The Christmas season often sees people indulging more than usual, whether it’s in holiday treats or alcoholic drinks. This spike in consumption can lead to weight gain, prompting many to take action once January rolls around, especially with thoughts of summer vacations on the horizon.

In response, millions kickstart fitness routines, some opting for increased exercise and healthier eating, while others consider medical options. One increasingly popular method is weight loss injections, with about 1.5 million individuals incorporating them into their weight management plans. Notably, nine out of ten of these individuals are paying out of pocket, with legitimate suppliers charging around £100 a month.

To cut costs, some people turn to online platforms or social media to purchase these products. While there are legitimate sellers, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warns that some sources may pose risks to your health.

The MHRA, which ensures the safety and effectiveness of medicines and healthcare products, highlights the dangers of buying weight loss products from unregulated websites or social media. According to a report by the Mirror, the agency has identified red flags that could signify dealing with an illegal seller.

The agency cautions: “Illegally sold products might be counterfeit, contaminated, improperly dosed, or contain unlisted potent ingredients. These risks can lead to severe side effects, such as heart issues, mental health problems, and dangerously low blood sugar levels.”

They also emphasize that certain weight management medications, including GLP-1 medicines, known colloquially as “skinny jabs,” require a prescription. These should only be administered following an appropriate assessment by a qualified healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and suitable for the individual.

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.”

MHRA advice

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.

• Only buy medicines from registered UK pharmacies or legitimate retailers.

• For pharmacies in Great Britain, you can check registration on the General Pharmaceutical Council website.

• For pharmacies in Northern Ireland, refer to the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) website.

• 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.

• Report suspicious websites or products to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme so action can be taken to protect others.