The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK has issued urgent warnings to the public against buying weight-loss medicines from unregulated online sources in the New Year (2026).
Health Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed and the MHRA in a press release on its website, issued the directive.
Ahmed said: “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.
“Safe, appropriate, licensed obesity drugs can greatly benefit those with a clinical need but should be obtained from a registered pharmacy against a valid prescription.”
Jenn Matthissen from the MHRA’s Safety and Surveillance team added: “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.”
The MHRA highlighted that weight-loss products sold illegally online or through social media can be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or contain powerful ingredients not listed on the packaging, leading to serious side effects including heart problems, dangerously low blood sugar, and psychological effects.
Some medicines, including all GLP-1 treatments — often called “skinny jabs” — are prescription-only and should only be supplied after a proper assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
The agency advised the public to:
Not buy prescription-only medicines without a prescription.
Only purchase medicines from registered UK pharmacies or legitimate retailers.
Check pharmacy registration on the General Pharmaceutical Council website (Great Britain) or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) website.
Avoid weight-loss products promoted on social media promising “quick fixes”, “miracle results”, or unusually low prices.
Report suspicious websites or products to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
Individuals considering weight-loss treatment are encouraged to speak with their GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional, the release concluded.
