Overview
- An Ipsos survey of 2,161 adults found 9% would buy weight‑loss injections via social platforms if they could not get a prescription, with 5% willing to use a non‑registered online retailer.
- NHS England’s Dr Claire Fuller urged people not to seek quick fixes online, stressing that powerful weight‑loss medicines require proper assessment, monitoring and follow‑up care.
- The MHRA warned that products sold illegally online may be fake, contaminated or incorrectly dosed, and could contain undisclosed ingredients that cause dangerous side effects.
- The Independent reported dozens of social media accounts purporting to sell Retatrutide, an unapproved drug still in clinical trials and not authorised for human use.
- The National Pharmacy Association expects a New Year surge in demand and reports cases of fake pens containing insulin leading to hypoglycaemic emergencies, urging patients to use regulated pharmacies.