North Sea firms install extra fridges for weight-loss jabs as hundreds of workers face losing jobs under Sunday's weight limit

A semaglutide injection pen of the kind driving a surge in demand that waste industry experts say is leaving used needles in recycling collections.

From Sunday, anyone whose clothed bodyweight tops 19st 7lb (124kg) will be barred from helicopter flights to North Sea oil and gas platforms — a limit dictated by rescue winches that cannot safely lift heavier individuals during emergency evacuations. When the rule was announced in 2025, around 2,200 workers were above that threshold; the figure has since fallen to fewer than 300, with many having turned to Ozempic and Mounjaro to lose enough weight in time.

At one platform, 60% of the workforce was using weight-loss injections, leading companies to install dedicated storage fridges for the drugs.

Between 241 and 300 workers are estimated to still be over the limit when Sunday's deadline falls, and Graham Skinner of Offshore Energies UK warned they face "a route out of employment".

Over the course of the year-long programme — which also overhauled rig menus and introduced gym equipment — workers shed a combined six tonnes.

Daily Mail News'Ozempic rigs': Offshore firms install extra fridges for slimming jabs as workers face losing jobs under strict new weight limit BBC News - ScotlandOffshore workers turn to weight-loss jabs to meet helicopter weight rules The IndependentOverweight offshore workers turn to weight loss jabs to avoid losing their jobs under new rules LBCOverweight offshore workers could lose job under new rules, industry body warns Daily RecordNorth Sea workers 'too heavy' for new helicopter rules warned they could lose jobs The Scottish SunScots offshore workers using fat jabs as many could lose jobs under new weight rule letsrecycle.comWeight loss jabs pose growing challenge for waste sector

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