Obese people and addicts could lose benefits if they refuse help

People with drug, alcohol and obesity problems could see their benefits cut or withdrawn if they don't accept treatment as a welfare review gets underway.

"Whether it is drug or alcohol problems or preventable conditions in terms of obesity, support and treatment will be there for you," David Cameron said.

"And we must look at what we do when people simply say. 'No thanks' and refuse help but expect taxpayers to carry on funding their benefits."

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The review, led by Dame Carol Black, will also examine the cost of such conditions to the exchequer and the economy, and advise the government how best to get more people off sickness benefits and back into work.

A consultation paper released today stressed that the purpose of the review is not punitive, but to "consider how best to support those suffering from long-term yet treatable conditions," The Guardian reports.

Experts have criticised the plans, arguing that they will demonise people suffering from addiction and are unlikely to work.

When the review was first announced, disability campaigner Ellen Clifford told Sky News she was disgusted by the proposals. "That isn't going to suddenly snap people out of an enduring condition. It's punitive and it's savage."

The Guardian's Clare Allan described the measures as "bullying" and says several doctors and experts have expressed concerns about the effectiveness, practicality and ethics of the proposals.

Dr Laurence Buckman, the British Medical Association GP committee chairman, said the proposals were some of the silliest things I've heard in a long time" and initially thought they were a joke.

Former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, a former alcoholic, has criticised the Prime Minister for not taking the problem of addiction seriously and called the measures "a stupid little stunt".