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Long waits for NHS services in the UK may prompt individuals to purchase potentially unsafe weight-loss injections online, according to Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has also warned against buying illegal weight-loss medications through unregulated outlets, as these could contain harmful ingredients. Hawthorne suggested that the rise in private purchases of weight-loss drugs is due to lengthy wait times for weight-loss support and a lack of regulation in certain markets.
UK’s Top GP Warns Against Unsafe Weight-Loss Injections
Long wait times for NHS services may push individuals to purchase potentially dangerous weight-loss injections online, according to Britain’s leading GP, Prof Kamila Hawthorne. She warned about the risks associated with buying medication from unregulated online retailers and the lack of comprehensive support that comes with proper healthcare channels. She also flagged concerns about cheaper alternatives that require at-home preparation.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also issued a warning against purchasing illegal weight-loss medicines without a prescription. These products, often sold through beauty salons, counterfeit pharmacy websites, and social media, can contain harmful ingredients, the MHRA stressed.
Andy Morling, MHRA’s deputy director of criminal enforcement, underscored that these are potent medicines and should only be dispensed on prescription from a healthcare professional. He urged the public to be vigilant, as fraudulent websites can often appear authentic and convincing.
Hawthorne expressed concerns regarding the increasing purchase of weight-loss drugs privately due to long wait times for weight-loss support. She asserted the need for government funding to cater to this demand. Hawthorne urged those considering self-medication to consult with a medical professional first to ensure safety.
The Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) recently reported that some patients have had to wait for up to five years for specialist support, leading some overstretched services to close their waiting lists entirely. Katharine Jenner, OHA’s director, emphasized that these drugs should only be used by those who they are medically appropriate for and should not be seen as a long-term solution for all people living with obesity.
The NHS plans to roll out the “King Kong” of weight-loss injections, Mounjaro, over a 12-year period. An estimated 220,000 people could benefit from the drug in the first three years. The latest Health Survey for England shows that 64% of adults were overweight or obese in 2022.
Related: Experts concerned about illegal promotion of weight-loss jabs in UK
Related: One in five Britons would use weight-loss drug if free on NHS, poll reveals
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