GP Warns of Risks in Buying Weight-Loss Jabs Online Amid NHS Delays

Illegal weight loss medication may contain toxins and other ingredients that could cause real harm, a professional body has warned. 
GP Warns of Risks in Buying Weight-Loss Jabs Online Amid NHS Delays
Over 60 percent of adults in England are either overweight or obese, according to the NHS. Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images
Evgenia Filimianova
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Long waits for National Health Service (NHS) weight-loss services are pushing some people to buy potentially unsafe weight-loss jabs online, the UK’s top GP has warned.

Some patients seeking quick solutions are turning to unregulated retailers who sell weight-loss drugs online, the chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, Kamila Hawthorne, told the PA Media news agency.

Hawthorne warned these drugs, often bought as pre-filled injection pens or as kits that require preparation at home, can be risky and lack the essential support that comes with proper medical supervision.

“You don’t always know the provenance of the drugs that you’re buying unless it’s coming from an accredited company that’s properly regulated, and some of these places are not fully regulated,” Hawthorne said. “So I think I would definitely be counselling the public not to do that privately, if they can possibly help it, and go to their GP.”

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned in a Dec. 30 statement that illegal medicines are widely available on fake pharmacy websites, social media, and even in beauty salons.

“These may contain toxins and other ingredients that could cause real harm, and you may even end up in hospital,” the MHRA said.

The regulator’s deputy director of criminal enforcement, Andy Morling, said that people thinking about “shedding a little excess weight” may choose to opt for weight loss medication without a prescription.

“These are not cosmetic treatments; they are powerful medicines that can only be legally and safely dispensed against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional,” he said.

Obesity Challenge

Obesity remains a significant public health challenge in the UK and is associated with life-limiting conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers, according to the NHS.

As of 2022, approximately 29 percent of adults in England are classified as obese, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above.

This marks a substantial increase from 15 percent in 1993. Over 60 percent of adults are either overweight or obese, indicating that nearly two-thirds of the adult population faces weight-related health challenges.

NHS data show that almost one in 10 reception-aged children are now living with obesity and, by age 5, one in 5 children have tooth decay because of excess sugar consumption.
The financial burden on the NHS is substantial, with obesity-related costs estimated to be more than £11 billion each year, according to a Dec. 3 statement from the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England.

As more people struggle with obesity, the demand for effective and safe weight management solutions is growing, while waiting times remain extensive.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust reported that as of December, its waiting times for weight management services exceed two years from referral acceptance to assessment and initiation of treatment.

Weight-Loss Medications on the NHS

Currently, the NHS offers a few weight-loss injections, including Mounjaro and Wegovy, for people who meet specific criteria.
Over the next three years, nearly a quarter of a million people in England are expected to receive Mounjaro on the NHS. Another drug, Ozempic has not been approved for use by the health service.

These medications, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, help manage blood sugar and support weight loss. However, some companies are advertising unlicensed medicines online, raising further safety concerns.

MHRA said that the decision to use any weight-management product should be made by a qualified healthcare professional after a thorough consultation to determine its suitability for the individual.

Hawthorne advised the public to check that any online pharmacy is properly registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said that weight loss drugs are important for those who need them most, while also recognising that they are not substitutes for a healthy diet and exercise.

The government’s 10-Year Health Plan aims to focus on prevention and the use of wearable tech so that patients with diabetes or high blood pressure can monitor their vital signs from home.
PA Media contributed to this report.
Evgenia Filimianova
Evgenia Filimianova
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Evgenia Filimianova is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of national stories, with a particular interest in UK politics, parliamentary proceedings and socioeconomic issues.