A mother from Warrington, Cheshire, has issued a stark warning about the dangers of purchasing weight-loss injections online after a terrifying health crisis that nearly cost her life. Gill Riley, 43, began using a weight-loss injection in September that she bought from a friend, who sourced it from an online pharmacy. She believed the injection contained the same active ingredients as popular slimming drugs, but what followed was a harrowing experience that led to hospitalization and severe health complications.
Initially, the weight-loss treatment seemed to work wonders. Riley, a retail worker and mother of four, saw her weight drop from 12st 3lbs to 10st 5lbs in just three months. However, her health took a serious turn in December when she began feeling unwell, which she initially dismissed as flu symptoms.
By Christmas, her condition worsened. Riley developed a sore throat, chest pains, and difficulty breathing. On Boxing Day, she awoke to find herself coughing up blood and mucus. As she tried to walk to the bathroom, she collapsed. She was found by her 11-year-old son, who immediately called for an ambulance.
Rushed to the hospital, doctors discovered Riley was suffering from severe malnourishment and pneumonia. The injections, which work by mimicking hormones that control appetite and digestion, appeared to have weakened her immune system, leaving her vulnerable to infection. Further scans raised concerns about potential kidney damage. Riley’s electrolyte levels were dangerously low, similar to those seen in patients suffering from extreme malnutrition.
Reflecting on her near-death experience, Riley expressed regret over her decision to use the weight-loss injections. “I feel stupid for risking my life to be skinny,” she said. “It’s not worth it. I think mums need to really think about this – they could be leaving their kids behind just to look a certain way.”
Riley had bought the unnamed brand of weight-loss jabs for £90, hoping to return to her pre-pregnancy weight. However, the consequences of using the product were far from what she had expected.
Her case is part of a growing number of women who have experienced serious health problems after obtaining weight-loss injections from unregulated sources. Doctors have issued warnings about the risks associated with these drugs, particularly when they are acquired without a prescription. A recent investigation revealed that patients, including minors, have managed to obtain weight-loss jabs from chemists by misrepresenting their weight. This is a dangerous trend, as these drugs are only approved for use in patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 or those with obesity-related health conditions.
The popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which contain the active ingredients semaglutide and tirzepatide, are designed to help with obesity management. While these drugs have shown significant benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, they also come with side effects. Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, and digestive issues, while more severe side effects can include bone pain and a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Riley’s experience highlights the potential dangers of seeking quick-fix solutions to weight loss and the importance of consulting a medical professional before using such treatments. The incident also underscores the risks associated with purchasing drugs from unregulated online sources, where the safety and authenticity of products cannot be guaranteed.
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