A recent survey has revealed that at least 1.6 million people in the United Kingdom used weight-loss injections over the past year. However, one in every seven users was taking medication that is not licensed for weight loss.
The popularity of weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro has surged, with many individuals reportedly purchasing these medications without a prescription in an effort to lose weight.
According to a survey conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL), involving 5,260 participants, an estimated 3.3 million people are expected to use weight-loss medications this year.
The survey found that 2.9 percent of respondents reported using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, which translates to approximately 1.6 million people nationwide. Among these users, around 15 percent were taking medicines that are not licensed for weight-loss purposes.
Researchers warned that the use of ‘off-label’ medications without medical supervision or prescription could pose serious health risks.
