Online pharmacies weight-loss injections have come under regulatory pressure after an investigation found two providers supplied the drugs without carrying out proper safeguarding checks. The findings have raised fresh concerns about patient safety and oversight in the fast-growing private weight-management market.
BBC journalists successfully ordered weight-loss injections from Voy and MedExpress using false personal data and outdated images, with no further verification requested. Regulators and health experts warn the lapse highlights potential risks as demand for so-called “skinny jabs” continues to surge across the UK.
Regulator raises alarm over safeguards
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) said it was “very concerned” after investigating the two online pharmacies. Current rules state that only patients clinically verified as obese — based on independently confirmed weight, height or body-mass index (BMI) — should be prescribed the injections.
In the test purchase, reporters submitted inflated weight details and a four-year-old photo stripped of metadata. Both Voy and MedExpress approved the order without additional checks, and the medication was delivered the following day.
The regulator has already issued MedExpress with an improvement action plan and confirmed it is examining concerns relating to Voy.
Pharmacies promise tighter checks
Voy said it has updated its online verification processes, while MedExpress confirmed enhanced safeguards will be fully implemented by April 2026.
Under GPhC guidance, online prescribers are expected to independently verify patient information. This can include live video consultations, in-person assessments, or confirmation from a patient’s GP.
Some providers have already moved toward stricter systems. Online pharmacy Oushk, for example, said it requires live video calls where patients step on scales and confirm their height in real time.
Health experts warn of serious risks
Eating disorder specialists say the gaps in verification could have dangerous consequences. Nicola Armstrong from Beat Eating Disorders described the findings as “incredibly worrying,” warning that misuse of the drugs could worsen harmful behaviours.
She cautioned that common side effects such as nausea and vomiting may trigger people with existing eating disorders or contribute to new cases among vulnerable users.
Medical professionals also highlighted clinical risks. Dr Frances O’Hagan of the Northern Ireland GP Council said there has been an “explosion” in patients using weight-loss injections, increasing the likelihood of unsafe prescribing.
She noted cases where online providers prescribed the drugs without adequately informing patients’ GPs, raising concerns about dangerous interactions — particularly for people on insulin, hormone replacement therapy, or the contraceptive pill.
Rapid growth in weight-loss injections market
Medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have become increasingly popular for weight management across the UK. University College London researchers estimate around 1.6 million adults used weight-loss injections in the past year, with most obtained through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In Northern Ireland, NHS access remains limited mainly to eligible patients with type 2 diabetes, pushing many people toward private online providers.
MedExpress reported a 339% surge in orders from Northern Ireland between 2024 and 2025, underlining the speed at which the market is expanding.
Industry response and next steps
Voy said treatments on its platform are prescribed only after medical assessment by UK-registered clinicians and that patient monitoring continues after prescribing. MedExpress stressed that patient safety remains its priority and confirmed it is working with regulators to strengthen protections.
The GPhC said it will follow up to ensure both companies meet required standards, signalling continued regulatory scrutiny of the online pharmacy sector.
Background: growing pressure on digital health providers
The controversy comes amid wider concern about the regulation of online healthcare services in the UK. As digital prescribing becomes more common, regulators have repeatedly warned that remote services must maintain the same clinical safeguards expected in face-to-face care.
With demand for weight-loss injections still rising sharply, experts say robust verification — including mental health screening where appropriate — will be essential to prevent misuse and protect vulnerable patients.
