We can all be tempted to look for a quick fix to our problems. However, when it comes to weight loss treatments, a quick fix isn’t the same. Not only can buying cheap weight loss medication from an unlicensed source be ineffective, but it’s also incredibly unsafe.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to identify fake weight loss injections, why these scams might tempt some people, and how to access your treatment safely.
Three key takeaways
Check the source, cost, and appearance of the pen. A suspiciously low price or flimsy packaging are signs that it’s fake.
If they're not in your budget, look for alternatives, not a workaround. Licensed weight loss tablets, like orlistat, Mysimba, the Wegovy pill, and Foundayo, tend to be cheaper than weight loss injections, if clinically appropriate.
What are fake weight loss pens?
Fake weight loss pens are copies of Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda that haven't been made, tested, or regulated to any sort of safety standard.
The odds are that any weight loss pen advertised on social media or in a local salon is fake, meaning whatever liquid is in the pen isn't regulated for use.
Many people want to lose weight, but it's essential to first consider the dangers of injecting an unknown substance into your body. Losing weight quickly and cheaply isn't worth risking your health for.
There's a reason why weight loss injections are prescription-only medications. They're only prescribed by qualified medical professionals and have strict criteria that patients must meet to qualify for use.
There's no way of knowing what's inside fake weight loss pens, and that's the problem. It could be:
The wrong medication. A completely different drug to the one on the label.
Incorrect doses. Far too much or too little of the active ingredient.
Contaminated substances. Made in unsterile conditions with no quality checks.
Multiple medications mixed together.
No medication at all. Sometimes it could just be saline or water in a branded-looking pen.
Injecting any of these carries risk. If you didn't get your pen through a registered pharmacy, don't use it.
How to identify fake weight loss pens
Identifying fake weight loss injections is easier than you think! It’s all about knowing what to look for and where to look. So, if you're wondering how to know if your Mounjaro pen is fake, remembering these three things is key:
Source
You should only look for weight loss pens from trusted, qualified sources (like us!)
Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda are prescription-only medicines, and they can only be issued by specialised medical professionals– like our prescribing pharmacists– after a consultation.
You’ll be asked about your medical history and weight and asked to provide photographs to confirm that the information that you've given is accurate. This is all to make sure that the medication is safe and the right choice for you.
Steer clear of any weight loss injections advertised on social media, in salons, and even online by some unlicensed pharmacies. For peace of mind, you should check that the pharmacy you're considering buying from is regulated by the GPhC and the MHRA before you commit.
These medications should never be easy to obtain, so always research the company and the person offering the treatment.
Weight loss pens aren’t cheap, which may be why many people look for more affordable alternatives. However, the risk outweighs the affordability, as using fake weight loss pens can come with potentially life-threatening consequences.
If weight loss injections don't fit into your budget, there are other options available which have proven effective in helping patients lose weight at a lower price point. These include treatments like the Wegovy pill, Foundayo, orlistat, and Mysimba, which are all taken orally.
These are also prescription-only medications, and your suitability will need to be assessed by a healthcare professional first.
It’s better – and safer! – to choose an alternative treatment rather than using a fake weight loss pen. To give you an idea of the cost, here’s a range of prices for each of the most popular GLP-1 injections:
Wegovy: ranges between £99-£279 (depending on the strength of the pen)
Mounjaro: ranges between £148-£298 (depending on the strength of the pen)
Saxenda: ranges between £375-£750 (depending on the number of pens)
These are the prices listed on our website and are correct at the time of writing, but are subject to change.
Of course, the cost can fluctuate depending on the company you buy from, but they should still be around that price range. If the weight loss injections you’re looking at are drastically cheaper than those listed above, there’s a high likelihood that they’re fake.
Appearance
When comparing fake weight loss pens to real ones, there are several differences in their appearance to look out for.
Real weight loss pens
Fake weight loss pens
Packaging
Well-designed, with clear, high-quality printing and correct branding
Spelling mistakes, blurry printing or incorrect logos
Materials
Pen and packaging feel solid and well-made; everything looks sharp and professional
Cheap and flimsy, with flaws like uneven colouring, rough edges, or loose parts
Serial number
A unique serial number or batch code you can check with the manufacturer
Often missing, or doesn't match the manufacturer's records
Liquid inside
Clear and colourless
May be cloudy or tinged with colour
Labelling
Brand name is the first thing you see, with the active ingredient and dosage strength in smaller font beneath
Typically, only the active ingredient is printed on the box (semaglutide, liraglutide, or tirzepatide), not the brand name or dose
Why might people choose fake weight loss pens?
