A new London weight loss drugs report has raised concerns about the rapid spread of unregulated “skinny jabs” being sold outside the healthcare system, warning that most people seeking weight-loss medication in the capital are obtaining it privately rather than through the National Health Service.
The report, published by the London Assembly Health Committee, highlights a widening inequality in access to medically approved weight-loss treatments. According to the findings, many residents are purchasing injections through social media, beauty salons, gyms and other informal settings where products may be counterfeit or unsafe.
The London weight loss drugs report warns that this growing trend could expose patients to significant health risks while deepening disparities between those who can afford private treatments and those who must rely on NHS services.
Growing market for private weight-loss drugs
The London Assembly Health Committee’s investigation found that demand for weight-loss medicines has surged in recent years, driven by the popularity of injectable drugs designed to treat obesity.
However, the report indicates that the majority of Londoners accessing these medications are doing so privately.
Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee Emma Best said the current situation highlights serious gaps in the public healthcare system.
“Weight loss medicines have the potential to transform the lives of many Londoners living with obesity, but right now access is deeply unequal,” she said.
Best noted that while thousands of people are able to purchase these treatments privately, only a small number are receiving them through the NHS.
NHS access remains extremely limited
According to the London weight loss drugs report, only about 3,000 people in the capital are currently receiving NHS-provided weight-loss medication.
That figure represents a tiny proportion of the estimated 500,000 Londoners who could potentially benefit from such treatments.
The committee warns that this imbalance is creating what it describes as a “two-tier system” of healthcare.
In this system, patients who can afford private clinics or online prescriptions gain access to weight-loss drugs much faster than those relying on NHS eligibility pathways.
Healthcare experts warn that delays in NHS access could also push more patients toward unregulated markets.
Concerns over illegal and counterfeit ‘skinny jabs’
The report also highlights the growing availability of counterfeit or unregulated weight-loss injections sold outside regulated healthcare settings.
These so-called “skinny jabs” are being promoted through social media platforms and offered in locations such as beauty salons, gyms and other informal businesses.
Health officials warn that such products may contain incorrect ingredients, incorrect dosages or potentially harmful substances.
The committee says stronger oversight is required to protect patients from unsafe products and misleading advertising.
Calls for faster NHS rollout of weight-loss medicines
To address the growing inequality in access, the London weight loss drugs report calls for a faster expansion of NHS weight-loss treatment programmes.
The committee recommends accelerating the rollout of approved medicines so that eligible patients can access treatment sooner.
It also suggests developing a London-wide clinical pathway to ensure patients receive consistent care when using weight-loss medication.
This approach would involve providing broader support services alongside drug treatment.
Need for integrated care and patient support
The report stresses that medication alone should not be viewed as a complete solution to obesity.
Instead, patients should receive a comprehensive care package including medical supervision, lifestyle advice and long-term support.
The committee therefore recommends creating “wraparound care” systems to accompany the use of weight-loss drugs.
Such services could include nutritional guidance, behavioural support and regular medical monitoring.
Ensuring patients receive proper care alongside medication could improve outcomes while reducing health risks.
Patient voices should shape treatment pathways
Another recommendation in the London weight loss drugs report calls for patients to be more directly involved in designing healthcare services.
The committee argues that individuals who have experienced obesity or weight-loss treatment should help shape future NHS programmes.
Including patient perspectives could improve treatment accessibility, ensure services meet real needs and build trust in healthcare systems.
Stronger regulation needed to tackle illegal drugs
The report also urges regulators and authorities to take stronger action against the sale of counterfeit or illegal weight-loss medications.
To address the problem, the committee proposes the creation of a dedicated cross-agency taskforce.
This group would coordinate efforts between healthcare regulators, law enforcement agencies and local authorities to monitor illegal sales and remove dangerous products from the market.
The report warns that without stronger enforcement, the illegal market for “skinny jabs” could continue expanding.
Rising demand for weight-loss medicines
The London weight loss drugs report comes at a time when weight-loss medications have become increasingly popular worldwide.
Drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown significant effectiveness in helping patients manage obesity and related health conditions.
These medicines work by reducing appetite and regulating blood sugar levels, leading to sustained weight loss in many patients.
However, the rapid rise in demand has also led to shortages, increased private prescriptions and a growing black market for counterfeit products.
Obesity and public health challenges in the UK
Obesity remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in the United Kingdom.
Health officials estimate that millions of adults across the country are living with obesity or related metabolic conditions.
These conditions increase the risk of serious illnesses including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
Expanding access to safe and effective treatments is therefore considered an important part of long-term health policy.
The London weight loss drugs report argues that ensuring fair access to medically approved treatments while cracking down on illegal alternatives will be critical in improving health outcomes across the capital.