AS fat jab users panic and race to stock up on Mounjaro, a sharp rise in fake pharmacies will be capitalising on users’ money worries.
The 170% price increase for private Mounjaro prescriptions has triggered a dramatic 5,000% surge in UK searches for “cheap weight-loss injections” – a troubling sign of desperation in the face of soaring costs.
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Simultaneously, interest in alternative weight loss injection Wegovy has spiralled by approximately 340%.
Just days ago, former reality star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace revealed she thought she was dying and spent three days in bed “comatosed” after she took a dose of a black market weight loss jab.
Aisleyne recounted vomiting uncontrollably and losing her sight after using the fake Ozempic-like jab.
Now experts in professional weight loss management at Numan are revealing how you can protect yourself against fake pharmacies online.
As well as sharing the six red flags you must look out for when buying fat jabs online, Danielle Brightman, a registered pharmacist and Clinical Director, got candid on the “grey and black market” fat jabs that are “not properly tested or regulated.”
Danielle explains: “The short notice on upcoming price increases for weight-loss injection, Mounjaro, has unfortunately driven many people to look for unregulated alternatives online.
“The problem is, these grey and black-market versions are not properly tested or regulated, meaning there’s no guarantee of what’s in them or how safe they are.
“Investigations have uncovered counterfeit products tainted with ingredients such as insulin, arsenic, cement, and even rat poison.
“This puts people at risk of serious – potentially deadly – side effects and health complications.
“It’s absolutely vital that anyone who wants to treat their obesity with medication does so through safe, regulated providers and with clinical supervision.
“Or if you’re a patient and worried about how the changes will impact you, speak to your GP or clinician about your options. Don’t risk your health by going to unregulated providers.”
According to Danielle, while Wegovy remains a clinically proven and effective treatment for weight loss when prescribed properly, it is critical that patients do not try to switch from Mounjaro without professional supervision.
The expert recognises that different drugs, even within the same class, require tailored dosing and monitoring to avoid complications.
What to avoid and key considerations
If you’re desperate to start fat jabs, Danielle advises: “Do not purchase weight-loss injections from social media, unverified online sellers, or unregulated suppliers – products may be counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly dosed.”
She also adds: “Do not attempt to self-switch medications without consulting a qualified healthcare provider – each treatment has different protocols.”
Everything you need to know about fat jabs
Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases.
Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK.
Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market.
Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year.
How do they work?
The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight.
They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients’ sugar levels are too high.
Can I get them?
NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics.
Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.
GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss.
Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk.
Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health.
Are there any risks?
Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild.
Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, said: “One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.”
Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia.
Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients’ mental health.
Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.
Additoanlly, the expert acknowledges: “The price rise may make private treatment feel unaffordable – but the risks of unregulated products are far more costly.
“Clinical oversight is non-negotiable. Wegovy remains safe and effective – but only when prescribed and managed by healthcare professionals.”
How to spot an unregulated fat jab seller
Keeping yourself safe from fake pharmacies is key for fat jab users, as Danielle stresses: “Receiving obesity treatment from a regulated digital health provider is often more affordable, convenient, and discreet than visiting a local pharmacy or arranging a GP appointment.
“This blend of privacy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness has fuelled their growing popularity in recent years, particularly for treatments like weight loss injections where holistic support via apps and digitally-supported behavioural coaching is also extremely important.
The risks of counterfeit and unsafe medication should far outweigh any short-term savings
Danielle Brightman, Clinical Director at Numan
“However, while digital services and online pharmacies may offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of the services – particularly if found online or through social media sellers.”
Following the Mounjaro price hike news, don’t be tempted to purchase from unregulated sellers for a more affordable option.
Instead, to protect yourself and know how to spot a fake pharmacy.
- No consultation
Since February 2025, registered pharmacies have been asked to carry out risk-based consultations which may include a questionnaire, an in-person or video consultation, photographs to confirm your BMI, and ID verification processes.
Danielle says: “If you’re able to purchase medication without this step, consider it a red flag.”
- No certification
Legitimate online pharmacies or regulated sellers also display their certifications, licences, and regulatory details, such as GPhC accreditation, usually in the footer or on the ‘About Us’ page.
Danielle warns: “If you can’t find this, check directly on the GPhC register.
“If they’re not listed, they are not authorised to sell medication.”
How to take Mounjaro safely
IF you’re thinking of starting Mounjaro, here’s everything you need to be aware of to ensure you use it safely.
