Charity warns weight loss drug regulation gaps enable eating disorder access
A charity has warned that a lack of regulation around weight loss drugs allows people with eating disorders to easily access them, raising concerns about misuse and health risks.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
An eating disorder charity has warned that weak regulation around weight loss drugs is allowing people with eating disorders to access them with little or no scrutiny. New data suggests a significant rise in the number of people developing an eating disorder in the UK, with an estimated one in 20 people now living with one.
Research conducted by the charity Beat and the University of Edinburgh surveyed 72 people with eating disorders. It found that 62% were currently using weight loss jabs. Nearly three quarters had bought them from online pharmacies, and 22% said they were never asked if they had an eating disorder.
The report highlighted the case of Nicola, who has battled anorexia and bulimia for most of her life. She said she obtained the drugs over social media, adding: "I could go online now and easily get them. You just have to AI yourself a picture looking slightly bigger and you can get it. It's that easy."
The General Pharmaceutical Council says pharmacies should verify a person's height, weight and medical history before prescribing such drugs, and face robust action if they do not. The charity is calling for existing rules to be followed, including independent verification of BMI, consistent monitoring while on the medication, and follow-ups after treatment.
NHS England has urged people only to use drugs prescribed by healthcare professionals from a regulated provider. But with a saturated market and easy online access, the advice is often ignored.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| 22% of respondents said they were never asked if they had an eating disorder when obtaining the drugs. | |
| A survey found that 62% of respondents with eating disorders were using weight loss injections. | |
| Nearly three quarters of surveyed individuals had purchased weight loss drugs from online pharmacies. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
ITV Lunchtime News focused on the charity's warning and the ease with which people with eating disorders can obtain weight loss drugs. The report included a personal story from a woman who got the drugs via social media, and highlighted the lack of scrutiny from online pharmacies. The tone was concerned and urgent, emphasising the need for better enforcement of existing regulations.
- “I could go online now and easily get them. You just have to AI yourself a picture looking slightly bigger and you can get it. It's that easy.”
- “We need existing regulation to be followed and abided by. That means independent verification of BMI. It means consistent monitoring during someone taking the medication but also means checking in and following up with people after they've been on the medication.”
Broadcast Timeline
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