Experts have urged weight loss jab users to take care when buying the medication, after a survey revealed a worrying proportion of users were turning to unlicensed sources. A survey of 1,000 GLP-1 users by Boots Online Doctor found one in three admitted to purchasing weight loss drugs they were not sure were genuine.
Almost seven in 10 had been approached in person to buy illegal weight loss medications in locations such as gyms (28%) and beauty salons (17%). And almost two-thirds had regularly seen online adverts for counterfeit medicines from unlicensed healthcare providers.
Dr Sue Kenneally, weight management specialist for the Boots Online Doctor Weight Loss Service, said the findings were “extremely concerning”.
She added: “While these medicines might seem like a low-cost ‘quick fix’, buying them from illegal sellers, whether online or in person, can put your health at significant risk.
“If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is — these products may be fake, contaminated and incorrectly dosed, or contain ingredients not listed on the packaging, and taking them can lead to dangerous side effects.
“Weight loss medicines are prescription-only, which means they can only be accessed with a prescription from a registered clinician who will assess whether the medicine is clinically appropriate.
“Most registered healthcare providers, like Boots Online Doctor, also offer wrap-around care to support the weight loss journey alongside medication.”
Contamination
The survey comes after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a New Year warning about illegal online weight loss medicines.
It warned that products sold illegally may be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or contain powerful ingredients not listed on the packaging.
Using such products could lead to dangerous side effects, including heart problems, psychological effects and dangerously low blood sugar, the MHRA said.
Boots Online Doctor found that those who were tempted to purchase the drugs from unlicensed sources were drawn in by positive reviews, attractive advertising, lower prices, or the lure of a “quick fix” for weight loss.
How do you spot illegitimate providers?
Dr Kenneally shared six red flags to spot illegitimate weight loss medicine providers:
- “Check their registration. All private providers of medicated weight loss services must be registered with the relevant regulatory body — the Care Quality Commission or the General Pharmaceutical Council. Their registration number should be listed on their website or on the regulators’ websites.
- “Over-reassurance is a warning sign. Sellers who talk about the medicines as ‘easy’ or a ‘quick fix’ and never discuss eligibility, risks or follow-up, are unlikely to be legitimate.
- “No guidance on storage or delivery. GLP-1 medicines must be stored and transported correctly. Providers who don’t explain refrigeration, delivery conditions or what to do if medication arrives warm aren’t credible.
- “No paper trail after payment. Legitimate providers always leave patients with consultation records, prescription details and aftercare contact — not just WhatsApp or Instagram messages that disappear after payment.
- “Being offered the strongest dose straight away. GLP-1 medicines need to be started at the lowest dose and then the dose is gradually increased to a higher level if appropriate. Sellers pushing the highest dose immediately should raise concerns.
- “If no one ever says ‘this isn’t appropriate for you’. A key sign of legitimate care is that patients can only access a medication if it is clinically appropriate for them.”