The UK medicines regulator has made nine more pharmacies and clinics change how they advertise weight-loss injections. On 2 October 2026 the MHRA published its September 2026 advertising investigations, listing nine providers that amended their advertising after it acted on complaints that they were promoting prescription-only weight-loss medicines, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), to the public.
What happened
UK law does not allow prescription-only medicines to be advertised to the public. The MHRA says this covers indirect references too, including mentions of weight-loss injections or GLP-1 medication likely to lead someone to ask for one. It singles out one tactic: sending proactive promotional emails or texts that identify a medicine in a way likely to lead to its use.
The MHRA lists the nine companies on its September 2026 investigations page. Each one changed its advertising.
This is a running effort. In February 2026 the MHRA named five weight-loss websites that amended their adverts. In September 2025 it joined the Advertising Standards Authority and the General Pharmaceutical Council to restate the rules, saying words such as "weight-loss injection" and "GLP-1" in adverts, and imagery suggesting a prescription medicine, are not allowed. At that point it had acted against more than 25 businesses that year.
What it does not tell us
- Anything about the medicines. The action was about adverts. The MHRA does not suggest these providers supplied fake or unsafe products, and each one changed its advertising.
- Penalties. The notice records that adverts were amended. It does not describe fines.
- How widespread the problem is. Complaint-led action shows the cases someone reported, not the whole market.
What it means for you
The advertising rule exists for a reason you can use. A GLP-1 should be chosen in a consultation that looks at your history, your other medicines and your goals. A text offering a discount on "your next jab" skips that step.
When you choose or stay with a provider, the MHRA's own guidance gives the checks:
- A prescription, every time. All GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only in the UK.
- A registered pharmacy. In Great Britain, look it up on the General Pharmaceutical Council register. In Northern Ireland, the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.
- No vials of powder. Products that must be mixed before injecting are not authorised. The MHRA has also seen counterfeit pens made to look like the real ones, the same problem behind recent US charges over fake Ozempic.
- Report problems. Use the Yellow Card scheme for side effects or a product that seems wrong.
A good provider will also ask how you are eating. If yours does not, our guide to preparing for a GLP-1 appointment lists what to raise, and Mounjaro against Wegovy covers the choice between the two main jabs.
What to do with this
An online consultation rarely sets a protein target. Set your own from your body weight, so that the weight you lose is mostly fat.