How Does The Cost Of Alli Compare To The Cost Of NHS Treatment In The UK?

While there is no easy way to compare the cost of obesity treatment in the UK, on the NHS, against the cost of treatments such as Alli, there are some interesting facts to consider. 

Basis of the comparison of cost :-

UK Population - 60 million

UK clinically obese - 8 million

Costs to NHS per year - £3 billion (and growing)

Cost of Alli - £30 for 90 tablets (1 months treatment)

Annual cost of Alli per obese suffered    12 x £30 = £360

In simple terms the 8 million obesity sufferers in the UK cost the NHS around £3 billion a year in treatment and labour costs.  Even though this figure may sound large, it is set to grow substantially over the next few years unless more work is done in tackling the problem.  The obesity rate in the UK is well below the 30% rate in the US but if the US rate were applied to the UK population that would result in 20 million obesity suffers, a 250% increase - and a 250% increase in costs to something in the region of £7.5 billion a year!

So how can obesity treatments such as Alli assist with the problem, how can they reduce costs and increase the overall health of the nation?

While it is not a simple facts and figures situation, the facts and figures give an interesting angle on acting now, while the situation is still remotely controllable.  Let us assume for example that the government were to offer 1 year of Alli tablets on the NHS, which would result in 12 monthly 90 tablet packs, at a retail cost of £360 per patient.

The total cost of this would be £360 x 8m = £2.88 billion (already under the annual cost of NHS treatment per sufferer PER year).

While in year one there would be the £3 billion cost to the NHS, and the £2.88 billion cost of the treatment, there should be a reduction in costs from year two - with many obese sufferers having had their “kick start” in year one, and the hope that many would not require the treatment in year 2.

This is an example of how just one investment in year one would lead to a reduction in the on going £3 billion cost (which is growing every year due to increased expenses and an increasing number of sufferers).  Imagine if Alli on the NHS were only to reduce the number of obesity sufferers by 20% a year, year on year, imagine the massive reduction in the ongoing cost to the NHS?

Is it really that simple?

In reality the likes of Alli can have a massive impact upon the lives and health levels of sufferers, there needs to be a willingness to change on behalf of those involved.  There are high hopes that Alli will not only have a major impact upon the weight of a patient, but also the mental health of a user.  

It is common knowledge that many obesity sufferers can be trapped within a vicious circle which involves over eating, lack of exercise, depression, comfort eating, etc, etc.  As Alli offers the chance to break this vicious cycle, there is the potential to also change a person lifestyle, eating and exercise habits for the better. Very often a lift such as losing weight can have a major impact upon a person confidence in themselves, and their ability to make a real change in their lifestyle.

Anybody who feels that Alli is the answer to all of their problems will be greatly disappointed.  While the treatment has been shown to immediately reduce the intake of fat into the body, there is still a requirement for more co-operation from sufferers to ensure long term success.  As with any treatment, it is not advisable to depend upon the tablet long term - not that there are any major side effects - because it will become like a “crutch” and could mask a whole host of problems underneath.

How does Alli work?

In simple terms Alli works by actually reducing the body’s production of enzymes which allow the body to convert fatty content to fatty acids, which can them be absorbed into the body.  Alli has been shown to reduce the fatty intake by 30% immediately, which means that any fat burnt up by the body is not replaced on a  like for like basis - thereby the user will see a constant reduction in weight - assuming all other factors remain unchanged.

If the user were then able to instigate a number of dietary changes and increase their exercise regime, the effects would be far more dramatic.  To many, Alli will be the introduction which they have craved to a whole new world, a life where they can regain control. 

Conclusions

While Alli has the potential to make an immediate impact upon the lives of obesity sufferers, it is the support and hope which many will receive which may turn out to be more valuable.  Alli in itself will not change your lifestyle, but it can open doors for you, and it is up to the user is they decide to move to a different, better world.

Governments have, and continue to make noises about increasing the overall health of the nation.  This is something which they need to see through as soon as possible, laying the ground work for future improvements.  The introduction of a treatment like Alli, onto the NHS, would have the potential to start the ball rolling.  There is also the potential to invest in such treatments now, and reduce the ongoing (and growing) cost of obesity, not just to the NHS but the economy as well.

The NHS can ill afford to support an increasing cost of treating obesity, with funding become more and more scarce as treatment costs rise.  Perhaps it is now the time to take a stand for preventative medicines, and an increase in the education of the population with regards to their life styles.  The fact that deaths associated with excess weight reduce the national life expectancy by some 9 years is a fact which should not be forgotten.  It is treatable and it is avoidable for many, but when will we start to wake up to the real dangers?