Fake weight-loss medication in tablet form could flood Britain, experts warn

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Nicola Davis Science correspondentJanuary 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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AI Summary

long article 5 min

Experts are warning that the upcoming launch of oral weight-loss medications in the UK could lead to a surge in counterfeit versions. Pharmaceutical companies are developing tablet forms of drugs like Wegovy and Orforglipron, currently available as expensive injections, to increase accessibility. However, experts like Bhavik Patel and Bernard Naughton caution that pills are easier to counterfeit than injectables, posing risks of contamination, incorrect dosage, or fake ingredients. Stronger regulation and enforcement are needed to combat potential fraud as oral weight-loss medications become more widely available. The US FDA has already approved an oral form of Wegovy, and the UK's MHRA is currently assessing it.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

University of Brighton 50% Trinity College Dublin 50% Orforglipron 60% Mounjaro 60% Novo Nordisk 60% Eli Lilly 60% Wegovy ×270% Bernard Naughton ×270% Bhavik Patel 70% United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ×280% Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) 80% UK ×290%

Keywords

fake weight-loss medication 100% counterfeit pills 90% weight-loss drugs 80% tablet form 70% pharmaceutical regulation 60% fraudsters 60% wegovy 50% online risk 50% injectable medications 50% drug safety 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.60

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

United Kingdom

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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fake weight-loss medication counterfeit pills weight-loss drugs tablet form pharmaceutical regulation fraudsters wegovy online risk injectable medications drug safety

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