UK online pharmacies are now facing stricter regulations when it comes to prescribing weight-loss injections, following concerns of misuse. The new rules, implemented by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), come in response to reports of individuals falsely entering their weight to meet eligibility criteria for drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Under the updated guidelines, patients seeking weight-loss jabs must have their body mass index (BMI) verified either in person or via video consultation. Additionally, pharmacies are required to access the patient’s GP medical records to ensure accurate information. A simple phone call or online questionnaire will no longer be enough to secure a prescription.
Eligibility Criteria for Weight-Loss Injections
So, who qualifies for weight-loss injections under the new regulations?
To be eligible for drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro, adults must meet one of the following criteria:
- A BMI of at least 30, classifying them as obese.
- A BMI of at least 27, with an accompanying weight-related health condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
In addition, adolescents over the age of 12 may also qualify for Wegovy if they are obese and weigh over 60kg.
However, there are concerns about how the new verification process will work in practice. Dr. Piotr Ozieranski, a sociology reader at the University of Bath, raised questions about the reliability of verifying height and weight via video consultations. He noted that ensuring the accuracy of these measurements could be challenging, and some patients may feel uncomfortable sharing personal details, such as their weight, during a live video session. He also expressed concerns about how patient privacy would be protected if third-party platforms are used for these consultations.
Consequences for Pharmacies that Don’t Comply
Pharmacies that fail to meet the new regulations could face investigations and inspections by the GPhC. If violations are found, the GPhC may implement stricter measures, including limiting the types of medications pharmacies can prescribe or even suspending their operations entirely.
Duncan Rudkin, the GPhC’s chief executive, emphasized that inspectors will continue to monitor online pharmacies, ensuring that they adhere to the new guidelines and safeguard patients’ health.
How Do Weight-Loss Injections Work?
Wegovy and Mounjaro are injectable medications designed to assist with weight loss. Administered via weekly injections, these drugs work by suppressing appetite through the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, which signals to the brain that the body is full. They also delay stomach emptying, helping patients feel fuller for longer.
In addition to the effects of GLP-1, Mounjaro also targets another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which helps regulate metabolism and energy balance.
As the popularity of these weight-loss injections grows, the UK’s updated regulations aim to ensure that only those with legitimate medical needs have access to these powerful drugs, while preventing misuse by individuals seeking to lose weight quickly.
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