A Harley Street GP has warned of an emerging “Wild West” of black market jabs that have dangerous side effects.
Dr Aamer Khan, a former GP, has used Mounjaro in the past.
Now the 63-year-old runs a weight loss clinic and administers various approved injections coupled with a full programme of support.
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But he’s noticed a disturbing trend of more people accessing these drugs in troubling ways.
“With all these positive benefits, we have to be aware of the Wild West side,” he told Need To Know.
“With increasing costs of these drugs, rarity of these drugs, and as more and more people want to use them and increasing demand, [patients] are turning to the black market, getting these drugs online without medical supervision.
“Don’t forget these [illegally obtained] drugs can be poor quality, unregulated and damn right dangerous because of additives – and we don’t know what they are.
“They could be contaminated and dangerous.”
While treatments like Mounjaro can be life-changing when prescribed safely, the rise of counterfeit and unregulated versions online poses serious risks.
Experts are urging anyone considering the injections to seek proper medical advice – not a quick fix from the black market.
Dr Khan, the co-founder of Harley Street Skin, added: “If you have a problem with your weight, if you want to get hold of these drugs, please see a registered, qualified and competent practitioner who can then talk you through it, assess you and safely prescribe you the drugs.”
Another Harley Street GP has also recently spoken about an unexpected benefit weight loss jab users are experiencing that could be a game-changer.
Dr Kaywaan Khan said that the GLP-1 medications can help a range of other issues.
“Weight loss injections like WeGovy and Mounjaro do more than help you lose weight,” the 32-year-old aesthetic practitioner and GP told Need To Know.
“They could also help to calm conditions like psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.
“These medicines were first developed for diabetes and weight management, but early research suggests they may also help to lower inflammation in the body.
“In psoriasis, several small studies and case reports show clearer skin after starting a weight loss medication.
“Some people improved within a few months.”
Meanwhile, for rheumatoid arthritis, Dr Khan said that data found “milder symptoms and better health markers” on those taking a weight loss medication.
He added: “While not a cure, and not a replacement for your arthritis medication, it could be a helpful add-on for the right patient.”
Dr Khan, who founded Hannah London in 2017, also noted that benefits could be found in those suffering from Lupus.
He said: “Early reports look safe and show weight and heart kidney benefits, and in some cases reduced symptoms [from those taking weight loss medications].
“So if you live with an autoimmune condition and meet criteria for medical weight management, a GLP-1 medication may offer a two-for-one: weight loss, plus a reduction in inflammation.”
However, the medic did note that the drugs aren’t suitable for everyone, and prospective new users should practice caution.
Dr Khan added, “Always consult a specialist if this is something you’re considering.
“Very rarely, skin can flare, so report any new or worsening rashes, and never stop your dermatologist or rheumatologist treatment without advice.”
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