Nearly half of 18-24-year-olds likely to buy unprescribed weight-loss treatments
![One in five Brits have tried a weight-loss treatment, such as diet pills, without consulting a doctor first (Image: Coolpicture/Getty Images)](/upload/news/2024/03/07/170737.jpg)
One in five adults have used a weight-loss treatment, such as diet pills or injections – without consulting a doctor, according to research.
A study of 2,003 adults found 29% of these bought the treatment on illegitimate sites, while a quarter used someone else’s prescription – and 24% were able to make the purchase through social media.
It also emerged 19% are more likely to try a product endorsed by celebrities – causing doctors to warn against the ongoing “celebrification” of weight-loss treatments.
Dr Crystal Wyllie, from Asda Online Doctor, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its weight-loss injection guide, said: “Weight loss treatments, like Wegovy, provide an important service for patients affected by excessive weight, or struggling with a weight-related health condition.
“It’s concerning to see so many healthy adults looking to lay their hands on these treatments, which should be reserved for those with a genuine medical need.
![Asda praised over inclusive kids clothing range with holes for feeding tubes qhiddrixtiqzxinv](/upload/news/2023/02/01/132_m.jpg)
“It is now down to us as providers to ensure that proper safeguarding is put in place for all patients – and we hope to see other stockists following our suit, and implementing rigorous checks to make sure that these treatments are administered responsibly.”
![Nearly half of 18-24-year-olds likely to buy unprescribed weight-loss treatments](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/article32293449.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-91559789.jpg)
Weight-loss injections have been created specifically for individuals with a BMI over 30, or at a lower BMI with certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
However, the study found that, of the 35% of adults who would be interested in accessing weight-loss injections in the UK, only 7% without pre-existing conditions would meet the criteria.
Men are also more likely to purchase these unprescribed treatments than women (25%, versus 20%). And it is most common among young people, with 46% of those aged 18-24 likely to make a purchase – twice as many as the national average of 22%.
A spokesman for Asda Online Doctor added: “This trend can be highly dangerous, because weight-loss injection brands such as Wegovy, and the latest-to-market, Mounjaro, require prescriptions.
“Injection pens purchased through illegitimate sources may contain harmful ingredients not on the label, leading to potentially dangerous side-effects.”
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