Health officials have raised concerns about the rising demand for Mounjaro weight loss medication following reports that one in 25 GP appointments now involve discussions about the drug, including patients seeking treatment for side effects from privately prescribed injections.

Data presented to a health panel revealed that 263,000 prescriptions for Mounjaro were issued through the NHS in November alone, representing a cost of £60 million to the health service for that single month.

Separately, health authorities conducted raids on properties linked to criminal operations, seizing 2,000 doses of counterfeit weight loss medications. Officials have issued warnings about fake Mounjaro injection pens being distributed through illegal online pharmacy operations.

The surge in demand for Mounjaro, a diabetes medication also prescribed for weight loss, has created both legitimate healthcare pressures and opportunities for criminal exploitation. The medication's popularity has led to increased GP consultations, with some patients presenting complications from treatments obtained through private prescriptions.

Health officials continue to investigate the distribution networks for counterfeit medications while managing the growing demand for legitimate prescriptions through NHS channels.