Many people will be aiming to lose weight as part of their New Year’s resolution
A Mounjaro pen(Image: Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)
As the new year approaches people across the globe begin to consider lifestyle changes to start 2026 off in the best way possible. As the turn of the year is upon us, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging the public to make sure any weight-loss medicines they use are safe, effective and legitimate.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.
MHRA continues to warn about the serious risks linked to buying weight-loss products from unregulated websites or through social media. Products sold illegally may be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or contain powerful ingredients not listed on the packaging.
The healthcare agency warned: “These can lead to dangerous side effects, including heart problems, psychological effects and dangerously low blood sugar.” Prescription-only medicine used for weight management should only ever be supplied following a proper assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
The MHRA advises: “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.” You should only buy medicines from registered UK pharmacies or legitimate retailers.
Anyone thinking about using weight-loss medication should also avoid weight-loss products promoted on social media. The MHRA warned: “Especially those promising “quick fixes”, “miracle results”, or unusually low prices – these are common signs of illegal sellers.”
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.
A Mounjaro pen(Image: Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)
“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, added: “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.”
ITV’s Dr Amir Khan has warned about people using the “black market” to gain access to weight-loss injections including Mounjaro. Dr Khan told presenter Christine Lampard on Lorraine that the price of Mounjaro has “gone up”.
He said “you mustn’t and I know people are desperate when it comes to weight loss and getting healthier. But you mustn’t get it on the black market. I have some patients who have got it on the black market, just syringes, they’re not even labelled and they have other things in.”
Estimates suggest around 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking weight loss drugs, which may have been prescribed through specialist weight loss services or via private prescription.