The call for regulation on weight-loss injections

Published 06th Dec 2024 by Michelle Duffield

Leading clinician warns of the dangers posed by unregulated providers and emphasises the importance of medical oversight in weight-loss treatments.

The growing popularity of weight-loss injections has prompted a clinician to caution against unregulated providers offering these treatments.

Sara Cheeney, founder of the Pure Perfection Clinic in Rossett, has raised concerns about the prevalence of "cowboy businesses" that jeopardise patient safety and tarnish the industry’s reputation.

The clinic, situated near Chester and Wrexham, has noted a surge in demand for weight-loss injections, particularly among women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Cheeney and her team have observed an increase in patients seeking corrective care after undergoing treatment through unregulated channels.

Recent media reports highlight the UK Government's suggestion that weight-loss drugs, such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, could help combat obesity and support economic productivity by enabling individuals to return to work. This has spurred unprecedented interest in these medications.

Cheeney emphasises the importance of a medically supervised and comprehensive approach to weight loss.

Risks of unregulated providers

“It is absolutely vital that patients consult a legitimate medical practice for a thorough assessment before pursuing weight-loss injections,” says Cheeney. “We’ve encountered cases where patients have purchased these drugs online or through unlicensed providers, often receiving inappropriate dosages or counterfeit products without proper guidance or aftercare.

“This trend is deeply concerning. Some beauticians and online retailers are marketing these medications alongside beauty products, which is entirely irresponsible and poses significant risks to patient health.”

Cheeney underscores the importance of aftercare and professional monitoring, noting that Pure Perfection Clinic provides not just prescriptions but also tailored advice on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle.

A holistic approach

While the clinic primarily focuses on aesthetic skin treatments, its ethos extends to overall wellness. “Weight loss is about more than just aesthetics,” Cheeney explains. “The impact on physical and mental wellbeing is profound, and our approach reflects this. We support our patients throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and helping them adopt healthier lifestyles.”

The appetite-suppressing injections, which patients self-administer weekly after a consultation, are designed to complement a structured weight-loss programme. At Pure Perfection Clinic, each patient’s journey includes ongoing monitoring and support to ensure optimal outcomes.

Patient testimonials

Among those who have benefited from the clinic’s approach is Emma George, an aesthetician from Wrexham, who has lost three stone ahead of her wedding in February.

“I wanted to lose weight responsibly,” says George. “The team here have been amazing, guiding me through a clear plan that combines injections with healthy eating and regular exercise. I feel happier, healthier, and in control of my weight loss. It’s given me the confidence to look forward to my wedding day.”

Call for stringent regulation

Cheeney urges her peers in the aesthetics field to advocate for tighter regulation of weight-loss treatments and to educate patients on the dangers of unregulated providers.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” she warns. “Patients must prioritise their health by seeking care from qualified professionals. Together, we can ensure safe, effective, and ethical weight-loss treatment that genuinely benefits our patients.”

As interest in weight-loss medications grows, Cheeney’s call for vigilance and professionalism resonates across the aesthetics industry, highlighting the need to safeguard patient safety while promoting comprehensive care.

Michelle Duffield

Michelle Duffield

Published 06th Dec 2024

Michelle is the editorial assistant to Aesthetic Medicine magazine.

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