A woman was seriously ill and fighting for her life after receiving a so-called “weight loss jab” from a salon. Police have arrested three women in connection with the case.
The woman suffered internal injuries earlier this month after using the injection. She has now been discharged from the hospital. Two other people who used the injections also became unwell.
North Yorkshire Police have opened an investigation into the supply of these injections. They arrested three women from the Selby area.
Two women in their thirties were arrested on suspicion of causing or administering poison or a harmful substance. They have been released on police bail. A third woman, in her fifties, was arrested on suspicion of selling or supplying prescription-only medicine. She remains under investigation while released.
Medical professionals in North Yorkshire and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have warned against using weight loss medicines bought from private clinics or online.
They said buying from unregulated suppliers greatly increases the risk of receiving products that are falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. Such products can directly harm your health.
Laura Angus, Chief Pharmacy Officer for NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “There has been a lot of talk in the media and on social media about these so-called ‘skinny jabs.’ But medicines bought outside of legitimate sources may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
“If you use these products, you could seriously harm your health.
“If you are considering buying a weight-loss medicine, please speak to a healthcare professional first. The only way to be sure you get a genuine medicine is through a licensed pharmacy, including online pharmacies, with a prescription from a healthcare professional.”
Ms. Angus also advised patients to check if a pharmacy is legitimate and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This information can be found on the pharmacy regulation website.
Michael Harrison, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, said: “We encourage people to pursue their health goals safely.
“There are many free resources to support healthy changes, like getting active and losing weight, available on the NHS Better Health website.
“The Active North Yorkshire ‘Healthy You’ programme can also help people meet lifestyle goals such as being more active, eating better, or managing weight.”
The NHS offers several clinically tested anti-obesity medicines by prescription through specialist weight management services. These include Liraglutide (brand name Saxenda), semaglutide (brand names Wegovy and Ozempic), and tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro).
Andy Morling, Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement at the MHRA, said: “Weight loss medicines are strong drugs and should only be used under a qualified healthcare professional’s supervision.
“Public safety is our top priority. Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works with partners to stop and investigate illegal activity involving medicines.
“Buying weight loss medicines from illegal sources greatly raises the chance of getting products that are falsified or unlicensed in the UK. These products do not meet the MHRA’s strict safety and quality standards. Taking such medicines can endanger your health.”
There is a Yellow Card scheme for people who experience adverse reactions to medicines. Those who suspect they have a reaction to a weight loss injection are advised to seek medical help immediately.
