It isn’t currently available locally through Health & Social Care, but Express understands Guernsey residents are obtaining the drug through local private and online clinics for weight loss. 

Ozempic is on the prescribing list but only for the management of type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is recognised as an effective weight management drug but is only cost effective when part of a specialist weight service. 

Ellie Gould, Specialist Weight Management Dietitian in HSC and Lead of Healthier Weight at the Health Improvement Commission, said some funding has been agreed to bolster the adult weight management service with the public sector, but limited resources has slowed progress. 

“The envisaged service would include prescribing of weight management drugs, as we know that they can achieve weight losses in excess of 15% and incur health benefits associated with that weight loss. However, we also acknowledge that that there are risks and limitations to using such drugs. Weight regains occurred in two-thirds of people within the clinical trial within the year after stopping the treatment, side effects can occur in the early months of treatment and the cost is significant,” she said. 

“This is why it is important to obtain holistic assessment and support from healthcare professionals, including support with maintaining adequate nutrition as well as long-term behaviour change and psychological support where needed.  Public Health have recently employed a Project Manager, to develop the business case for a Tier 3 specialist weight management service.” 

Pictured: A month’s worth of the drug can cost between £35 to £100. 

The Health Improvement Commission, a third sector organisation which works in partnership with HSC, is said to be fully supportive of developing the public weight management service in this way. 

Earlier this year the World Health Organisation raised the alarm about counterfeit versions of the drug being sold on social media, with regulation and enforcement lagging. 

Fake versions and celebrity endorsements of the drug have gone hand in hand. This has also seen the widespread use of the drug and difficulties in obtaining it be ridiculed in popular culture.  

First Contact Health is one local clinic offering the drug as part of a weight management programme, and it said while the drug can be a “game-changer”, people must seek it from reputable sources. 

Dr Ranjan Vhadra said “obesity and being overweight are significant problems within our population. These conditions pose serious health risks to individuals and place a substantial strain on healthcare resources and States funds.  

“Effective treatment and management of obesity are crucial to improving individual health and alleviating the burden on our public health system. 

“For those considering Semaglutides, it is essential to prioritise safety and source medications from trusted clinics that will provide genuine prescriptions and guidance that will achieve the best possible results.”