The government is reviewing whether to widen access to weight loss jabs on the NHS, as part of a Healthy Weight needs assessment currently out for public consultation.
Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford told Keys that GLP-1 medicines are “changing how obesity is managed,” but stressed that any decision must be grounded in evidence.
“The department is considering this as part of the Healthy Weight needs assessment, which is currently out for public consultation,” said Mr Ashford.
“We need to define the island’s need, current provision and service gaps before making recommendations on widening access to weight loss medication.”
Approval
The oral form of semaglutide has been approved by the MHRA in the UK for weight management, but Mr Ashford clarified that “regulatory approval does not automatically mean it is available through publicly funded services.”
He added: “Any opportunities for action must be aligned with prevention, lifestyle support, specialist assessment, where required, and clear criteria for more complex cases.”
Concerns were raised by Julie Edge about private prescribing of these medications on the island. Mr Ashford acknowledged: “It is much better from my point of view personally if there is a proper pathway around that.”
Jason Moorhouse asked how quickly patients could access the medication but Mr Ashford said recommendations would only follow the conclusion of the needs assessment, adding that any plan must consider “what the Isle of Man system can actually safely and also crucially sustainably deliver”.