LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- A surge in New Year weight loss searches has prompted the UK’s medicines regulator to issue an urgent warning about the dangers of buying slimming drugs online without medical guidance, citing serious health risks tied to unregulated sellers.
In a statement published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Health Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed, cautioned consumers against purchasing weight loss medicines from illegal websites or social media accounts, where products often bypass safety checks and medical oversight.
“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,” Ahmed said.
The warning comes amid growing demand for obesity treatments, including prescription-only GLP-1 medicines commonly referred to as “skinny jabs.” According to the MHRA, these drugs should only be supplied following a proper clinical assessment and a valid prescription, a step frequently skipped by illicit online vendors.
READ ALSO: Festive Overeating Raises Risk Of Diabetes Obesity Heart Disease, Nigerian Experts Warn
Regulators say illegally sold weight loss products may be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or laced with potent ingredients not listed on the label. Such risks can lead to severe side effects, including heart complications, dangerously low blood sugar levels, and psychological harm.
Jenn Matthissen from the MHRA’s Safety and Surveillance team stressed that seasonal health goals can make people vulnerable to misleading offers.
“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,” she said.
To protect consumers, the agency urged the public not to buy prescription-only medicines without a prescription, to use registered UK pharmacies or verified retailers, and to check credentials through the General Pharmaceutical Council or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.
It also warned against social media promotions promising rapid results or unusually low prices, hallmarks of counterfeit or unsafe products.
To curb it, suspected illegal sellers can be reported through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
Health experts advice that anyone considering weight loss treatment should consult a GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional to discuss safe options tailored to their medical needs, reinforcing that effective care begins with proper medical consultation rather than online shortcuts.
