A disturbing new method for obtaining powerful weight loss injections has been uncovered, raising serious safety concerns among clinicians and regulators. An investigation by ITV has found that individuals, particularly young people with healthy Body Mass Index (BMIs), are using artificial intelligence and basic photo-editing software to manipulate images of themselves to appear heavier, thereby securing prescriptions for drugs like Mounjaro from online pharmacies.
How the 'Fake Weight' Scam Works
The process, which has reportedly emerged within the last six months, exploits the remote consultation systems of some digital pharmacies. Reporter Cree-Summer Haughton demonstrated the flaw by using editing tools to widen her waist, face, and body in a photograph. She then submitted this altered image as part of an online assessment.
The result was alarming: 'Within a week, three different companies had approved me and sent out three separate prescriptions,' Haughton reported. Several women told ITV they engaged in this practice due to 'body image pressures', feeling it was acceptable because the drugs had become 'normalised' in online spaces.
While the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) mandates a proper two-way consultation or independent verification before issuing a prescription, the investigation found some providers falling short. Some accepted AI-altered images or videos, while others merely reviewed edited photos uploaded by the patient. The GPhC states that examining a single photo is 'not going to be sufficient' for safe prescribing.
Experts Sound Alarm on Patient Safety
Eating disorder specialists from the Priory group have highlighted this as a concerning trend that could significantly fuel disordered eating if not addressed swiftly. Hira Malik, superintendent pharmacist and co-founder of Oushk Pharmacy, told Metro: 'ITV’s investigation is a timely reminder that weight loss injections are powerful prescription-only medications, not cosmetic quick fixes.'
She emphasised that allowing people with healthy BMIs to access them via edited photos is a clear patient safety issue. 'To prevent this from escalating further, online prescribing needs further safeguards,' Malik urged, calling for consistent, enforceable standards on verification, counselling, and follow-up care.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, speaking on Good Morning Britain, confirmed his department is scrutinising the issue, having seen stories of people 'trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the provider'. He stated his team is looking into the matter to 'make sure the prescribing environment is safe'.
Crackdown and the Stakes for Legitimate Patients
The GPhC has already taken enforcement action against 18 UK pharmacies for failing to meet its standards, which include considering a patient's well-being and potential issues like body dysmorphia. For those who legitimately qualify, medications like Mounjaro—which mimic gut hormones to reduce appetite—can offer significant benefits.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser, notes pros including impressive weight reduction (10-15% on average) and lowered risks for type 2 diabetes and hypertension. However, the cons are substantial: common gastrointestinal side effects, rare but serious risks like pancreatitis, high private costs (often over £200 monthly), and likely weight regain after stopping treatment without sustained lifestyle changes.
The core challenge remains balancing accessible healthcare with rigorous safety protocols. As online services like Boots Online Doctor offer 'convenient, discreet treatment', the sector faces mounting pressure to close loopholes that allow digital trickery to override essential clinical judgement.
