The National Pharmacy Association warns of the dangers linked to the purchase of unregulated slimming products, often sold outside medical supervision.
The UK’s National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has raised the alarm over the growing use of unregulated weight-loss injections. According to estimates, around two million British adults use these products weekly, with most obtaining them through private channels, often without any medical oversight.
This trend is driven by the rising popularity of drugs like semaglutide, originally intended to treat type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight loss. Many users turn to unreliable sources: beauty salons, social media influencers, or uncertified websites.
Experts are warning of the risks: counterfeit products have been identified on the market. Some contain insulin or other potentially harmful substances, exposing users to severe side effects such as dangerous hypoglycemia, heart issues, or liver damage.
The NPA is urging the public to exercise extreme caution and to never use these treatments without professional medical advice. Only licensed healthcare professionals are authorised to prescribe and administer these types of medications.
Health authorities are working to strengthen regulations and raise public awareness, including through targeted information campaigns. In parallel, tighter monitoring of online distribution channels is being considered to counter the surge in the black market for weight-loss drugs.
References:
BBC News, “Warning over unregulated weight-loss jabs,” January 1, 2026