Nearly one in 10 would buy weight-loss drugs on social media if denied prescription, survey suggests
A Bournemouth University professor says she’s concerned with the number of people buying potentially unregulated weight-loss drugs online
Last updated 8th Jan 2026
Almost one in 10 people in the UK say they would consider buying weight-loss drugs through social media platforms such as Facebook or TikTok if they were unable to get a prescription from a doctor or pharmacy, raising serious safety concerns among experts.
The findings come amid growing demand for weight-loss injections, particularly at the start of the year when many people set health-related New Year’s resolutions.
Research suggests 26% of people would only use weight-loss jabs if prescribed by their GP, while a further 16% would only take them if obtained through a pharmacy, either online or in person.
However, around one in ten said they would turn to social media or similar platforms if legitimate routes were unavailable.
Health experts have warned that buying such medications online or through unregulated sellers poses significant risks.
Dr Chloe Casey, a professor at Bournemouth University, said: “It is a real concern that people are accessing weight loss medications in potentially unsafe ways.
“They might not have seen a GP, they might not meet the criteria, and there are even reports of counterfeit products being sold, so it’s a big health and safety concern.”
Across the industry, there is increasing alarm about unverified sellers and influencers promoting weight-loss injections and diet aids on social media, often offering medicines without any medical checks, clinical oversight or follow-up care.
One expert warned that weight-loss drugs are “powerful medicines” and can cause serious side effects if used incorrectly, which is why they should only ever be prescribed by trained healthcare professionals.
Dr Casey also highlighted concerns about inequality, suggesting cost may push some people towards unsafe options.
She said: “These medications are expensive, so people who just fall short of the clinical criteria may seek cheaper, unregulated versions online, which could broaden health inequalities.”
While acknowledging the benefits for those who qualify, Dr Casey stressed the drugs are not a cure-all.
“They can be life changing for people struggling with obesity-related conditions, but they don’t address underlying relationships with food,” she said.
She added that sustainable lifestyle changes, including healthier diets and regular physical activity, should remain central to long-term weight management.