'I thought I was going to die' - Woman calls for tighter weight-loss jabs checks
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A woman’s harrowing experience after purchasing weight-loss injections online has sparked calls for stricter regulations on the sale of such products. Emma Dyer, from Nottinghamshire, suffered a severe reaction after receiving unapproved doses of what she believed were Saxenda injections. She experienced hallucinations, vomiting blood, and a near-death collapse in her bathroom—a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unsupervised use of these powerful medications.
Dyer’s story highlights how easily individuals can obtain weight-loss injections without proper medical oversight. The online vendor she used required no medical consultation or ID checks, despite her history of eating disorders. She was able to lie about her BMI and purchase the injections for £115. This lack of safeguards has raised concerns among healthcare professionals, who warn that such products should only be prescribed by qualified doctors due to their potential side effects and risks.
The National Health Service (NHS) has expressed worries about unverified sellers promoting these injections without clinical supervision or follow-up care. Both Mounjaro and Wegovy, the brand names for weight-loss jabs, work by mimicking GLP-1 hormones to suppress appetite. While effective, they can cause serious side effects, such as rebound weight gain upon discontinuation. Experts emphasize that these treatments require careful medical oversight to ensure patient safety.
Dyer’s experience reflects a growing trend in the UK, where an estimated 1.6 million adults have used weight-loss injections in the past year. Many purchase them privately due to limited NHS access. The lack of regulation and clinical supervision puts individuals at serious health risks, including the possibility of receiving counterfeit products or misusing doses without proper guidance.
This issue matters globally as it underscores the importance of regulating medical treatments to prevent harm from unapproved use. Health authorities are urging stricter restrictions on online sales and mandatory medical consultations before prescribing such drugs. The case of Emma Dyer serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for public awareness and stronger regulatory measures to protect vulnerable individuals seeking weight-loss solutions.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026