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North Sea oil workers turn to weight-loss jabs before 124kg flight rule

North Sea

Weight-loss jabs before the 124kg flight rule

Offshore workers have weeks to slim down or face losing their jobs.

The rule

Over 124kg means no helicopter flight

From Sunday, workers over 124kg cannot fly to UK oil platforms.

Why

Rescue winches have a weight limit

The agency said winches cannot safely lift heavier people in emergencies.

The rule

The number covers the rescuer too

124kg leaves room for the rescuer, a stretcher, and extra kit.

Progress

2,200 workers over the limit in 2025

Only about 250 are still above the limit now, says the industry body.

How

Weight-loss jabs played a big part

On one platform, 60% of staff used GLP-1 jabs to slim down.

How

Extra fridges for the medication

Employers fitted extra fridges to keep the jabs cool on platforms.

How

Gyms and healthier food helped too

Firms added gym equipment and better meals on the rigs.

Stakes

Still over the limit? You could lose your job

Between 241 and 300 workers may still fail the check on Sunday.

Union

The RMT union opposes the rule

It says firms got no proper talks with workers before the change.

Health

Heart attacks drove most medical flights

In 2025, 78% of offshore medical evacuations were health related.

Next

Read the full explainer

What Sunday changes for every North Sea worker, in plain words.

Health

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Get the full breakdown, key numbers, and what happens next.

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