By Dr. Tim Sandle
EDITOR AT LARGE
SCIENCE
DIGITAL JOURNAL
September 2, 2025
At 12 months, the average patient on Eli Lilly's new drug Mounjaro lost seven percent more weight than the average for Ozempic
September 2, 2025
At 12 months, the average patient on Eli Lilly's new drug Mounjaro lost seven percent more weight than the average for Ozempic
- Copyright GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File SCOTT OLSON
Mounjaro maker Eli Lilly has reportedly paused shipments of the weight-loss drug to the UK as demand continues to rise, ahead of a 170% price hike in September. The drug is intended for people who are clinically assessed as requiring a rapid weight loss treatment in contrast to more convenit0nal routes. However, some consumers see the drug as an easy fix to circumvent diet and exercise.
Another consequence of the rise increase is for those who are not prescribed the medication but who wish to acquire it privately may look to other sources. Chemist4U, an online pharmacy, has warned that the sharp price rise could drive patients to seek weight loss injections from unregulated sources.
This comes at a time when the UK Border Force seized approximately 18,300 illegal weight loss and diabetes medications between January 2024 and June 2025.
Unregulated online sellers, beauty retailers and social media platforms are increasingly being used to distribute counterfeit weight loss jabs. The online pharmacy warns that these products may be unlicensed, contaminated or stored improperly, which can pose serious health risks to patients.
Mounjaro maker Eli Lilly has reportedly paused shipments of the weight-loss drug to the UK as demand continues to rise, ahead of a 170% price hike in September. The drug is intended for people who are clinically assessed as requiring a rapid weight loss treatment in contrast to more convenit0nal routes. However, some consumers see the drug as an easy fix to circumvent diet and exercise.
Another consequence of the rise increase is for those who are not prescribed the medication but who wish to acquire it privately may look to other sources. Chemist4U, an online pharmacy, has warned that the sharp price rise could drive patients to seek weight loss injections from unregulated sources.
This comes at a time when the UK Border Force seized approximately 18,300 illegal weight loss and diabetes medications between January 2024 and June 2025.
The seizures were:
| Month and Year | Detained or seized | Items seized |
| February 2024 | 280 | Slimming capsules |
| March 2024 | 241 | Semaglutide, Testosterone and Oxandrolone |
| April 2024 | 9,100 | Semaglutide, Ivermectin and slimming capsules |
| May 2024 | 418 | Saxenda, Liraglutide, Semaglutide, slimming coffee |
| June 2024 | 322 | Weight loss pens, vitamins and antibiotics |
| July 2024 | 820 | Semaglutide, slimming capsules |
| August 2024 | 4,375 | Semaglutide, Metronidazole |
| September 2024 | 32 | Mounjaro, Slimming supplements |
| December 2024 | 256 | Mounjaro, Semaglutide |
| January 2025 | 250 | Weight loss injections, steroids |
| February 2025 | 26 | Mounjaro, Wegovy, Tirzepatide |
| March 2025 | 306 | Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, Anastrozole, Tadalafil |
| April 2025 | 116 | Mounjaro, Semaglutide, weight loss injections |
| May 2025 | 1,774 | Semaglutide, Nebido, steroids |
| Total | 18,316 |
Border Force provided seizure data in mixed formats (items, weight, or volume); the dataset was standardised to count individual units, and entries reported only by weight or volume, where a reasonable estimate (e.g. the number of pens in a box) could not be made, were excluded from the final tally.
The data highlights the scale of smuggling operations, with criminals attempting to import hundreds of illicit products to meet growing demand in the black market. It also shows that Heathrow Airport security staff have intercepted criminals attempting to smuggle potentially counterfeit Mounjaro pens hidden on their bodies.Unregulated online sellers, beauty retailers and social media platforms are increasingly being used to distribute counterfeit weight loss jabs. The online pharmacy warns that these products may be unlicensed, contaminated or stored improperly, which can pose serious health risks to patients.
Four tips for buying weight loss injections safely online
- Registered online pharmacies in England, Wales and Scotland must display the GPhC’s internet pharmacy logo on their website. Alongside the GPhC logo, the pharmacy should display its unique registration number. You can use this number to verify the pharmacy’s credentials.
- Never take medication without consulting a healthcare professional. Certified prescribers like those at Chemist4U will review your medical history and advise you before prescribing any weight loss treatment.
- Double-check your prescription details and ensure the name and dose on your injection pen match what your healthcare provider has prescribed.
- If you think you have purchased fake Mounjaro or Wegovy, do not use the medicine and report it to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The above advice can help to steer consumers away from fraudulent and dangerous products.
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