UK Experts Warn Against “Microdosing” Weight-Loss Jabs as Unsafe Practices Rise
Health experts in the UK have warned against so-called «jab hacks» involving weight-loss injections, after new data suggested a growing number of users are taking risks to cut costs.
The warning follows comments by Nina Wadia, the EastEnders star, who has spoken publicly about the dangers of misusing weight-loss jabs. Her remarks come amid wider concern from doctors and regulators about unsafe practices linked to the drugs.
A survey by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor found that almost half of the estimated 1.6 million people using weight-loss medication in the UK have either experimented with «microdosing», taking smaller-than-prescribed amounts, or sourced the drugs from unlicensed sellers. Rising prices were cited as a key reason.
One user, identified as Amy to protect her identity, told The Independent she deliberately takes reduced doses of Wegovy to make each injection pen last longer, sometimes reusing needles. Medical professionals have warned this increases the risk of infection, incorrect dosing and reduced effectiveness.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has reiterated that weight-loss injections are prescription-only medicines and should only be obtained from regulated pharmacies following consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. It warned that unregulated products may be counterfeit, expired or unsafe.
Drugmaker Novo Nordisk, which produces Wegovy, also cautioned against microdosing and sourcing medication outside legitimate channels, saying such practices pose a «direct danger to health».
Experts stress that while demand for GLP-1 weight-loss injections continues to grow, altering doses or buying from unlicensed providers could lead to serious side effects and long-term harm.
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