Nisha Pandey

Demand For Wegovy Weight Loss Pills Could Increase The Risk Of Dangerous Counterfeits: Survey

The launch of the weight-loss drug <span>Wegovy</span> has sparked fresh concerns among pharmacists in the UK, who warn that the new tablet format could make it easier for manufacturers to produce and sell counterfeit medicines.

<h2>Wegovy Demand Sparks Counterfeit Concern</h2>

The once-daily semaglutide pill, developed by <span>Novo Nordisk</span>, recently became available through private high street and online pharmacies after receiving approval from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

While the pill is expected to help patients who are reluctant to use injections, experts fear it may also increase the risk of a growing black market for fake weight-loss drugs.

According to a survey conducted by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) with 310 pharmacies, 97% believe that the weight loss tablet could lead to an increase in counterfeit products being sold unlawfully.

Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association said, “As this survey shows, pharmacies are concerned about a dangerous and growing black market for weight loss medicines, with tablet form of medication likely to be easier for criminals to counterfeit.”

He said that all patients must visit an authorised pharmacy for <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/serena-williams-lost-34-pounds-with-the-help-of-a-glp-1-drug-but-its-not-ozempic-article-154817684" data-type="tilCustomLink">Wegovy</a> pills.

He added: “Patients should only ever obtain weight loss medication from a regulated pharmacy after an appropriate consultation with a healthcare professional. Fake medicines pose a serious risk to health because they may contain harmful ingredients or incorrect doses.”

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/wegovy-weight-loss-pill-available-in-uk-pharmacies-from-today-all-you-should-know-article-154949001" data-type="tilCustomLink">Wegovy Weight Loss Pill Available in UK Pharmacies From Today: All You Should Know</a>

Unlike injectable medications of GLP-1, tablets often require less sophisticated manufacturing equipment, which makes it easier to make counterfeits. 

As the medicated weight loss market is rising after the popularity of<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/us-medicare-set-to-cover-glp-1-drugs-for-weight-loss-all-you-should-know-about-eligibility-costs-article-154808336" data-type="tilCustomLink"> GLP-1 medications</a> increased, criminals can produce fake pills on a large scale, using simple equipment.

Counterfeit GLP-1 medicines have already become a growing global concern. In September 2025, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said that there had been a sharp rise in illegal forms of semaglutide and other GLP-1 medicines online.

The agency also warned that these fake medicines may contain no active ingredient, improper doses, or harmful substances that can lead to failure of treatment or serious health complications.

Demand for GLP-1 medicines such as Wegovy and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-may-improve-fertility-in-men-with-obesity-study-suggests-article-154631551" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mounjaro</a> has soared worldwide as studies continue to demonstrate significant weight loss benefits.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-ozempic-like-glp-1-drugs-slow-aging-boost-longevity-article-154821791" data-type="tilCustomLink">Can Ozempic-Like GLP-1 Drugs Slow Aging, Boost Longevity?</a>

Clinical trials of the oral Wegovy tablet have shown participants taking the highest dose lost approximately 14% to 17% of their body weight over 64 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. However, pharmacists say the popularity of these treatments has also created opportunities for fraudsters.

Experts urge consumers to avoid purchasing weight-loss medicines from unofficial online sellers or social media advertisements, regardless of how attractive the prices appear.

Genuine GLP-1 medicines require a medical consultation and prescription, and authorised pharmacies carry out necessary clinical checks before selling them.

Bryan Johnson Beat Ageing… But Missed This Silent Disease #shorts #shortsfeeds

The semaglutide (Wegovy) tablet is the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medicine approved in the UK for weight loss.