Consult your doctor first
- Discuss your medical history with a GP, especially if you have: thyroid issues, pancreatitis history, gastrointestinal disorders and kidney or liver issues.
Start a low dose and increase slowly
- Starting dose is usually 2.5 mg once weekly, injected under the skin.
- Typical progression: 2.5 mg → 5 mg → 7.5 mg → up to 15 mg weekly (in 2.5 mg increments every four weeks, as tolerated).
Administer it properly
- Inject once a week, same day each week, with or without food.
- Inject subcutaneously in stomach, thigh, or upper arm and rotate injection sites weekly.
Watch for side effects
- Common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, decreased appetite and fatigue.
- Seek medical help if you experience any of the following serious side effects: signs of pancreatitis (severe stomach pain), allergic reactions and kidney problems (low urine output, swelling).
- Low prices
While low prices can be tempting, if a site claiming to be a pharmacy or social media seller is offering extremely cheap prices and it seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
The expert shares: “Counterfeit or unsafe products are often sold cheaply to lure in buyers, and these can be ineffective at best and dangerous at worst.”
- Stockpile bulk-buy offers
In the UK, registered pharmacies and clinics do not allow patients to purchase Mounjaro in bulk.
If a site or seller claiming to sell weight loss injections seems to be lacking these guidelines, you may want to take that as your warning sign to look elsewhere
Danielle Brightman, Clinical Director at Numan
While bundles, usually three months at a time for a fixed price are relatively common, Danielle explains: “If a website advertises larger quantities at discounted rates, it’s almost certainly a scam and should be avoided.
“Legitimate sellers will only ever dispense the amount prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.”
- Global shipping promises
Not only this, but Danielle warns against sellers offering promises of global shipping.
She adds: “Claims that a pharmacy or seller can ship medication anywhere in the world, or that you must pay customs fees, are common signs of illegitimacy.
“While a handful of regulated providers may hold international export licences, these are rare.
“Always verify such claims before making a purchase.”
How I would have coped with Mounjaro price hike as a mum-of-two
Fabulous Senior Digital Writer Sarah Bull was on Mounjaro from October 2024 until July 2025, and lost 6 stone on the jabs. Here, she reveals her thoughts about how she would have coped with the higher prices had she still been taking the drug.
“It was never an easy decision for me to start Mounjaro. But given that I’ve been a yo-yo dieter for the majority of my adult life, I felt like the jabs were my last resort.
“I had gone to the GP to ask about the possibility of starting the injections on the NHS, but was told there was no chance until June 2025, and even that would be with stringent rules as to who would be approved for it for free.
“So, I decided to pay for the jabs myself. They weren’t cheap, but I justified the cost by telling myself that I would have spent the same amount – or even more – on junk food and takeaways every month.
“One thing I hadn’t realised though, is the fact that the injections get even more expensive if you’re on a higher dosage. So while the initial loading dose of 2.5mg was manageable monthly, getting up to 12.5mg – the highest dosage I reached on my Mounjaro journey – was costing an arm and a leg.
“Despite that, I was determined to stay on the jabs, as I was terrified of regaining the weight when I came off. I had actually intended to stay on the jabs for life, had I been allowed to, and could afford to do so.
“However, that’s not something I would have been able to do amid the price hike. Luckily (at least now I believe it was luckily), I had to stop Mounjaro for health reasons at the beginning of July.
“Had I still been on the jabs, I can safely say that news of the higher price would have had a massive effect on my mental health – as it has done for so many people. I wouldn’t have been able to afford the monthly injections, and the decision to come off them would have been taken out of my hands entirely.
“They also didn’t give much notice before the increased price comes into play on 1st September – certainly not enough notice for the majority of people to scrape together enough cash to be able to continue on their MJ journey.
“Mounjaro might be seen as the “cheats way out” for some, but it’s a “miracle drug” for others – and the decision to come off should be left up to the user, NOT the manufacturer.”
- Non-UK registration or pricing
Finally, it may sound simple, but prices listed in pounds are crucial.
Danielle recognises: “Legitimate UK pharmacies or sellers are registered with UK regulators and list their prices in GBP (£).
“If a website is not UK-registered or displays prices in another currency, it’s a strong sign that the seller may be operating outside UK regulations.”
As a result, she concludes: “If a site or seller claiming to sell weight loss injections seems to be lacking these guidelines, you may want to take that as your warning sign to look elsewhere.
“The risks of counterfeit and unsafe medication should far outweigh any short-term savings.”
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