‘I nearly died after buying skinny jab from friend of friend’

I nearly died after buying skinny jab from friend of friend

I nearly died after buying skinny – Chloe, a woman from Liverpool, found herself in critical condition after receiving a single dose of a weight loss injection from a “friend of a friend.” The incident has sparked a warning about the risks associated with unregulated weight loss drugs, which are increasingly popular among those seeking rapid results. Her experience, which led to a hospital stay and three months off work, highlights the dangers of relying on informal networks for medical treatments without proper oversight.

The Rise of Black Market Weight Loss Injections

Campaigners have raised concerns about the prevalence of counterfeit “skinny jabs” on the market, with some products containing substances like windscreen wash. Save Face, a public health organization, is urging stricter legal measures against illegal sellers, who often operate through beauty salons and other non-medical outlets. While these injections are marketed as a solution for obesity, they are being used by people far outside the intended demographic.

“I did at one point think, ‘I’m dying, I’m dying,’” Chloe recounted. “I collapsed in A&E. They took me straight into resus and I was there for about 18 hours.”

The drugs, including GLP-1 inhibitors like Wegovy and Mounjaro, have become a sensation in the UK since their 2023 introduction as obesity treatments. These medications mimic a hormone that signals satiety to the brain, suppressing appetite—particularly for high-fat foods. Clinical trials have shown they can lead to significant weight loss, with some patients shedding over 20% of their body weight in a year and a half. However, their accessibility has expanded beyond medical guidelines, fueled by social media campaigns promoting quick fixes for “snatched” beach-ready figures.

Unregulated Risks and Infection Concerns

Chloe’s case is not isolated. The trend of purchasing weight loss injections illegally has put several individuals at risk, with some suffering severe side effects. Dr. Nicki Mazey, a Liverpool GP and obesity specialist, has expressed alarm over the situation. “It’s not safe,” she said. “I’ve seen people buying steroids instead of Mounjaro, and I’m aware of cases where individuals share pens—posing a massive infection risk for HIV and hepatitis.”

“It’s easy to get hold of if you know the right person,” Chloe added. “You can see it everywhere. People are always talking about it.”

While the NHS provides access to GLP-1 drugs for those with specific conditions, the criteria for eligibility have created a gap in the market. Patients must meet a BMI threshold of 30 or higher, along with at least one related health condition. For some ethnic minority groups, the requirement is slightly lower due to higher perceived risks of weight-related diseases. Despite this, many individuals who qualify are unable to afford the monthly cost of up to £300. As a result, they turn to illegal sellers, often beauty therapists, to obtain the drugs at a fraction of the price.

A Growing Public Health Crisis

The strict NHS guidelines have led to frustration among patients, with some forgoing official treatment for cheaper alternatives. Dr. Mazey noted that she has encountered cases where people with a BMI of 100—well above the threshold—were denied access due to failing to meet the four related health condition criteria. “I’ve had to turn down patients who clearly would benefit from these medications,” she said.

The demand for these drugs has been so high that the NHS initially restricted access to those with a BMI of 40 and four specific health conditions. Even after recent adjustments, the criteria remain stringent, with the BMI requirement set to drop to 35 in June. This has left many who could use the drugs without proper medical justification struggling to get them through official channels. Meanwhile, the black market continues to thrive, with some individuals paying as little as £20 for a dose.

The Cost of Unregulated Access

The NHS has calculated that providing GLP-1 drugs to millions of people would cost billions annually. For example, NICE estimates that 3.4 million individuals would qualify for Mounjaro alone under the current guidelines. However, the cost has been deemed unsustainable, prompting tighter restrictions. As a result, the drugs are now available to a smaller group of patients, leaving others to seek out unverified sources.

The consequences of this gap are evident. Last May, Karen McGonigal from Salford collapsed and died days after receiving a £20 weight loss injection in a beauty salon. While the official cause of death remains under investigation, her family reported the incident as a stark reminder of the potential dangers. Chloe’s story adds to a growing list of cases where individuals have paid a heavy price for their desire to lose weight quickly.

A Call for Greater Regulation

Public health advocates are pushing for more rigorous regulation of these drugs, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines and enforcement. “The law needs to be more strictly applied to illegal sellers,” said Save Face. “People are being exposed to risks they don’t fully understand.” Chloe, who admitted she was determined to get the injection despite not meeting the weight criteria, now sees the severity of her decision. “It’s no one else’s fault but mine,” she said. “I was the one who wanted it, and I was the one who was determined to get it.”

Chloe’s experience underscores the urgency of addressing both the accessibility and safety of these medications. Her body reacted violently to the injection, with uncontrollable vomiting and a burning sensation that spread from her stomach to her oesophagus and even her nose. “There was that much of it,” she said. “It burnt my stomach, my oesophagus. It even burnt my nose because it was coming out of the top of my nose as well.”

As the popularity of “skinny jabs” continues to grow, experts warn of a potential public health crisis. The combination of high demand, affordable black market options, and strict NHS eligibility rules has created a situation where individuals are often forced to choose between safety and convenience. With more people turning to these unregulated treatments, the need for better oversight and education has never been more critical.