The Profitable Underground Internet Market Exploiting the Hype Around Weight Loss Injections

A woman named Maddy shared her experience of falling seriously ill after using an illegal weight loss drug that she purchased on Instagram. The drug she used was an unlicensed version of semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in the prescribed drug Ozempic. The BBC conducted an investigation and discovered unregulated sellers offering semaglutide as a medicine without a prescription online. They also found the drug being sold in beauty salons in Manchester and Liverpool. Doctors warn that drugs bought from unregulated sources are dangerous and could contain potentially toxic ingredients. The demand for Ozempic surged after it became known as Hollywood's secret weight loss drug. The drug works by lowering blood sugar levels and slowing down the digestion of food. This increase in popularity led to a shortage of the drug for diabetes patients in the UK and created a black market for semaglutide "diet kits" online. Maddy, looking for a quick fix to lose weight before an event, came across a company called The Lip King on Instagram. The company's feed boasted before-and-after photos of women with slimmed-down bodies, as well as positive reviews. Maddy purchased 10mg of semaglutide from them without any questions asked. The company provided her with a video on WhatsApp explaining how to mix and inject the drug, along with dangerous advice on taking a higher dose than recommended by health officials. After her first injection, Maddy became extremely ill and experienced vomiting. The company assured her that this was normal and advised her to take anti-sickness tablets. When she tried the drug again a few weeks later, she woke up in the middle of the night vomiting blood, stomach acid, and white foam. She ended up in the emergency room and was put on a drip. Maddy expressed her anger and frustration at not being informed about these severe side effects. The BBC tried to contact The Lip King, but they did not respond. The investigation revealed that sellers selling semaglutide illegally usually return under a new name after being shut down. Some online sellers try to circumvent the law by labeling their products as "not fit for human consumption" or "for research purposes only," but this does not make the sale legal. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received reports of people being hospitalized after using fake Ozempic pens. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide, is working to identify and remove counterfeit sellers. However, the BBC discovered that sellers continue to reappear under different names. Prof Barbara McGowan, an endocrinologist, warns that purchasing semaglutide from illegal sources can be risky as the composition of the drugs is unknown and potentially harmful. She emphasizes the importance of proper medical support for drugs like semaglutide, as they can have significant side effects. Semaglutide is not intended as a short-term weight loss solution and is only suitable for those with obesity. Selling and using semaglutide without proper regulation and medical supervision poses significant risks. The official medication includes safeguards to prevent overdosing, which the illegally sold vials lack. The BBC investigation highlights the dangers of purchasing unregulated weight loss drugs and calls for stricter regulations and enforcement against illegal sellers. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency reaffirms its commitment to protecting the public and taking appropriate action against those putting people's health at risk.