New year, new me – many people have likely set themselves goals for 2026. A common New Year’s resolution is being healthier: eating better, exercising more and losing the excess weight that has been gained during the holidays or throughout the year.
People use different methods to tackle this goal, some deciding that weight loss medications are what they want to use to achieve it.
The opinions on these types of medications arguably divides people with some believing they are safe and a good and easy way to help losing weight, while others believe they are unhealthy and even dangerous.
Obesity: A major global issue
A common running joke when it comes to obesity used to be that all Americans are overweight because their diets are so bad.
The sad truth however is that obesity and being overweight is a major problem all over the world, with the numbers of people who are impacted growing from year to year.
According to a study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in early December 2025, as of 2022, 2,5 billion adults were overweight and 890 million were living with obesity – that is approximately 1 out of 8 adults.
Being overweight or obese can lead to a vast range of other problems, from issues with bones and muscles, to diabetes or heart problems. In the worst-case scenario these can lead to death.
The WHO estimates that in 2021, approximately 3,7 million people died from so-called “noncommunicable diseases” such as diabetes, cancers, cardiovascular problems and others, which were caused by a “higher-than-optional BMI [Body Mass Index]”. This number might grow if the issue is not tackled.
Experts anticipate the number of obese people to exceed 2 billion by the year 2030 if nothing changes.
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Weight loss drugs and jabs – a popular way to combat excess weight
It is difficult to establish a precise figure of how many people are using medications for weight loss, or the jabs, as not all of it is registered.
Taking the UK as an example, however, according to a study conducted and published by the University College of London it is estimated that between early 2024 and early 2025, around 1,6 million adults in the UK have used drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy to help them lose weight.
Moreover, the study found that 3,3 million people on top of that say that they would consider taking such drugs in the coming year.
Professor Sarah Jackson, who is the lead author of the article, stated: “Our findings show that an estimated 4.9 million adults in Great Britain – nearly one in 10 – have recently used a drug to support weight loss or were interested in using one in the near future.
“This usage far exceeds NHS England’s initial goal of prescribing these drugs to 220,000 people over three years.”
However, they say that it is not easy to gather the data, as not everyone is getting the medication through the NHS which makes it more difficult to gather fully accurate numbers.
Improving the health of the nation
Co-author of the article Professor Clare Llewellyn stated: “Weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 agonists could play an important role in improving the health of the nation.
“Our findings suggest many people are accessing these medications outside the NHS. This raises concerns about equity given the costs of these drugs, as well as the adequacy of supervision of treatment.”
The WHO seems to agree with the sentiment that these types of jabs are beneficial for people who suffer from obesity. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general said: “Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care.
“While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.”
However, WHO warns of a shortage of the jabs. They state that fewer than 1 in 10 people for whom medical weight loss would be a good path, can actually get hold of them.
Due to issues with licensing and patents, the necessary drugs are not available in every country of the world making them inaccessible for many.
Possible dangers: Source is key
Even though many experts say that there are benefits to people making use of the medications and jabs, there are also risks. A big one being the possibility of accidentally buying bad batches of the medications.
The UK’s “Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)” warns people and asks them to refrain from purchasing these types of medications off social media or other unregulated sources as it increases the risk of buying counterfeit products.
Individuals could potentially get meds which have not been properly stored or are even contaminated, which will pose a danger to the person taking them.
Health minister Zubir Ahmed stated in a press release from December 2025: “As a practising doctor and patient safety minister, I want to be absolutely clear – please do not buy weight loss medications from unregulated sources.
“These products are made with no regard for safety or quality and pose a major risk to unwitting customers. Don’t line the pockets of criminals who don’t care about your health.
“Safe, appropriate, licensed obesity drugs can greatly benefit those with a clinical need but should be obtained from a registered pharmacy against a valid prescription.”
He is not the only one who believes it is dangerous to buy the drugs this way: “People often look for ways to support their health at this time of year, but buying medicines from illegal online sellers can put your health at real risk.
“Always make sure you are using authorised products from legitimate sources and speak to a healthcare professional for advice on safe, evidence-based options,” said Jenn Matthissen, from the MHRA’s Safety and Surveillance team.
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Hazel Camba 
Jheruleene Anne Ramos 
Eugene Nicklaus S. Laqui