Potentially “scary” injections that claim to be Ozempic are being sold in beauty salons in the UK, a new BBC documentary claims.
The Skinny Jab Uncovered is an investigation into the Britain’s “black market” for Ozempic, as reporter Pria Rai discovers what’s really in these drugs – and whether they’re safe to use.
She told Moncrieff Ozempic was created to treat diabetes, but it became popular among non-diabetics thanks to one of its main side effects: weight loss.
“There are so any rumours that these are what celebrities are using and it blew on social media, it became so popular,” she said.
On @BBCiPlayer now & @bbcthree at 10pm pic.twitter.com/33BeY7m7U0
— Pria (@PriaRai) November 15, 2023
Ms Rai said Ozempic can be used to treat obesity “alongside a medical professional”, and when prescribed and used properly, it can be “life-changing”.
“The difference here is that because Ozempic is so popular, it’s created a black market where people think they’re getting the similar thing, but they’re getting it in a non-legit way,” she said.
Social media accounts, for example, offer knock off Ozempic to eager customers.
“They’re promoting it in quite pushy ways and are quite glitzy on TikTok or Instagram,” Ms Rai explained.
Ms Rai said her investigation found injections from one of the biggest online sellers didn’t even have semaglutide – the key ingredient to Ozempic – in the injection.
Ozempic in beauty salons
The reporter also received a tip-off from an Ozempic-user that beauty salons also sell the ‘skinny jabs’ on the sly.
“We found examples across the country and managed to visit some in Liverpool and Manchester,” she said.
“I went undercover... they were all prepared to sell me semaglutide.
“The advice being given I found pretty worrying because it’s based on if you’re feeling hungry, if you increase or lower your dosage based on how you’re feeling.
"I trust beauticians to do my hair and nails, but because of that trust, it’s scary they’re selling something they’re not qualified to sell.”
Double the recommended dosage
In one salon Ms Rai investigated, she was given a pamphlet that included an emergency number of who to call if something goes wrong with the Ozempic – except it was for the US emergency number, 911.
“They’re not qualified to be giving out these injections,” she said.
Ms Rai this is all especially concerning when we don’t even know what is in these knock-off injections.
“Side effects regularly talked about include sickness or nausea,” she said.
“It’s really risky... one beautician advised me to start on double the dose that NHS guidelines follow.
“That doesn’t fill you with confidence.”
The Skinny Jab Uncovered is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and also airs on BBC Three.
