GLP-1 medications, originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, have proven to be a game-changer for those looking to lose weight. However, with growing demand and limited availability through the NHS, some individuals have turned to unregulated sources in an attempt to obtain these treatments more quickly or at a lower cost.
As is the case for many types of medication, the black market is a serious concern. Unlicensed suppliers are offering counterfeit or unauthorised medications that may be ineffective at best and dangerous – even deadly -at worst. Purchasing these medications without professional oversight can put your health at risk.
Stephanie Smith, our Lead Nurse here at Well by Vertis, explains, “Patients who buy weight loss injections from unregulated sources are taking a huge gamble with their health. There’s no guarantee of what’s in these pens, how safe they are, or whether they contain the correct active ingredient at the right dose. We’ve seen cases of serious harm – including hospitalisations – caused by fake injections. That’s why we strongly urge people to only access these medications through trusted, licensed healthcare providers.”
What’s in Black Market Weight Loss Injections?
Are you wondering what’s really inside weight loss injections available on the black market? The truth is, no-one knows for certain – and that is exactly the problem and the reason why our doctors, nurses and other health professionals are so concerned.
One of the biggest dangers of purchasing weight loss injections from unlicensed sources is the uncertainty around their contents. Unlike regulated medications, these counterfeit products have not undergone rigorous safety testing – or any safety testing at all – meaning they may be contaminated with substances ranging from the ineffective to harmful.
While a legitimate GLP-1 medication will contain a precisely measured dose of the correct active ingredient, counterfeit versions may include unknown substances such as windscreen wash, incorrect dosages, or even entirely different drugs.
In some cases, fake weight loss pens have been found to contain insulin instead of GLP-1 medication, which can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar. Some people have suffered severe side effects, including loss of consciousness and hypoglycaemic shock, as a result of taking a fake weight loss medication.
How to Spot a Fake Weight Loss Injection
Detecting counterfeit medication can be challenging, as some fakes are designed to look almost identical to the real thing. The unreputable sellers will often try to disguise themselves as licensed, trusted and professional providers, but that’s far from the truth.
If you’re concerned about what you’ve purchased and wonder whether or not it is genuine, there are a few warning signs that can help identify a potentially unsafe product.
Legitimate weight loss injections will always come in professional-grade packaging with clear labelling, including the brand name and batch number. Counterfeit pens often have poor-quality packaging with spelling errors, faded text, or missing details.
Some fake products come in flimsy or damaged boxes, while others lack proper batch codes or security features that legitimate manufacturers include to verify authenticity.
The condition of the pen itself can also provide clues. A genuine injection pen should be well-constructed, with smooth, intact components. A pen that appears broken, has rough edges, or contains a cloudy or discoloured liquid should never be used. If there is any doubt about the authenticity of a product, it is always safer to avoid using it and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
The Importance of Medical Supervision
Beyond the risk of counterfeit products, obtaining weight loss medication without professional oversight can be dangerous in itself. Even if you end up with a genuine product, weight loss injections are still not suitable for everyone. A thorough medical assessment is needed to determine whether they are safe and appropriate for your body.
It’s understandable that people who struggle to lose weight may not wish to risk their healthcare provider keeping them from obtaining a medication that they think can solve their problems. But that is no senseless gatekeeping: it’s an essential safety check that protects your health. When you choose to go with an unlicensed supplier, there is no safeguarding, no consideration of how the medication may interact with other medications and frankly no concern for you other than your payment method.
There is no guarantee that a black market provider will assess medical history, screen for contraindications, or monitor for side effects; indeed, it’s highly unlikely they will. Without expert guidance, you also risk not fully understanding how to use the medication properly, how to manage side effects, or what to do if complications arise.
Regulated healthcare providers, such as our team here at Well by Vertis, offer a vastly different approach. Our service includes a full medical assessment before prescribing GLP-1 injections, so we can be confident the treatment is safe and appropriate for you. We also provide ongoing support via regular video consultations with our UK-based GPs or specialist nurses. This is a great chance to ask questions, receive expert advice, and stay on track with your weight loss journey.
If you are considering buying unregulated medications, please think twice. A small cost saving isn’t worth risking your health. If you’re serious about losing weight and want to make a sustainable change, we’re here to help you every step of the way.