A UK pharmacist has warned that the rush to lose weight fast ahead of summer holidays is driving a dangerous rise in Brits inadvertently using counterfeit weight loss medications
A British pharmacist is cautioning that the scramble to shed pounds rapidly before summer getaways could be fuelling a worrying surge in the number of Brits accidentally turning to fake and dodgy weight loss drugs.
Hira Malik, superintendent pharmacist and co-founder of Oushk Pharmacy, revealed the explosive growth in demand for GLP-1 slimming medicines is catching many patients off guard, with online availability seeming swifter and simpler than anticipated, prompting some individuals to unknowingly resort to risky or counterfeit suppliers.
“Times like the build-up to summer breaks create pressure, which frequently means people become more susceptible to being duped by false promises or dangerous suppliers,” Hira explained.
“Online availability of GLP-1s can appear swift and straightforward with certain suppliers, but that ease and rapidity is precisely what dodgy and fake suppliers depend on to lure people away from properly licensed treatment.
“We are witnessing increasing numbers of bogus and illicit GLP-1 products being flogged online by unlicensed suppliers – including fake pens, illegally imported injections and tablets promoted as ‘GLP-1 alternatives’, frequently provided with minimal or zero medical supervision.
“Counterfeit or incorrectly supplied GLP-1 medicines don’t always appear obviously dodgy, so that’s why recognising the warning signs and remaining alert is so crucial.”
To help protect Brits from fake weight loss medications, Hira has revealed her top warning signs to watch out for: 1. Hurried dosing and “stronger is better” marketing.
“Legitimate GLP-1 treatment is deliberately gradual.”
Hira explained. “Proper prescribing involves incremental dose escalation to help the body adapt and minimise the risk of nausea, vomiting, dehydration and patients abandoning treatment entirely”.
“A major warning sign is any practitioner who champions speed or potency as an advantage, whether that’s initiating patients on hefty doses immediately, guaranteeing quicker outcomes through ‘more powerful’ doses, or framing side effects as evidence the medication is ‘effective’.
“When elevated or fast-tracked doses are being advertised beyond regulated healthcare, it typically indicates safety protocols have been sidestepped. Counterfeit and underground market dealers exploit impatience, whilst genuine patient care depends on supervision and consistent advancement”.
No mention of maintenance, extended use or safe cessation.
“A significant warning sign is when practitioners dodge discussions about what occurs following weight reduction, or when there’s excessive emphasis on immediate benefits (e.g. “achieve your summer body”). GLP-1 medications work whilst being taken, but don’t resolve obesity and frequently need ongoing treatment. They’re also not intended to trigger dramatic and sudden weight reduction, and should be considered as a sustained approach. When discontinued suddenly, they can prompt appetite rebound and weight restoration.
“Patients should expect upfront discussions about maintenance dosing, long-term use and how treatment may be reviewed or tapered. Providers that present GLP-1s as a short-term solution, if they avoid life-after-GLP-1 conversations or offer no follow-up once a target weight is reached, should be ringing alarm bells for patients.”
Unverifiable products and friction-free access.
“As regulation tightens, unsafe providers increasingly stand out by removing safety checks. Red flags for this include unclear or unverifiable sourcing of medication, unsealed or re-labelled packaging, refillable pens, tablets without clear regulatory status and access to medication that requires minimal checks or documentation.
“When products are being offered with no meaningful safeguards, there’s no way to verify the dose, the ingredients or even whether the medication is real. That’s where the risks rise sharply. Real GLP-1 care involves checks, traceability and ongoing oversight. If access feels unusually quick or convenient, that is often a warning sign.”
When embarking on a weight loss journey, Hira’s top recommendation is simply keeping yourself well-informed.
“Patients shouldn’t feel rushed or uncertain before beginning their journey. Having a clear understanding of what safe, regulated and realistic GLP-1 care looks like allows people to approach treatment thoughtfully and choose services that meet appropriate clinical standards.”
Oushk Pharmacy is a UK-based, GPhC-registered online pharmacy and clinic committed to providing safe, supported, and holistic weight management.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.