Almost half of weight-loss drug users modify doses, finds survey

Almost half of weight-loss drug users modify doses, finds survey

January 28, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

The rising cost of new weight-loss medications is prompting some patients to alter how they use their prescriptions, and a concerning number are turning to potentially dangerous sources to obtain these drugs. Recent surveys reveal a growing trend of individuals modifying dosages and seeking medication from unregulated channels.

Financial Strain Drives Risky Behavior

Dosing Modifications

A survey conducted between January 15th and 20th, 2026, by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor found that nearly half of those taking weight-loss medication (47%) had modified their dosing regimen to save money. Specifically, 24% reported taking smaller doses than prescribed to extend their supply, while 23% combined residual product from pens to create additional doses.

Did You Know? In a separate survey of 5,260 adults in the UK, approximately 1.6 million adults were estimated to have used a GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medication for weight loss in the past year.

Unregulated Sources

The financial pressures aren’t solely leading to dosage adjustments. More than one-quarter (28%) of respondents to the LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor survey admitted to knowingly purchasing weight-loss injections from unlicensed sellers, including those operating on the dark web or through social media. An additional 12% suspected their injections may have come from an unregulated provider.

The Medications Involved

The medications in question are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including Wegovy (semaglutide; Novo Nordisk), Mounjaro (tirzepatide; Eli Lilly), and Ozempic (tirzepatide; Eli Lilly). These drugs have been described as transformative in the treatment of obesity, helping clinically eligible patients achieve sustained weight loss and improve health outcomes, according to Kieran Seyan, chief medical officer at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.

Expert Insight: Altering prescribed dosages or obtaining medication from unverified sources introduces significant uncertainty regarding both efficacy and safety. The established benefits of these medications are tied to specific treatment pathways, and deviating from those pathways could expose patients to unforeseen risks.

The price of Mounjaro saw a substantial increase in September 2025, reaching £133 for the 2.5mg dose and £330 for the 12.5mg and 15.0mg doses. This price hike likely contributes to the financial strain driving patients to seek alternatives.

Regulatory Concerns

Authorities are actively warning against the dangers of obtaining weight-loss medications from unregulated sources. On December 30, 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued an alert urging the public to avoid products promoted on social media and to purchase medications only from registered UK pharmacies or legitimate retailers. In 2025, the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit seized over 5,000 illegally traded GLP-1 products.

What Could Happen Next

If these trends continue, we could see increased reports of adverse effects linked to improperly dosed or counterfeit medications. Regulatory agencies may intensify enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns. Pharmaceutical companies could face pressure to address affordability concerns, potentially through pricing adjustments or patient assistance programs. It is also possible that healthcare providers will need to dedicate more resources to educating patients about the risks associated with seeking medication outside of established channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of people surveyed modified their weight-loss medication dosage?

Nearly half (47%) of people taking weight-loss medication reported modifying their dosing regimen as a way to save money, according to a survey by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.

How many GLP-1 products were seized by the MHRA in 2025?

The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit seized more than 5,000 illegally traded GLP-1 products in 2025.

What did the MHRA advise the public to do regarding weight-loss medications?

The MHRA advised the public to steer clear of weight-loss products promoted on social media and to buy medicines only from registered UK pharmacies or legitimate retailers.

As weight-loss medications become more prevalent, how can we ensure equitable access and patient safety?