Aesthetics reports on NHS warnings regarding the link between eating disorders and weight loss medication
National Health Service (NHS) medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis has called for stricter regulation of the sale and prescription of weight loss injections. This follows warnings from charities about a growing number of people with eating disorders accessing the drugs.1
The rise of weight loss injections has been significant, with data showing 500,000 people in the UK are currently using GLP-1 medication.2 New data published by The Times revealed that weight loss medication, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have been linked to 82 deaths in Britain.3
A breakdown of the statistics revealed that 22 deaths were linked to the drug’s use for weight loss, while the remaining 60 were associated with its treatment for type 2 diabetes.3 The fatalities associated with weight loss injections have raised concerns among various eating disorder charities and the NHS.1
Professor Powis urged online pharmacies and private providers to “act responsibly,” and ensure that these drugs are prescribed only to people with a medical need for them.1 Powis shared, “With eating…
