The use of weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro is rapidly increasing in the UK, with an estimated report suggesting around 1.6 million adults have used them in the past year. While these medications can be highly effective for weight management, growing concerns are being raised about access, safety, and the potential for unregulated sales.
How Do These Injections Work?
Mounjaro and Wegovy work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite and food intake. By mimicking GLP-1, these injections promote a feeling of fullness, leading to reduced calorie consumption. They are not simply ‘skinny jabs’ as they are sometimes called, but powerful medications with specific mechanisms of action.
The Rise in Popularity and Access Concerns
While some individuals are obtaining these injections through the National Health Service (NHS), the majority are purchasing them privately. This has led to a boom in demand, with nearly 5 million people in the UK reportedly using the injections, according to recent data. However, this surge in popularity has also created challenges. Pharmacists are warning that demand is becoming “unsustainable,” potentially leading to supply issues and an increase in people turning to unregulated online sources.
Risks Associated with Unregulated Sales
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has expressed “very concerned” findings after investigations revealed that online pharmacies, including Voy and MedExpress, were dispensing weight-loss injections without adequate safeguards. Journalists were able to obtain the medications using false data and outdated images, highlighting a critical lack of verification. Regulations require that access be limited to obese patients whose weight, height, or body mass index (BMI) are independently verified by a prescriber.
Both Voy and MedExpress have stated they are implementing enhanced checks in response to these findings, with MedExpress aiming to have these measures in place by April . However, the potential risks of obtaining these medications without proper medical oversight are significant.
Potential Health Risks and the Importance of Clinical Oversight
Dr. Claire Fuller, NHS England’s national medical director, emphasized the dangers of purchasing weight-loss jabs without “clinical oversight, medical checks or follow-up care.” She warned that a lack of supervision can put people’s health at serious risk and raise concerns about the quality and authenticity of the products being offered. Weight-loss drugs are classified as powerful medicines and can have serious side effects, necessitating prescription by a qualified healthcare professional.
Experts also caution that weight gain is a potential risk once individuals discontinue the injections. This underscores the importance of comprehensive care, which the NHS emphasizes should include “behavioural support and wraparound care,” focusing on good nutrition and increased physical activity.
Concerns Regarding Eating Disorders
The availability of these injections without proper due diligence is also raising concerns among eating disorder charities. Nicola Armstrong of Beat Eating Disorders highlighted the potential for these medications to worsen harmful thoughts and behaviours in individuals already at risk, or even contribute to the development of an eating disorder. She stated, “In the wrong hands, we know that these medications can be very, very dangerous.”
Broader Public Health Implications
The increasing prevalence of obesity in the UK is a significant public health concern. Recent research indicates that obesity is driving one in six UK deaths from infection. The demand for weight-loss medications reflects a growing awareness of the health risks associated with obesity and a desire for effective treatment options.
However, the NPA warns that the current level of demand may soon exceed what is clinically deliverable, potentially leading to a situation where the medications are reserved for those with the greatest need – those who are most severely overweight – rather than being widely available.
Looking Ahead
The situation surrounding weight-loss injections in the UK is evolving rapidly. While these medications offer a promising avenue for weight management, it is crucial that access is carefully regulated and that individuals receive appropriate medical supervision and comprehensive support. The NHS is committed to providing access to these medications alongside behavioral support, but ongoing monitoring of supply, demand, and potential risks is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
