Online shopping for Weight Loss Injections. Is it safe ?
The online weight loss world: Are you tempted to buy an online weight loss injection?
Over the last 12 months, there has been a surge of people buying weight loss injections online. There are many types of injections produced by different pharmaceutical companies and it has become popularised by a lot of celebrity influencers using weight loss injections as a way to slim down in a dangerously short amount of time. This article aims to discuss the possible advantages and safety concerns of buying such medications online.
Currently, Semaglutide the generic name for Ozempic can be prescribed on the NHS for those that are Type 2 Diabetic – those that need additional control (alongside other medications) to help control their blood sugar levels. In addition, it has the added benefit helping those that are overweight to lose weight. Persistently high sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes are associated with a risk to vision including blindness, reduced kidney function, cardiovascular disease (including heart attacks and stroke), impaired skin healing and amputations. There is no doubt with the right supervision and lifestyle changes, that this medication is life changing for millions and reduces the risk of physical disabilities which could stop people living and working fully.
Most recently, non-Type 2 diabetics are purchasing weight loss injections online. When it is solely used for weight loss, these medications (at the time of writing this article) like Ozempic are being used “off label”. This means that it is only currently meant to be used in those that are Type 2 Diabetic.
Taking responsibility for your health ?
Purchasing weight loss injections online could be seen as taking a responsibility of one’s own health in those that are over weight and want to use this in combination with lifestyle changes ( yes your quality of sleep, your response to stress, what we eat and our quality of exercise does impact your ability to lose weight ) to help them lose weight. It could be that, if you’re a busy parent and have no sleep routine and eat your toddler’s left overs, a weight loss injection may seem appealing. However, I am concerned about the prescriber’s responsibility of dosing, counselling on side effects and the duration of treatment. It could be that someone may be embarrassed to talk to their GP and wants to take responsibility themselves for their weight loss journey. I would commend this responsibility but always advise your prescriber to follow you up.
It must be safe…right?
It may seem that if you can buy a medication online , then it can’t be that “strong”. Again, the online pharmacy world can seem dangerously easy access giving off the impression that the medications are somehow harmless and free of side effects but we do need to be very careful
In my opinion, a combination of lifestyle changes and coaching can really help individuals get to the bottom of why they want to become healthy. Weight loss injections can play an important part in someone’s quest for weight loss. I explore values and the beliefs of my clients. Changing mindset really helps someone stick to their goal – with or without the use of a weight loss injections.
Here are some of the other potential advantages of buying online. Please seek specialist advice from the prescriber.
Convenience: Buying online may be convenient for those that have mobility issues or a tight schedule making it harder for them to visit a physical pharmacy.
Potential Cost Savings: It can be cheaper to buy online than at traditional pharmacies especially in countries where the medications costs are high. Bulk purchasing can lower the price even further.
Privacy: Online shopping has allowed us all to purchase whilst working and have things discreetly delivered to our door.
Accessibility: In areas where there are limited health care services, online pharmacies can reach those that need medications.
I cannot emphasis this enough that all medication whether bought over the counter or prescribed needs to be monitored by a prescriber – in the UK , there are many types of prescriber now whether that be a doctor, nurse of pharmacist. We need to be aware of the side effects and long term plan when using all medications. It is also important to declare what you are using to you GP as weight loss injections may interact and cause side effects with other medications you are using.
What are the risks of buying online weight loss injections?
Are you buying what you intend to buy ?
There have been cases where weight loss injections have been contaminated with other substances which may be harmful to the body. It is important to at least see a prescriber face to face or virtually in a private clinic. It doesn’t take long for someone to build a professional looking pharmaceutical website and promote themselves through ads so it comes up at the top off your search.
Who is supervising ?
The world of AI is increasingly growing at a fast pace, with “real” looking professionals who are in fact speaking like humans on our daily scroll and looking and sounding like professionals. We know that AI is already being used in many health care systems already but please do your research on who you are purchasing from. I fear that with health care systems stretched, that medicine as we know is losing that human connection. The idea of seeing a doctor face to face is not a regular occurrence and an interaction which is part of many interactions in health care such as video calls, texting your doctor and phone calls. It is important to know the credentials of your prescriber, which pharmaceutical company they are purchasing from, your proposed dosing, side effects and duration of treatment. The side effects of weight loss injections can be serious including low blood sugars ( leading to comas), nausea, vomiting and pancreatitis which sometimes can need admission to intensive care units
The rise of body dysmorphia and disordered eating
There is no doubt that the combination of a pressure to be online, building a personal brand and celebrity influence causes a huge amount of pressure to look a certain way. I am concerned that people that are not overweight are purchasing weight loss injections online to acquire the look that celebrities are parading on the red carpet. Coined “ Ozempic face” , you may be tempted to chase the hollowed cheekbones or temples, smaller chin or lips. Is Ozempic the alternative way to a surgical face lift ? It is deemed safer as you’re not going under the knife ? As a proud mama at 43 years of age to a 2 year old little girl, I am already afraid of the what the world will be like in 10 years time. What type of pressure will she feel and how do I initiate open conversations with her about body image ?
Although there are many pathways in the body in which weight loss medications can work ( affecting hormones in our brain and signals in our stomach ), I worry that people may use weight loss injections to suppress their appetite without the use of other professionals such as dieticians and coaches for example. The concept of mindful eating has been around for years but I do get concerned we may reach for food as a reaction to stressful lifestyle situations. People may purchase weight loss medications to help them stop eating though there are other ways to address eating behaviours alone or in combination with a weight loss medication.
Shipping delays
Certain weight loss injections such as Ozempic need to be stored in a refrigerator and so in transit can compromise the quality of the medication and put your health at risk.
Shortages for Type 2 diabetics
Buying weight loss injections such as Ozempic online can lead to shortages for Type 2 Diabetics and buying without the medical need for it can cause an ethical dilemma for those that actual need it.
In conclusion, there is still a lot of ongoing research into various online injections and currently they are licensed for those that are Type 2 diabetics. There is exciting research on whether weight loss injections can be used in other areas of health other than diabetes. However , I understand why people may purchase online to give themselves a push start on their weight loss journey. Careful planning around dosing , duration and psychological support is needed in order for this to be successful Currently, there needs to be more supervision and accountability online around this particular group of medications. At the time of publication, there has been increasing concerns of weight loss injection leading to a number of deaths.