Updated: the danger of fake weight loss jabs – what you need to know

Anna-Louise Dearden | Last update: 25th October 2025

What you need to know…

• Fake weight loss pens are being sold online and on social media
• Police have raided an illegal manufacturing facility in Northampton
• Eli Lilly have announced they are stepping up action to pursue fake drug suppliers
• Some have caused serious side effects including hospitalisations
• Never buy weight loss drugs without a prescription
• Only Mounjaro, Wegovy and Nevolat are licensed and regulated in the UK
• Stick to safe sources and talk to your doctor or healthcare provider

Update: Eli Lilly taking action

The surge in counterfeit weight-loss injections falsely claiming to contain retatrutide. This is an experimental drug that’s not approved anywhere in the world. This has triggered tough and quick action from Eli Lilly. The company stressed that any product marketed as retatrutide is fake and potentially dangerous. They are warning that users have no way of knowing what these untested substances contain.

A recent Channel 4 investigation exposed how easily fake jabs can be bought online. Following this Eli Lilly publicly confirmed it is pursuing action against the two sellers identified; Synedica and Alluvi. Lilly reminded everyone that its investigational drugs are available only through official clinical trials and said it continues to work with regulators, like MHRA, and law enforcement to remove illegal listings and protect people from harm.

If you want to read more visit the Channel 4 story or the British Medical Journal.

Update: Illegal manufacturing facility raided

In October regulators uncovered one of the country’s largest illegal operations producing counterfeit weight loss injections.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Police raided a factory in Northampton.

They seized tens of thousands of empty pens, chemical ingredients and more than 2,000 unlicensed retatrutide and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) pens.

Officials believe the site was used to manufacture and distribute unlicensed, and potentially deadly, injections with an estimated street value exceeding £250,000. The operation is part of the MHRA’s ongoing crackdown on the fast-growing black market for fake weight loss drugs.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the raid as a victory against “shameless criminals putting lives at risk,” warning people not to buy weight-loss treatments from social media sellers or unverified websites.

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.