As the new year prompts millions to pursue fitness goals, UK drug safety regulators have issued a stark warning over the dangers of sourcing popular weight-loss injections from unregulated online sellers.
The Scale of the Issue
It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million people in the UK are now using so-called 'skinny jabs' or weight-loss injections. A significant 90% of these users are obtaining the drugs through private channels, with legitimate monthly costs hovering around £100. The festive period's indulgences often see a surge in people seeking medical aids for weight management as they look ahead to summer.
Red Flags and Serious Health Risks
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the government body ensuring medicine safety, has highlighted the severe dangers of purchasing these products from illicit websites or social media platforms. Jenn Matthissen from the MHRA’s Safety and Surveillance team urged caution, stating people should only use authorised products from legitimate sources.
The agency warns that illegally sold products may be counterfeit, contaminated, or contain unlisted, powerful ingredients. These can result in dangerous side effects including heart problems, psychological issues, and perilously low blood sugar. All GLP-1 medicines, commonly referred to as skinny jabs, are prescription-only and should only be supplied after a proper clinical assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Official Advice and How to Stay Safe
Health Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed, a practising doctor, emphasised the risks: "Please do not buy weight loss medications from unregulated sources. These products are made with no regard for safety or quality."
The MHRA's key safety advice includes:
- Do not buy prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription.
- Only purchase from registered UK pharmacies or legitimate retailers.
- Be extremely wary of products promoted on social media, especially those using language like 'quick fixes' or 'miracle results' – these are common hallmarks of illegal sellers.
- Verify pharmacy registration via the General Pharmaceutical Council or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland websites.
- Report suspicious websites or products to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
The regulator advises anyone considering weight-loss treatment to speak to their GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional. Comprehensive guidance is available on the MHRA’s dedicated page on the GOV.UK website.
