Weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are intended for patients with a BMI of 30 or more, yet many individuals seeking them for lifestyle reasons fall outside this guideline.

These injections, classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by reducing food cravings but can lead to serious side effects, including nausea, gallstones, and pancreatitis.

Nick Kaye, chairman of the NPA, emphasized the necessity of responsible dispensing of high-risk medications, particularly for patients in clinical need, such as those with type 2 diabetes.

While the GPhC has proposed draft guidelines on weight-loss medications, the NPA believes these measures do not adequately protect patient safety.

The GPhC is set to introduce updated guidelines for high-risk medications, including those for weight management, to enhance patient safety.

Kaye also highlighted the importance of comprehensive consultations to ensure patients are fully informed about the treatment and its potential side effects.

The NPA has raised alarms with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) regarding existing regulations that allow medications to be dispensed without thorough checks, which poses risks to patient safety.

Reports indicate that online sellers are pressuring clinicians to process over 20 patients per hour, increasing the likelihood of improper prescriptions.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is calling for stricter regulations on the online sale of weight loss injections due to significant patient safety concerns.

There have been instances of inappropriate prescriptions for weight-loss injections, particularly among patients with previous eating disorders or those outside the recommended BMI categories.

Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of individuals may be obtaining prescriptions for weight-loss injections from online pharmacies.

The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned against purchasing medicines from unregulated sources, such as beauty salons and social media.