Health experts have issued a warning over counterfeit weight-loss pills following the UK launch of the Wegovy tablet, urging consumers to buy only from registered pharmacies after data revealed more than one in five people on weight-loss medication have suspected their pills were fake but taken them anyway.
Experts are warning the public to be alert to counterfeit weight-loss pills as the Wegovy semaglutide tablet becomes available across the UK. The medication, approved for UK use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in June, is designed to be taken daily by adults with a body mass index of 30 or above and is now available on private prescription. Its arrival follows a sharp rise in the popularity of weight-loss injections such as Ozempic, now used by an estimated 1.6 million people in the UK, according to research from University College London.
Concerns Over a Growing Black Market
With the tablet form expected to be more accessible than injections, pharmacists anticipate a further rise in the number of people turning to weight-loss medication, but experts have raised concerns about the opportunity this creates for counterfeit products to enter the market. Layla Moran MP, chair of the health and social care committee, said the approval was “reason to be concerned that a black market for higher-strength, dangerous pills could emerge.” Data from licensed distributor ZAVA online doctor found that more than one in five people taking weight-loss medication have previously suspected their pills might be fake, yet continued taking them regardless.
MHRA Guidance for Consumers
The MHRA has urged consumers to source weight-loss medication only from registered pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers, warning that counterfeit products may contain incorrect ingredients, an incorrect dose, or no active ingredient whatsoever.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Experts advise checking that any weight-loss medication arrives in sealed, tamper-evident packaging with clear batch numbers, expiry dates and patient information leaflets included. Poor-quality packaging, spelling errors or missing safety information should all be treated as red flags. Consumers are also urged to be wary of websites or social media sellers offering weight-loss pills without requiring a prescription, particularly where unusually low prices or guaranteed results are promised. Pharmacists recommend checking that any online pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or another appropriate UK regulator before making a purchase.
The Risks of Taking Counterfeit Medication
Health experts caution that counterfeit weight-loss drugs can lead to serious side effects, including unexpected allergic reactions, overdose, poisoning, or treatment failure, particularly where the products contain unregulated or contaminated substances. Anyone who suspects they have received a fake medicine is advised to stop taking it immediately, seek medical advice if they begin to feel unwell, and report the product either through the MHRA’s Yellow Card reporting scheme or directly to the supplying pharmacy.
