Fake versions of the weight loss drug semaglutide, also known as Ozempic and Wegovy, have left more than a dozen Brits experiencing dangerous side effects, leading to an arrest in East Yorkshire.
A man in his 30s, from the Goole area, has been arrested on suspicion of selling the weight loss drug known as the “skinny jab” online. Semaglutide, also referred to as Wegovy, is a weight loss medicine that makes users feel less hungry but is strictly only for people with serious obesity and under the care of medical professionals.
The diabetes drug Ozempic and jabs claiming to be Saxenda, which have been shown to help users lose up to 33lbs, have earned praise as miracle slimming injections. However, huge global demand has led to counterfeit versions flooding the market. Officials have seized potentially fake Ozempic pens, and bogus versions of Saxenda obtained through non-legitimate routes have also been reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The trade of “skinny jabs” is taking advantage of people looking for a quick fix, with various vendors selling the drug without a prescription using social media and beauty salons. The so-called Hollywood weight loss drug is strictly controlled to protect the public, and the illegal sale of unlicensed medicines poses serious risks to public health.
The public should be cautious of purchasing weight loss drugs from unauthorized vendors and should always seek medical advice before starting any new medication or treatment. The arrest of the man in East Yorkshire highlights the dangers of the illegal sale of prescription drugs and the importance of stringent regulation to protect public health.
