Weight loss jab warning as A&E doctor details shocking side effects from popular drugs
By Cathy Owen, Breaking News Editor
A senior A&E doctor at the University of Liverpool, Dr. Vicky Price, has raised concerns about the alarming side effects associated with weight loss drugs. Dr. Price revealed that almost every shift at the hospital involves treating individuals experiencing complications from these drugs. Some common side effects include erratic heart rates, high acid levels in the blood, and in severe cases, life-threatening conditions such as pancreatitis.
These revelations come as part of a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation that uncovered a major high street pharmacy selling weight loss injections to underage teenagers. The investigation found that a 16-year-old undercover reporter was able to purchase weight loss jabs from Boots on two occasions without any age verification, despite Boots’ policy prohibiting prescribing to individuals under 18.
The undercover reporter provided a false date of birth, claiming to be 18, and was only asked to verbally verify her date of birth when collecting the medication in person. Boots was the only pharmacy investigated that did not require photo ID, a practice deemed concerning by experts in the field. Alima Batchelor, Head of Policy at the Pharmacists’ Defence Association, expressed disappointment at the lack of proper verification procedures.
In response to these findings, the General Pharmaceutical Council introduced stricter guidelines in mid-February 2025. Pharmacies are now required to conduct in-person video consultations or obtain patients’ medical records directly from their GP before prescribing weight-loss injections. However, the Dispatches investigation revealed that the new guidelines had not yet influenced Boots’ practices, as the same undercover reporter successfully obtained a second dose of weight loss drugs without proper age verification.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting expressed deep concern over the findings, emphasising the need for proper medical supervision and age verification when prescribing potentially dangerous medications. Streeting called for healthcare regulatory bodies to take action against rogue prescribers and ensure that these treatments are administered safely to appropriate patients.
Boots responded to the investigation by reaffirming their commitment to patient safety and stating that they do not prescribe weight loss drugs to individuals under 18. The pharmacy chain has since strengthened its ID policy to only accept official photographic identification and pledged to review its processes in consultation with regulatory bodies. Boots urged individuals not to falsify health information to obtain prescription medicines.
The Dispatches documentary, “Skinny Jab Scandal,” sheds light on the concerning practices surrounding weight loss drugs and highlights the importance of maintaining strict protocols to safeguard patient well-being. The programme will air on Channel 4 on Tuesday, March 4, at 8 pm.
As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the critical need for regulatory bodies to enforce proper prescribing protocols and prevent the misuse of weight loss medications, particularly among vulnerable populations such as underage individuals. The public must be educated on the potential risks associated with these drugs and encouraged to seek medical advice from qualified professionals before embarking on any weight loss regimen.