Dr Alex Allinson MHK has emphasised the importance of proper medical supervision for weight loss treatments, warning that patients risk regaining weight without structured support.
His comments came as Health Minister Claire Christian revealed only 23 NHS prescriptions for weight loss injections were issued in the last year.
These are very useful drugs for a subset of the population, particularly people with type two diabetes,” he told Tynwald.
“But evidence shows that on stopping some of these medications, weight can be regained quite quickly – that’s why being part of a structured plan is so important.”
Funding
The drugs aren’t routinely funded as the Isle of Man lacks specialist weight management services.
“Weight loss injections are not funded on the NHS,” Ms Christian confirmed, “as Manx Care lacks the tier three services needed for holistic patient care.”
Julie Edge MHK raised concerns about islanders turning to online providers or unregulated clinics.
Ms Christian said new health legislation would regulate all health services for quality and safety, while urging patients to report unsafe prescriptions.
Dr Allinson also praised local pharmacies and private doctors following safety guidelines, but stressed: “This should not be procured over the internet without that face-to-face monitoring.”
Ms Edge questioned whether diabetic patients were being directed to private options, with Ms Christian offering to investigate any reported cases.
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