The Hidden Dangers of Fake Weight-Loss Medicines

Fake weight-loss injections are a growing problem. Across the UK and Europe, regulators have seized counterfeit medicines being sold online and through social media. These products may look like the real thing, but they carry serious risks.

Why fake medicines are dangerous

• They may contain the wrong active ingredient, no active ingredient at all, or dangerous contaminants.
• Dosing is unreliable, putting you at risk of under- or overdosing.
• They bypass healthcare checks, meaning no one is assessing whether the medicine is safe for you.

The MHRA and the NHS have issued public warnings after reports of people being hospitalised from counterfeit injections. Media investigations in the Guardian and BBC have also exposed the scale of the issue.

Red flags to look out for

• Websites or sellers with no UK address or registration.
• Offers of “no prescription needed”.
• Sales via social media platforms, WhatsApp or Telegram.
• Prices that seem too good to be true.

The safe way forward

Buying from unregulated sources is not worth the risk. At foundry, all medicines are:

• Dispensed by UK-registered pharmacists.
• Supplied through regulated supply chains.
• Only prescribed when clinically appropriate.
• Charged at a fixed, transparent cost.

👉 Start your weight-loss journey safely with a Forge Membership

This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. A Forge membership does not guarantee a prescription. The decision to prescribe is made independently by a qualified prescriber in your best medical interests.