Christmas often marks a period when people indulge in ways that go beyond their typical habits. Be it festive fare or alcoholic beverages, consumption levels can surge dramatically throughout the holiday season, leaving many facing the consequences in additional weight gain.
This results in January witnessing millions embarking on fitness journeys as thoughts turn to upcoming summer getaways. Whilst some may simply increase physical activity and reduce caloric intake, others explore medical interventions. Weight loss injections have become a popular choice for some, with approximately 1.5 million people enlisting them as part of their weight loss bid. And nine out of 10 are funding the medications privately, with costs reaching around £100 monthly from legitimate suppliers.
This has led some people to attempt to reduce expenses by sourcing products through online platforms or social media. Whilst certain suppliers prove authentic, others may compromise your wellbeing, according to governmental pharmaceutical specialists, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MRHA).
The regulatory authority which examines the safety and efficiency of medicines alongside other healthcare products and tests, warns of significant dangers when purchasing weight management products from unregulated websites or through social media channels. The organisation has identified specific warning signs that may indicate you’re dealing with an unlawful seller, reports the Mirror.
The body states: “Products sold illegally may be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or contain powerful ingredients not listed on the packaging. These can lead to dangerous side effects, including heart problems, psychological effects and dangerously low blood sugar.
“Some medicines used for weight management – including all GLP-1 medicines, sometimes referred to as “skinny jabs” – are prescription-only. They should only ever be supplied following a proper assessment by a qualified healthcare professional to ensure the treatment is appropriate and safe.”
Health Minister 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.
“Don’t line the pockets of criminals who don’t care about your health. Safe, appropriate, licensed obesity drugs can greatly benefit those with a clinical need but should be obtained from a registered pharmacy against a valid prescription.”
Jenn Matthissen, from the MHRA’s Safety and Surveillance team, said: “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 on safe, evidence-based options.
“If you are considering weight-loss treatment, talk to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional. More information on what you need to know about weight-loss medicines is available on the MHRA’s dedicated page on the GOV.UK website.”
MRHA advice
The MHRA advises:
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Do not buy prescription-only medicines without a prescription. GLP-1 medicines and other treatments for weight management should only be supplied after a clinical assessment.
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Only buy medicines from registered UK pharmacies or legitimate retailers.
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For pharmacies in Great Britain, you can check registration on the General Pharmaceutical Council website.
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For pharmacies in Northern Ireland, refer to the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) website.
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Avoid weight-loss products promoted on social media, especially those promising “quick fixes”, “miracle results”, or unusually low prices – these are common signs of illegal sellers.
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Report suspicious websites or products to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme so action can be taken to protect others.