Asda calls for safer weight management as GPs report rise in unregulated products

• Over 4 in 5 GPs have seen a rise in patients offered unregulated medication in the past 12 months

• 1 in 4 GPs have treated patients needing hospital care due to complications

• Asda Pharmacy is introducing a “safe disposal and support scheme” offering judgement-free advice and safe disposal of unregulated products

New insights from UK General Practitioners suggest more people are being exposed to unregulated weight‑loss injections, prompting healthcare professionals and retailers to call for greater awareness and safer choices.

According to the research, over 4 in 5 GPs (86%) have seen an increase in patients being offered unregulated medication over the past 12 months. Many report patients experiencing avoidable side effects such as severe vomiting (64%), diarrhoea (58%) and dehydration (56%).

GPs are also raising concerns about inconsistent and potentially unsafe dosing, with 45% highlighting worries about inappropriate advice from non-clinical sellers. One in four GPs (25%) say they have encountered patients who required hospital care following complications - underlining the importance of accessing support through regulated healthcare providers.

The research also indicates that some products are being purchased in non-medical settings such as gyms, beauty salons and also social media, where customers do not receive appropriate clinical guidance and the right after care.

Asda Pharmacy is committed to helping customers make informed decisions about their health through regulated weight management services. The retailer is introducing a “safe disposal and support scheme”, encouraging anyone who may have purchased an unregulated product to safely dispose of it in one of its 230 pharmacies and seek professional advice, without judgement.

Faisal Tuddy, Head of Asda Pharmacy, said: “We know lots of our customers are looking for help managing their weight, and it’s really important they feel confident they’re getting safe, trusted support.

“At Asda Pharmacy, we’re here to make that journey simpler - offering friendly, professional advice and clinically appropriate options that are tailored to each individual, with support every step of the way.

“If anyone is unsure about something they’ve bought, we’d always encourage them to pop in and have a chat with a pharmacist. Our new service is all about giving customers peace of mind - helping them feel supported, informed and able to make safer choices, without any judgement.”