UK medical regulator warns against buying weight-loss jabs from social media channels

Losing weight may be a common new year resolution but health experts have warned against buying medications for such purposes from social media sellers or other illegitimate channels.

Jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have become hugely popular for weight loss, with trials suggesting the latter can help people lose an average of 20% of their body weight after 72 weeks of treatment.

However, with demand high, access on the NHS limited, a prescription required and a hefty price tag attached, the black market for such medications is booming.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a fresh warning to those planning to use weight-loss medications, stressing the importance of only buying them from registered UK pharmacies or legitimate retailers.

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Source: Guardian, 29 December 2025