The danger of fake weight loss jabs – what you need to know before you buy
Ed Milner | Last update: 10th June 2025
They promise cheap weight loss, no questions asked. But fake injection pens are putting lives at risk. Here’s what every SlimrChat reader needs to know before buying a weight loss drug online – and how to stay safe while getting real help.
What you need to know…
- Fake weight loss pens are being sold online and on social media
- Some have caused serious side effects including hospitalisations
- Never buy weight loss drugs without a prescription
- Only Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda are licensed and regulated in the UK
- Stick to safe sources and talk to your doctor or healthcare provider
Black market pens are putting lives at risk
As demand for weight loss drugs has surged, so has the black market for fake pens. These unlicensed products often look convincing, complete with packaging that mimics real brands like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic, but they can contain dangerous substances, the wrong dose, or no active ingredient at all.
In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued repeated warnings about counterfeit GLP-1 weight loss pens sold online or via social media. Some users have ended up in hospital after using them, suffering from seizures, dangerously low blood sugar, or infections at the injection site.
“Buying prescription-only medicines online without a proper prescription puts your health at serious risk,” said the MHRA in a public health warning. 🔗 Read MHRA’s full alert
They look like the real thing — but they’re not
Counterfeiters are smart. They use packaging that mimics legitimate brands and market on social platforms using fake testimonials and dodgy “before and after” shots. The pens themselves may even appear sealed but what’s inside can be anything but safe.
Reports have found ‘GLP-1 pens’ being sold that contain insulin, saline, or even unidentifiable liquids. Some don’t work at all. Others can trigger intense vomiting, hypoglycaemia, or allergic reactions.
And unlike real medications, there’s no quality control, no dosing guidance, and no recourse if something goes wrong.
🔗 See WELL’s guide to the dangers of black market weight loss pens
Why people risk it — and what to do instead
It’s no secret: real weight loss drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) can be expensive and hard to access. Long NHS waiting lists and limited private supply push some people to try shortcuts.
But using unregulated drugs means you don’t know what you’re injecting — and that’s never worth the risk.
Instead, consider this:
✅ Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider to see if you meet eligibility
✅ Only use licensed pharmacies — whether NHS or private
✅ Ask for a clear prescription plan and proper training on injection technique
✅ Don’t be afraid to ask questions — no reputable provider will mind
✅ If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is
What we believe at SlimrChat
GLP-1 weight loss drugs, like Wegovy and Mounjaro, can be powerful tools for people who’ve struggled with weight. But only when used safely — with proper guidance, and as part of a long-term plan to build healthier habits.
SlimrChat is a community built on support, not shortcuts. Our mission is to help you make informed decisions and find safe, sustainable ways to take control of your health.
We’ve been there — the waiting, the frustration, the pressure to act fast. But please don’t risk your safety for speed. If you need support or advice, the SlimrChat community is here for you – join the conversation by clicking the button below.
The bottom line
Never buy weight loss drugs without a prescription. Never inject something if you don’t know what’s in it.
You deserve the real thing, not a risky fake. Here’s our article on how to get a prescription. Protect your health, get expert help, and always ask questions.