- A BBC investigation found it was possible to order weight-loss injections from Voy and MedExpress using inaccurate details and an out-of-date photo, with no further verification.
- The pharmacy regulator, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), said it was “very concerned” and reminded providers that prescribers must independently verify key information like weight, height and BMI.
- Both firms say they are tightening safeguards.
A BBC investigation found that they were able to order weight-loss injections online to Northern Ireland after submitting misleading information.
In the test order, the person’s weight was declared as significantly higher than it really was, and an older full-body photograph was uploaded to support the application.
The BBC says the submissions were accepted without any additional checks to confirm the details, and the medication arrived the next day.
The investigation raises questions about whether online prescribing processes are robust enough to prevent these prescription-only medicines being supplied to people who do not medically qualify.
Weight-loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are used for weight management, but access should be restricted to people who meet clinical criteria.
For online prescribing, that typically means completing a health profile (including height, weight, medical history and GP details) and providing evidence that supports eligibility.
The issue highlighted by the BBC is not that online prescribing exists – it is whether the checks are strong enough to stop people gaming the process.
What the regulator said
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the regulator for pharmacies, said it was “very concerned” by the findings.
The BBC reports that the GPhC had already issued MedExpress with an improvement action plan after an inspection, and that it would follow up to re-check compliance with its standards and guidance. The report also says the GPhC was investigating the concerns raised about Voy.
- ASA bans weight loss jab discount code posts for Voy, Zava, MedExpress and UK Meds Direct
- ASA bans nine illegal adverts for weight loss medication
GPhC guidance says prescribers should independently verify information provided by patients, rather than relying purely on self-reported details.
Incredibly worrying
The investigation included a warning from Nicola Armstrong of Beat Eating Disorders, who said it was “incredibly worrying” that injections could be accessed without basic due diligence.
She highlighted that side effects such as nausea and vomiting could be triggering for someone with an existing eating disorder, and called for more stringent checks, including mental health assessment, so these medicines are only prescribed when safe.
The report added that prescribing can be particularly risky where someone is on insulin, and notes potential interactions with HRT and the contraceptive pill.
In a statement quoted by the BBC, Voy’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Earim Chaudry, said private providers play a role in delivering clinically led care and that Voy’s treatments are prescribed only after a medical assessment by UK-registered clinicians, in line with clinical guidelines, with monitoring for safety and effectiveness. Voy also said it had updated its online checks.
MedExpress said patient safety and compliance with prescription-only medicine rules are its priority, and that it has been working with the GPhC to implement stronger safeguards. It said enhanced checks are due to be in place by April.
