GPhC signals tougher fitness to practise stance on unsafe online supply of weight‑loss medicines

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has warned that fitness to practise action will follow where pharmacists fail to meet standards, after two investigations revealed that some online pharmacies supplied weight‑management medicines without adequate clinical checks.

The regulator said it had “followed up on the findings” of an ITV News report showing that people were able to obtain weight‑loss injections from three online pharmacies without full verification of weight, BMI or medical history. In one case, individuals used AI‑edited images to appear eligible for GLP‑1 medicines, prompting the GPhC to inspect all three pharmacies involved.

According to the GPhC, two pharmacies were found not to be meeting standards, while a third remains under investigation. The regulator confirmed it is taking action to ensure improvements are made and emphasised that fitness to practise processes will be considered where pharmacy professionals may have breached standards.

The ITV investigation highlighted how simple photo‑editing tools allowed users to widen their waist or alter body shape to appear overweight. Within a week, three online pharmacies reportedly supplied weight‑loss injections based on these manipulated images. Some providers required live video verification, but others relied solely on uploaded photos.

In response, the GPhC reiterated that its updated guidance requires prescribers to independently verify weight, height and BMI before supplying medicines used for weight management. This includes ensuring that information provided by patients is accurate and clinically appropriate.

A spokesperson told Chemist+Druggist that the regulator had already acted against 18 pharmacies for failing to follow guidance on weight‑management prescribing, underscoring the scale of concerns around online supply models.

Roz Gittins, Chief Pharmacy Officer at the GPhC, said the regulator will continue to prioritise public protection:

“We take a risk‑based approach to inspection and will consider fitness to practise action if pharmacists and pharmacy technicians may not be meeting our standards.”

The GPhC’s intervention comes amid rising scrutiny of online prescribing services, particularly around GLP‑1 medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. Demand for weight‑loss drugs has surged, increasing the risk of inappropriate supply, misuse and patient harm.

The regulator said it will continue to work closely with other bodies, including the MHRA and Advertising Standards Authority, to address unsafe practices and ensure that online pharmacies meet the standards expected of registered providers.

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