Weight loss jabs could be offered on prescription

Weight loss jabs will be given to up to 300 people in Guernsey during a two-year trial which could pave the way to them being offered on prescription, the government has announced.

President of Health and Social Care George Oswald, who is also a doctor, said: "If you look at bangs for your bucks there's no doubt at all [that the medication delivers results] much more quickly and much more effectively than traditional methods."

The medication is currently available to treat patients with type 2 diabetes.

The results of the trial run by Public Health would be evaluated to see how it improves health and Deputy Oswald added: "Where there's a place for them, we need to use them."

He said he hoped the results would mean Policy and Resources would agree to "extend the rollout" of the medication.

The medication mimics a natural hormone which controls appetite, Oswald explained.

"Obesity, particularly morbid obesity, virtually affects every aspect of health from cancer of the colon, to osteoarthritis, even into areas of neurodevelopment like dementia, so by controlling that we hope to make a major impact."

He said it could make people's lives better and save money but it should not be a substitute for prevention such as healthy eating and taking more exercise.

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