Secret filming finds beauty salons selling unapproved skinny jab

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in two prescription drugs - Ozempic and Wegovy.

A BBC Three documentary 'The Skinny Jab Uncovered' has found unapproved versions of the drug advertised in beauty salons on British high streets.

Reporter Pria Rai filmed undercover in four salons in Manchester and Liverpool, and received dangerous advice in some about how to use the drug.

In one salon, a reporter was told: "Well, if you have too much, you just wouldn't want to eat anything, and you might feel sick. It's not going to be dangerous."

Ozempic is available on the NHS strictly for type 2 diabetes patients. Wegovy, a version of Ozempic prescribed specifically to treat obesity, will be offered on the NHS to those with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35, and exceptionally some with a BMI of 30, and a weight-related health problem.

15 November 2023