As the new year prompts a health kick for millions, UK drug safety regulators have issued a stark warning over the dangers of buying popular weight-loss injections from unregulated online sellers. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) cautions that certain key phrases can signal an illegal and potentially hazardous product.
The Scale of the 'Skinny Jab' Trend
It is estimated that around 1.5 million people in the UK are now using weight-loss injections, often referred to as 'skinny jabs'. With the festive season leading to increased consumption, many turn to these medical aids in January. Notably, 90% of users are paying privately for the treatment, which can cost approximately £100 per month from legitimate sources.
However, in a bid to cut costs, a significant number of people are turning to online suppliers promoted on social media platforms. The MHRA, the government body responsible for medicine safety, stresses that this poses a severe risk to public health.
Red Flags and Serious Health Risks
The agency has highlighted specific language that should alert buyers to illegal sellers. Products advertised with promises of "quick fixes" or "miracle results", often at unusually low prices, are major warning signs.
"Products sold illegally may be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or contain powerful ingredients not listed on the packaging," the MHRA stated. "These can lead to dangerous side effects, including heart problems, psychological effects and dangerously low blood sugar."
All GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines, the class commonly used for weight management, are prescription-only. They should only be supplied following a proper clinical assessment by a qualified healthcare professional to ensure the treatment is appropriate and safe for the individual.
Official Advice for Safe Treatment
Jenn Matthissen from the MHRA’s Safety and Surveillance team urged caution: “People often look for ways to support their health at this time of year, but buying medicines from illegal online sellers can put your health at real risk. Always make sure you are using authorised products from legitimate sources and speak to a healthcare professional for advice.”
Echoing this, Health Minister and practising doctor Dr Zubir Ahmed said: "As a practising doctor and patient safety minister, I want to be absolutely clear - please do not buy weight loss medications from unregulated sources. These products are made with no regard for safety or quality and pose a major risk to unwitting customers."
The MHRA provides clear guidance for consumers considering weight-loss treatment:
- Do not buy prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription.
- Only purchase from registered UK pharmacies. You can check a pharmacy's registration on the General Pharmaceutical Council website (or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland).
- Avoid products promoted on social media that promise "quick fixes" or have unusually low prices.
- Report suspicious websites or products to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
The agency advises anyone considering treatment to speak to their GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional, and to consult the MHRA’s dedicated guidance page on the GOV.UK website.
