I Nearly Died After Buying Skinny Jab from a Friend of a Friend

A Woman’s Warning About the Dangers of Unregulated Weight Loss Injections

I nearly died after buying skinny – Chloe, a woman from Liverpool, now shares her harrowing experience after a single injection of a weight loss drug she acquired through a “friend of a friend” connection. Her ordeal has sparked a growing concern about the risks posed by unregulated “skinny jabs” available on the black market. While the drug was meant for individuals with obesity, Chloe’s condition—being a size eight—made her an unexpected candidate. However, her eating disorder led her to seek these injections, which are increasingly popular among women aiming for quick weight loss for special occasions.

According to Chloe, her health deteriorated rapidly after the first dose. “I collapsed in A&E and was taken straight into resus,” she recounted. “I spent about 18 hours in intensive care, and I missed three months of work.” The drug, she explained, contained harmful substances such as windscreen wash, which caused severe vomiting and left her with a burning sensation throughout her body. “It burned my stomach, my oesophagus, and even my nose,” she said, describing how the injection seeped out from the top of her nose, adding to the discomfort.

“I did at one point think, ‘I’m dying, I’m dying,'” Chloe admitted. “It’s easy to get hold of if you know the right person. You can see it everywhere—people are always talking about it.”

Campaign group Save Face has highlighted the dangers of these unapproved injections, which have been linked to serious health complications. The group argues that stricter enforcement is needed against illegal sellers, many of whom are beauticians or unlicensed vendors. Chloe, who has struggled with an eating disorder, noted that her peers were already accessing these drugs through informal networks. “I was the one who wanted it and the one who was determined to get it,” she said, acknowledging that the responsibility ultimately fell on her.

Since their introduction to the UK in 2023 as a treatment for obesity, GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro have gained widespread attention. These medications mimic a gut hormone that signals the brain when the stomach is full, suppressing appetite—particularly for fatty foods. Clinical studies show that patients can lose up to 20% of their body weight within a year and a half, making them a coveted option for rapid results. However, their use has expanded beyond the intended demographic, with social media flooded with advertisements promising “snatched” beach-ready bodies. Many of these ads target women who seek weight loss for short-term goals, such as events or photo shoots.

The NHS has strict guidelines for prescribing GLP-1 drugs, requiring a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 with specific health conditions. While pharmacists can issue off-licence prescriptions, they must justify the clinical suitability of the treatment. This has created a gap for those who cannot meet the criteria, forcing them to turn to illegal sources. Chloe, for instance, tried multiple beauticians who declined her due to her low BMI. “It’s no one else’s fault but mine,” she said, reflecting on the personal cost of her decision.

Unfortunately, Chloe’s story is not unique. Across the UK, several individuals have required hospitalization after using unregulated “skinny jabs.” Last May, Karen McGonigal from Salford collapsed and died shortly after receiving a £20 injection in a beauty salon. Though the official cause of her death remains under investigation, her daughters confirmed the incident occurred days after the treatment. This tragedy underscores the potential risks of using these drugs without medical oversight.

Dr. Nicki Mazey, a Liverpool-based GP and obesity expert, expressed alarm over the trend. “It’s not safe,” she said. “I’ve seen people buy steroids instead of Mounjaro, and some share pens, which increases the risk of HIV and hepatitis infections.” She emphasized that while the drugs are effective for obesity treatment, their accessibility has led to misuse. “The criteria for NHS prescriptions are very strict,” Dr. Mazey added. “Even people with a BMI of 100 can struggle to qualify, especially if they don’t have the required health conditions.”

The NHS’s decision to restrict access to GLP-1 drugs was driven by cost concerns. Modelling showed that if the drugs were made available to all eligible patients, the annual cost could reach £3.9 billion by the second year. Initially, the drugs were limited to those with a BMI of 40 and four related health conditions from a list of five. However, the threshold will soon drop to 35, though the four conditions will still be necessary. This change aims to balance affordability with safety, but critics argue it may not be sufficient to prevent harm.

Chloe’s experience highlights the broader issue of unregulated weight loss treatments. The black market offers a convenient alternative for those who cannot afford the NHS version or feel it doesn’t align with their goals. Despite the risks, the demand for these injections continues to grow, fueled by social media and the promise of quick results. “It’s easy to get hold of if you know the right person,” she said, underscoring the casual nature of their distribution.

As the popularity of GLP-1 drugs rises, so does the number of people experimenting with them outside of medical supervision. Chloe’s story serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of prioritizing aesthetics over health. Her condition, which includes an eating disorder, made her particularly vulnerable, but others without such issues are also falling prey to the trend. The combination of affordability, accessibility, and societal pressure has created a dangerous environment for those seeking quick fixes.

Save Face and medical professionals alike are urging stricter regulations to protect users. While the drugs have proven effective in treating obesity, their misuse has led to severe complications. Chloe’s case, along with Karen McGonigal’s, demonstrates the real-world impact of these uncontrolled injections. The NHS’s revised criteria may help, but it remains to be seen whether they will reduce the number of people turning to illegal sellers. For now, the message is clear: weight loss drugs, when used improperly, can have life-threatening consequences.

The incident also raises questions about the role of beauty standards in driving demand. With a growing focus on slim figures, many individuals are willing to take extreme measures to achieve them. Chloe’s experience, however, shows that the path to rapid weight loss can come with significant risks. As the trend continues, the need for education and regulation becomes more pressing. Whether through the NHS or the black market, the dangers of unmonitored GLP-1 use are a growing concern for public health officials and patients alike.