Weight loss drugs should only be available through GP referral amid growing safety concerns, James Evans has warned.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS said at the Senedd today that everyone wants to see progress made towards achieving a healthier and more active population.

But he asked First Minister, Eluned Morgan, if she was aware of growing concerns over inappropriate use of weight loss medication in Wales.

Mr Evans said: “I've been made aware of these drugs being supplied to people without proper clinical oversight.

“During a recent hospital visit, I was told of an increasing number of admissions of people with serious side effects, which is putting huge pressure on hospital departments and A&E.

“Does the First Minister agree with me that the time has come for these medications to only be available via GP referral, and that, without people making sustainable lifestyle changes, including calorie deficit and increasing physical activity, there are no quick, long-term fixes to tackling obesity and losing weight?”

Ms Morgan said she knows a number of people who are using these weight loss drugs, and a number of people are losing a significant amount of weight as a result and swear by them.

But she added: “I think we have got to make sure that people understand that, when they come off them, there could be consequence, and also that doing it without adjusting your diet is also going to be difficult when you come off those drugs.

“I would recommend, to people who are tempted to go down this path, that they get the right clinical advice before they undertake these weight loss drugs.”