3 days Ago By [email protected] (Ella Pickover PA Health Correspondent)
A top GP has issued a warning that individuals facing lengthy waits for NHS weight loss services could be resorting to purchasing potentially dangerous injections online. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, cautioned that some people are risking their health by buying drugs from unregulated online retailers, and may also miss out on the necessary support that should accompany such medication. She expressed further concerns about the safety of cheaper alternatives to pre-filled injection pens which require users to prepare part of the medicine at home.
This comes as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned against procuring weight loss medicines without a prescription via social media or beauty salons. The MHRA advised the public to be vigilant of counterfeit pharmacy websites and social media posts offering weight-loss medicines illegally without a prescription. It highlighted that criminals will go to "great lengths" to make their businesses appear "authentic", and the products they sell could potentially contain "toxins and other ingredients that could cause real harm".
Andy Morling, MHRA’s deputy director of criminal enforcement, stated: "At this time of year, with many of us thinking about shedding a little excess weight, we see people offering weight loss medicines for sale as a quick fix, without a healthcare professional’s prescription, from beauty salons, websites and on social media." "These are not cosmetic treatments; they are powerful medicines that can only be legally and safely dispensed against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional. Criminals go to great lengths to make their website storefronts look authentic and convincing, so before you buy any medicine online you should exercise caution.
"For online pharmacies based in Great Britain you can check on the General Pharmaceutical Council’s website that it is properly registered. Fake pharmacy websites and social media sellers illegally supply medicines that are not approved for use in the UK. These may contain toxins and other ingredients that could cause real harm, and you may even end up in hospital.
" Meanwhile, as obesity levels rise, Prof Hawthorne emphasises the population is "gradually getting bigger and bigger". She is calling on the Government to enhance weight reduction services through proper resourcing and staffing to meet demand. She advises individuals to seek assistance from their GPs rather than purchasing drugs over the internet.
During an interview with PA news agency, Prof Hawthorne expressed concern: "I think quite a lot of people are buying weight loss drugs privately." She warns of the risk involved, noting, "We do have some serious concerns about that, because you don’t always know the provenance of the drugs that you’re buying unless it’s coming from an accredited company that’s properly regulated, and some of these places are not fully regulated." Prof Hawthorne has advised against the public purchasing weight-loss drugs online, emphasising the importance of consulting a GP: "So I think I would definitely be counselling the public not to do that privately, if they can possibly help it, and go to their GP.
" She raised concerns about patients missing out on comprehensive care when buying medication over the internet, adding, "The place where I’m working we are referring people to weight loss clinics, but there’s a very long wait." Prof Hawthorne acknowledged the potential for lengthy delays in weight management services to drive individuals towards online purchases: "Yes, I’m sure that they do." She understands the temptation to self-manage weight loss due to waiting times: "If you’re faced with a two-year waiting time and you want to lose weight now, and you know that there is a way that you can lose weight, you know that drug works because nobody’s denying that they don’t work, you might well decide that you’re going to just sort it out yourself.
" However, she strongly recommends professional guidance: "I would definitely suggest that you come and talk to your doctor or practice nurse about what you’re intending to do and let them help you – they may know ways of helping you that you haven’t thought about." Prof Hawthorne urged, "So definitely come and talk about it. Please don’t go off and buy a (weight-loss injection) unless it is under the supervision of a medically qualified doctor.
" She also highlighted a broader health issue: "We are as a population gradually getting bigger and bigger, and that brings with it a huge amount of chronic illness." Finally, she called on the Government to enhance weight reduction services: "We are calling on the Government to improve the services for weight reduction." A recent report by the Obesity Health Alliance has brought to light the severe strain on weight management services, with some patients facing up to a five-year wait for specialist support.
In extreme cases, services are so overwhelmed that they've had to close their waiting lists completely. The alliance has voiced concerns that the availability of such services is "insufficient and unavailable to a significant number of people". Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, told PA: "Weight loss medications offer hope of tangible improvements in the lives of people with severe, chronic obesity.
" She added, "However, these drugs are only safe and effective for those for whom they are medically appropriate, as prescribed by a legitimate prescriber, and are not a long-term solution for the millions of people living with obesity." Earlier this year, Amanda Pritchard, NHS England chief executive, acknowledged that "weight loss drugs will be a game-changer", but cautioned that "without transforming pathways they could overwhelm already-stretched services". Amidst a carefully managed NHS rollout, obese individuals have been informed they "will have to wait" for the new weight-loss jab, Mounjaro, which is being introduced over a 12-year period.
During the first three years, it's estimated that 220,000 people could benefit from the drug, out of approximately 3.4 million who are eligible. Priority will be given to those in greatest need, and NHS officials have committed to reviewing the rollout after its initial phase.
The Health Survey for England's latest figures have exposed that 64% of adults were overweight or obese in 2022. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson expressed their concern, commenting: "Obesity can be debilitating, costing lives, the economy and the NHS." They went on to announce: "The introduction of the weight loss drugs to the NHS will ensure that those with the most need will receive treatment first.
" The spokesperson further added: "Where appropriate, these obesity drugs can greatly benefit those in real need." Highlighting a holistic approach, they concluded: "However, we recognise these drugs are not a replacement for a good diet and exercise and as part of our 10 Year Health Plan we will shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention.".