 It can be prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for adults who have obesity (BMI of 30 or above), or are overweight (BMI between 27 and 30), and have at least one weight-related comorbidity

Health Conditions A-Z

health

demand-for-wegovy-weight-loss-pills-could-increase-the-risk-of-dangerous-counterfeits-survey

wegovy

wegovy weight loss tablet

novo nordisk

mounjaro

glp 1

glp 1 injection

us-cyclospora-parasite-outbreak-nears-900-cases-experts-say-handwashing-key-to-prevention

US Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak Nears 900 Cases: Experts Say Handwashing Key to Prevention

as-part-of-trumps-great-american-recovery-initiative-us-announces-281-million-funding-to-tackle-addiction

As Part Of Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative, US Announces 281 Million Funding To Tackle Addiction

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The launch of the weight-loss drug Wegovy has sparked fresh concerns among pharmacists in the UK, who warn that the new tablet format could make it easier for manufacturers to produce and sell counterfeit medicines. Wegovy Demand Sparks Counterfeit Concern The once-daily semaglutide pill, developed by Novo Nordisk, recently became available through private high street and online pharmacies after receiving approval from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). While the pill is expected to help patients who are reluctant to use injections, experts fear it may also increase the risk of a growing black market for fake weight-loss drugs. According to a survey conducted by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) with 310 pharmacies, 97% believe that the weight loss tablet could lead to an increase in counterfeit products being sold unlawfully. Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association said, “As this survey shows, pharmacies are concerned about a dangerous and growing black market for weight loss medicines, with tablet form of medication likely to be easier for criminals to counterfeit.” He said that all patients must visit an authorised pharmacy for Wegovy pills. He added: “Patients should only ever obtain weight loss medication from a regulated pharmacy after an appropriate consultation with a healthcare professional. Fake medicines pose a serious risk to health because they may contain harmful ingredients or incorrect doses.” Also read: Wegovy Weight Loss Pill Available in UK Pharmacies From Today: All You Should Know Global Concern Unlike injectable medications of GLP-1, tablets often require less sophisticated manufacturing equipment, which makes it easier to make counterfeits. As the medicated weight loss market is rising after the popularity of GLP-1 medications increased, criminals can produce fake pills on a large scale, using simple equipment. Counterfeit GLP-1 medicines have already become a growing global concern. In September 2025, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said that there had been a sharp rise in illegal forms of semaglutide and other GLP-1 medicines online. The agency also warned that these fake medicines may contain no active ingredient, improper doses, or harmful substances that can lead to failure of treatment or serious health complications. Demand for GLP-1 medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro has soared worldwide as studies continue to demonstrate significant weight loss benefits. Also read: Can Ozempic-Like GLP-1 Drugs Slow Aging, Boost Longevity? Clinical trials of the oral Wegovy tablet have shown participants taking the highest dose lost approximately 14% to 17% of their body weight over 64 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. However, pharmacists say the popularity of these treatments has also created opportunities for fraudsters. Experts urge consumers to avoid purchasing weight-loss medicines from unofficial online sellers or social media advertisements, regardless of how attractive the prices appear. Genuine GLP-1 medicines require a medical consultation and prescription, and authorised pharmacies carry out necessary clinical checks before selling them. About Wegovy                                      The semaglutide (Wegovy) tablet is the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medicine approved in the UK for weight loss.  It can be prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for adults who have obesity (BMI of 30 or above), or are overweight (BMI between 27 and 30), and have at least one weight-related comorbidity

demand for wegovy weight loss pills could increases the risk of dangerous counterfeits: survey

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Demand For Wegovy Weight Loss Pills Could Increase The Risk Of Dangerous Counterfeits: Survey

US Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak Nears 900 Cases: Experts Say Handwashing Key to Prevention

As Part Of Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative, US Announces $281 Million Funding To Tackle Addiction

Impact Of Canada’s MAID Delay For Mental Illness: Patients Say They Feel Abandoned & Hopeless

Health Conditions A-Z

US Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak Nears 900 Cases: Experts Say Handwashing Key to Prevention

Demand For Wegovy Weight Loss Pills Could Increase The Risk Of Dangerous Counterfeits: Survey

As Part Of Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative, US Announces 281 Million Funding To Tackle Addiction