Doctors are raising alarms about a growing black market for weight loss drugs after reports of prescription medications being illegally sold on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok.
Medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro which are approved in the UK only for use with a prescription have been advertised in weight loss groups exploiting their soaring popularity fueled by celebrity endorsements.
Ozempic contains semaglutide, while Mounjaro features tirzepatide.
Both are injectable medications designed to mimic the hormone GLP-1, which suppresses appetite by signaling fullness after eating.
These drugs are typically prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes but Ozempic is sometimes used off-label for weight loss.
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Mounjaro, though approved for diabetes, has also gained traction for weight management in specific cases.
NICE guidelines recommend semaglutide for individuals with a BMI over 35 (or 30 with weight related health conditions) and eligibility for specialist weight management services.
Social media platforms have become a marketplace for individuals selling leftover or second-hand supplies of these drugs.
This practice is not only illegal but also dangerous due to lack of regulation, misuse, overuse and contribution to shortages.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also advises caution when sourcing medications online and stresses the importance of using certified and regulated providers.
Recent data highlights the real-world consequences of misuse.
The MHRA reported a significant increase in hospitalizations linked to weight loss injections alongside thousands of adverse reactions.
Medical professionals are now calling for better funding and access to weight loss services to meet patient demand and reduce reliance on risky alternatives.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, cautions that drugs “sold through social media may not be what they appear” creating significant risks for users.
Manufacturers Novo Nordisk (Ozempic) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro) emphasize the importance of using their products only under licensed medical supervision.
Patients experiencing side effects should consult their healthcare provider immediately.
