One in 5 adults have used weight-loss jabs or pills WITHOUT consulting a doctor

ONE in five adults have used a weight-loss treatment like diet pills or injections, without consulting a doctor.

A study, of 2,003 adults, found 29 per cent of these bought the treatment on illegitimate sites, while a quarter used someone else’s prescription.

GettyOne in five adults have used a weight-loss treatment like diet pills or injections[/caption]

And 24 per cent were able to make the purchase through social media.

It also emerged 19 per cent 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.

“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.”

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.

But the study found of the 35 per cent of adults who would be interested in accessing weight-loss injections in the UK, only seven per cent without pre-existing conditions would meet the criteria.

Men are also more likely to purchase these unprescribed treatments than women (25 per cent versus 20 per cent).

And it is most common among young people, with 46 per cent of those aged 18-24 likely to make a purchase – twice as many as the national average of 22 per cent.

A spokesperson for Asda Online Doctor added: “This trend can be highly dangerous because weight-loss injection brands such as Wegovy and 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.”

HOW DOES WEGOVY WORK?

Wegovy works by supressing our appetite – this is why it works for weight loss.

To do this, an ingredient found in the fat-busting drug, known as semaglutide, mimics the role of a natural hormone, called GLP-1.

The hormone is normally produced in response to detecting nutrients when we eat.

GLP-1 is part of the signalling pathway that tells your body you have eaten and prepares it to use the energy that comes from your food.

If you’re worried about your weight, speak to a GP or dietitian to work out what option would work better for you and your needs.

What foods can trigger the same reaction?

Energy-dense foods, which tend to be foods high in healthy fats, proteins or simple sugars, trigger GLP-1 secretion in the body, nutritionist Emma Beckett said.

“This means a healthy diet, high in GLP-1 stimulating nutrients, can increase GLP-1 levels,” she wrote in the Conversation.

Foods that help GLP-1 levels:

Avocados

Nuts

Lean protein sources like eggs

Vegetables

Whole grains

“This is why high fat, high fibre and high protein diets can all help you feel fuller for longer,” Emma added.

“It’s also why diet change is part of both weight and type 2 diabetes management.”