.jpg)
Counterfeit products are a serious risk
With shortages comes opportunity, and not the good kind.
The MHRA has issued multiple warnings about fake weight-loss injections being sold online:
"There have been reports of falsified and unlicensed versions of these medicines being sold illegally."
These counterfeits can contain the wrong ingredients, the wrong dose, or nothing active at all. Some may even be harmful.
If it isn’t prescribed by a legit UK-based healthcare professional, don’t touch it.
Report any side effects or safety concerns
If you do start a GLP-1 and something doesn’t feel right, don’t just sit on it.
"Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme."
This helps the MHRA monitor medicine safety in real time. You can report symptoms here.
Key takeaways from the MHRA
Only use GLP-1s if prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider
Some versions are not approved for weight loss
National shortages are ongoing, stock may be limited
Never buy from unofficial sources (due to fakes and safety risks)
Report any side effects using the Yellow Card system
If you're thinking about weight-loss injections, this is the official bottom line: GLP-1s can be effective, but they come with rules, and they’re not DIY.
Your best move? Speak to a licensed professional and always stick to verified sources.
Want to learn more about GLP-1s before taking the plunge? Check out:
Is a GLP-1 Right for Me?
How Do These Medications Actually Work?
What the Science Actually Says About GLP-1s and Weight Loss
You deserve real info. No hype, no nonsense, just facts you can trust.
Only use them if they’re prescribed by a registered professional
The MHRA is clear on this one: these are prescription-only medications.
"GLP-1 medicines should only be used when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional who has access to your medical history."
That means no buying them from friends, shady websites, or social media ads. It's not just risky, it's illegal.
There is a national shortage of some GLP-1 medicines
Yep, you’re not imagining it, they’re hard to find.
The MHRA confirms that due to high demand, there are ongoing supply issues with some GLP-1 medications:
"Some medicines in this class are in short supply, and this is expected to continue into 2025."
They’re working with manufacturers to fix this, but it means some people may struggle to access their prescribed treatment.
This article is based on official UK government guidance and was correct at the time of publishing in June 2025. For the most up-to-date information, always refer directly to the MHRA's page here.
If you're thinking about starting a weight-loss injection like Ozempic or Mounjaro, you’ve probably heard all sorts, the hype, the horror stories, the half-truths. But what does the UK’s official regulator actually say?
Here’s a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of what the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) wants you to know.
GLP-1 medicines are approved for specific uses only
Not all weight-loss injections are created equal, and not all are actually licensed for weight loss.
According to the MHRA:
"GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and/or weight management when prescribed by a healthcare professional."
This means some versions (like Wegovy) are approved specifically for weight loss, while others (like Ozempic) are only licensed for diabetes treatment, even though they may also lead to weight loss as a side effect.
So no, they’re not all interchangeable, and they’re definitely not all legally available for weight loss in the UK.
Bite-Sized Podcasts
Listen to this article as audio
.png)
.png)
Nick M
Published:
26 Jun 2025
Updated:
6 Oct 2025
What the MHRA Actually Says About Weight-Loss Injections in the UK
Starting Out
.jpg)
Helpful Companions For Your Weight Loss Journey
From meal ideas to daily tracking, these digital tools are designed to make life on GLP-1s a little easier.
.jpg)