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Two online pharmacies have introduced stronger safeguards after concerns arose about the sale of weight-loss injections without adequate verification procedures. BBC journalists successfully ordered so-called “skinny jabs” to Northern Ireland from Voy and MedExpress by submitting false information and outdated photos, with the companies failing to conduct further checks.
These medications are intended solely for obese patients, whose weight, height, or BMI must be independently confirmed by a prescriber before treatment. Voy has stated that it has improved its online verification processes, while MedExpress indicated that additional safeguards would be fully implemented by April. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the regulatory body that examined both providers, expressed serious concerns about the findings.
Nicola Armstrong from the eating disorder charity Beat described the availability of these injections without robust checks as “incredibly worrying.” She highlighted the dangers, noting, “In the wrong hands, we know that these medications can be very, very dangerous and can worsen harmful thoughts and behaviours for people who are unwell.” Armstrong also emphasized the potential for these drugs to trigger or exacerbate eating disorders in vulnerable individuals.
Weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro have become widely used across the UK as aids for managing body weight. Research from University College London estimates that approximately 1.6 million adults in the UK purchased these injections in the past year, mostly through private prescriptions rather than via the NHS. In Northern Ireland, the NHS restricts access to these drugs to patients with type 2 diabetes who meet specific criteria, but patients can privately obtain the medication by proving they qualify medically, often through BMI-based assessments that include submitting a detailed health profile.
Investigations revealed that Voy and MedExpress accepted a submission containing a photo taken four years earlier and altered data regarding weight without requesting further proof. Both companies sent the medication promptly despite the inaccuracies. According to GPhC guidelines, online pharmacies are expected to “independently verify” patients’ measurements through methods such as video consultations, in-person checks, or communication with healthcare providers like GPs.
Roz Gittins, chief pharmacy officer of the GPhC, noted that MedExpress had already received an improvement plan after an inspection and is being monitored for compliance. It is expected that MedExpress will introduce new features requiring live photos to reduce manipulation. The regulator is also looking into concerns related to Voy’s practices. Hira Malik from online pharmacy Oushk explained that they conduct live video calls during which patients are asked to step onto scales to confirm their weight, ensuring accuracy.
Dr Frances O’Hagan, head of the Northern Ireland GP Council, described a surge in the number of people using these weight-loss injections. She outlined two main problems: when GPs are informed about a patient’s online prescription, they must verify that the pharmacies’ checks are adequate; when not informed, they remain unaware of the medication’s use by their patients, creating risks. Dr O’Hagan recounted instances where diabetic patients on insulin obtained weight-loss drugs online without GP knowledge, calling it “really dangerous” due to potential drug interactions, which can also involve hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives.
Voy’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Earim Chaudry, affirmed their commitment to safety, describing the company’s role in providing “clinically-led, safe and deeply personalised treatment programmes.” He added, “All treatments offered through Voy are prescribed only following a thorough medical assessment by UK-registered clinicians in line with established clinical guidelines,” with ongoing monitoring of patients to ensure safety and effectiveness. MedExpress emphasized their priority on patient safety and adherence to regulations, stating that since April 2025, they have worked with the GPhC to enhance safeguards, which are expected to be fully operational by April 2026. The company confirmed all submitted photos are screened and they continue collaborating with regulators to protect patients while maintaining access to necessary care
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