Demand for weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda continues to climb, with estimates suggesting around 1.5 million users in the UK. Prices have risen sharply due to ongoing shortages, prompting some people to seek cheaper or faster alternatives from unregulated sources.

Search behaviour reflects growing interest. The UK recorded 38,000 searches for “how to lose weight fast” and 46,000 searches for “weight-loss jabs” in the past month. As Christmas approaches, pharmacists report that many are micro-dosing prescriptions to stretch their supply or turning to social media sellers to save money.

Surge in counterfeit jabs

The shortage has led to a rise in fake or unsafe products sold on TikTok, Instagram and unverified websites. These items are often marketed as skinny jabs or Triple G and may contain incorrect doses, contaminants or even insulin, posing risks such as infection, allergic reactions, and life-threatening hypoglycaemia.

The MHRA has repeatedly warned about counterfeit GLP-1 receptor agonists, including fake Ozempic and Saxenda, which have resulted in hospitalisations. Border Force data shows 18,300 illegal weight-loss and diabetes medications were seised between February 2024 and May 2025, with over half seised within a single month.

In October 2025, authorities seised more than 2,000 unlicensed pens worth £250,000 from a Northamptonshire warehouse. The haul included counterfeit tirzepatide and the investigational drug retatrutide, and was described as the largest recovery of its kind worldwide.

Growing activity on social media

Platforms such as TikTok and Meta have policies banning the sale of prescription medicines, yet investigations show influencers and large Telegram groups continue to promote unverified injections. Some posts include fabricated testimonials designed to encourage users to bypass legitimate healthcare channels.

Pharmacist issues public warning

Ahsan Bhatti, pharmacist, prescriber and owner at Quick Meds, warns that social pressure during the festive season is pushing people toward unsafe choices. He says: “We understand, that as a society, there are certain events or times of year where people are more likely to feel the pressure to look and feel a certain way, and so will explore various ways in which to lose weight, but it cannot be stressed enough how dangerous it is to even consider the option of weight-loss injections or medications as a means of doing so, especially if you do not meet the eligibility criteria to take them.”

“Seeking out and buying weight-loss injections from social media may seem easy, but it is an extremely risky decision to make, with many counterfeit jabs containing unsafe ingredients that can cause no end of damage to users.”

“Whilst it may be tempting to take the risk, please remember that only licensed pharmacies should prescribe these medications, and only after a proper consultation to ensure they are actually suitable for the intended user.”

“Put simply, GLP-1s are not a quick fix. They should be reserved for patients who meet clinical criteria and are committed to meaningful lifestyle change.”

How to spot fake or tampered-with pens

Quick Meds outlines several warning signs:

• No prescription required: Legitimate weight-loss injections always require a prescription.
• Unusually low prices: Significantly lower costs than typical market rates strongly suggest a counterfeit product.
• Poor-quality packaging: Look for blurry text, spelling errors, incorrect logos, or missing information leaflets.
• Invalid or missing serial numbers and batch codes: These should be verifiable with the manufacturer.
• Abnormal liquid appearance: Authentic products are clear, colourless or pale yellow. Cloudy or discoloured liquid should never be used.
• Damaged or opened boxes: Any sign of tampering indicates the product should not be administered.

Bhatti emphasises: “Ultimately, the only real way to ensure you’re in receipt of a safe and legitimate product is by ordering GLP-1 medication from registered, regulated pharmacy providers.”

“Under no circumstance should you trust weight-loss pens sold on TikTok, messaging apps or unverified websites. The results are simply not worth the risk of injecting unidentified medication into your body, no matter whether you’re eligible for weight-loss jabs or are simply looking for a quick fix.”

He adds that anyone who suspects counterfeit medicines should report the seller to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme.