Young people with healthy BMIs are using AI and simple photo-editing software to fake their weight and access powerful weight-loss drugs, an ITV News investigation has found.
Weight-loss injections are intended for people with obesity or specific medical needs. But after hearing repeated claims that some online pharmacies were approving edited photos, I decided to test the system myself.
When my doorbell rang just two days after submitting an application to one pharmacy website, a small package had already arrived. Inside was Mounjaro.
I had used basic editing software to widen my waist, face, and body before uploading the images. Within a week, three different companies had approved me and sent out three separate prescriptions.
I also spoke to three women who had been accepted in the same way, sometimes with only a single edited image.
One told me it took her just five minutes to take a photo, edit it, and upload it.
She said body image pressures and the normalisation of weight-loss injections online had influenced her decision.
“When I look at you, I see someone incredibly slim,” I said to her.
“You see celebrities doing it and you think, okay, well if they’re fine, I’ll do it as well,” she replied.
Eating disorder clinicians say the trend has emerged suddenly.
“Six months ago, we hadn’t come across this,” Lorna Richards, a consultant at Priory told me. “People have started using them within the eating-disorder population, as well as the general population.”
While some online pharmacies made it impossible to use AI-altered images – requesting live video consultations, photos next to a scale or real-time verification – others relied on uploaded photos alone.
I wanted to find out if the companies that did prescribe me the drug using just an image, or images, are doing anything wrong.
Regulations from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) require either a two-way consultation or independent verification to ensure a patient meets the medical criteria.
When I asked whether single images met that standard, the GPhC was clear.
“Having one photo by itself is not going to be sufficient,” a spokesperson said.
The regulator said it had already taken enforcement action against around 18 pharmacies where online checks did not meet required standards.
They added: “It’s really important that people have access to the medicines they need and when they need them – but only when it’s safe and appropriate.”
My investigation shows that despite new rules and tightening oversight, major loopholes remain.
With basic editing tools and minimal checks, young people can still obtain prescription-only weight-loss drugs in a matter of days – with little understanding of the risks.
How to keep safe when getting medicines or treatment online
If you are struggling with any of the issues mentioned in this article you can contact charity BEAT.
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