job – or their ability to find work.
“It’s going to cost the NHS so much to offer these jabs and I really don’t think it’s fair for the government to make that correlation.
“People are unemployed for many reasons, mental health or disabilities for example, and to decide that everyone without a job is overweight is a very broad assumption.
“I believe there is a risk that this could increase eating disorders and a rise in mental health issues.
“And what happens if they get a job straight away? Do the jabs just stop?
“I don’t agree with this in the slightest.”