Most people don't set out to buy a fake. It usually comes down to price, accessibility, not qualifying for treatment, or simply being tricked. Below we've listed the most common reasons why people might end in having a fake weight loss pen:
Cost: Fake weight loss pens are often much cheaper than genuine ones. People looking to save money might be tempted by the lower price.
Convenience: Fake weight loss pens can be easier to obtain. They might be available online without a prescription, but this is dangerous as they may not be clinically appropriate.
Not meeting criteria: Some individuals may not qualify for weight loss pens due to the strict criteria (patients need a BMI of 30 and above, or 27 and above if they have an obesity-related complication, like type 2 diabetes). They might turn to fake pens as an alternative way to get access to treatment.
Scams: Unfortunately, many people fall victim to scams and buy fake weight loss pens without realising they're not genuine.
The dangers of using fake weight loss pens
"Using fake weight loss pens can be very dangerous. They might contain harmful or unknown substances that can cause serious health problems, like allergic reactions.
"Since these fake pens aren't tested for safety, they often don't work, meaning you might not lose weight and waste money. In severe cases, using fake weight loss pens can lead to long-term health problems or even life-threatening situations."
What to do if you’re having a reaction to a fake weight loss medication
If you've injected something you think might be fake, get help from NHS 111 if you notice:
signs of infection at the injection site
redness, swelling, or warmth around the injection site
pain or discomfort around the injection site
fluid leaking from the injection site
mild fever, chills, fatigue, or a sore throat
Signs of an allergic reaction include:
a rash
itching
swelling of the face and throat
difficulty breathing
You should call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you think you're having an allergic reaction.
What is an ‘unlicensed’ weight loss medication?
A licensed medicine has been assessed by the MHRA and approved for use in the UK, with a known manufacturer, a set quality standard, and a patient information leaflet in the box.
An unlicensed weight loss medication has none of that. It hasn't been through UK approval for use, so nobody has checked what's in it, how it was made, or whether it's safe at the dose you're being sold.
Unlicensed products tend to show up in a few forms:
"Compounded" jabs, that are mixed or repackaged by a third party rather than made by the original manufacturer, often to stretch supply or offer cheaper doses.
"Research peptides", sold online with a "not for human consumption" disclaimer to bypass regulation.
Drugs still in clinical trials, like fake retatrutide pens, which copy a medicine that hasn't completed clinical testing and isn't currently licensed anywhere.
How Chemist4U can protect you against fake weight loss pens
When you choose Chemist4U, you know you're getting the real thing. Every weight loss pen we supply is a genuine, licensed medication, sourced through regulated UK suppliers and dispensed from our own pharmacy by our range of expert clinicians.
Before we can send anything out, you'll first complete a consultation. We'll ask about your medical history and weight, and ask for photographs to confirm whether the information you've given is accurate. If a weight loss treatment is right for you, we'll send it directly to your door quickly and discreetly.
While seeking quick fixes for weight loss can be tempting, opting for cheap, unlicensed weight loss pens is risky and potentially harmful. Losing weight safely and effectively takes time, and treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro should only be used under medical supervision.
With the proper support and guidance from one of our prescribers, you can stay informed, safe, and take confident steps towards your weight loss goals.
Frequently asked questions about fake weight loss pens
How can I protect myself against fake weight loss pens?
You should only buy from a registered pharmacy after a proper consultation with a healthcare professional. Weight loss injections are prescription-only, so any seller offering them without one isn't operating legally.
Check whether the pharmacy is registered with the GPhC and regulated by the MHRA, and be wary of prices that look too cheap. If you're unsure about a pen you've already bought, don't use it and speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice.
How can I report someone selling fake weight loss pens?
The Yellow Card reporting site is how the MHRA monitors medicine safety in the UK. Use it to report a medicine you think is fake, one that's poor quality, or any side effects you've had.
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